Big Time Gaming Pty Ltd
- Founded
- 2011-01-01 in Surry Hills, New South Wales, Australia
- Headquarters
- Suite 203 / 50 Holt St, Surry Hills, NSW 2010, Australia
- Phone
- +61 2 8802 10766
Big Time Gaming (BTG) is an Australian online slot developer that revolutionised the iGaming industry with its patented Megaways™ mechanic, which dynamically varies the number of symbols and ways to win on each spin. Founded in 2011 by Nik Robinson and Hugh McIntosh in Surry Hills, New South Wales, the company gained global recognition after releasing Bonanza (2016), a slot that became an industry benchmark. Instead of keeping the technology exclusive, BTG licensed Megaways™ to dozens of other developers, turning it into a widespread standard and creating a recurring revenue stream. In 2021, Evolution Gaming Group acquired BTG for approximately €450 million, adding it to a portfolio that includes NetEnt and Red Tiger. Despite the acquisition, BTG continues to operate as a distinct brand from its Surry Hills headquarters, developing new mechanics such as Megaclusters™ and Megapays™. The company maintains a small, specialist team of around 14 employees and supplies its games both directly and through Relax Gaming’s distribution network. BTG remains a thought leader in high-volatility slot design, with a strong licensing programme and a portfolio of iconic titles.
Detailed Review
Big Time Gaming (BTG) was established in 2011 by Australian gaming entrepreneurs Nik Robinson and Hugh McIntosh in Surry Hills, New South Wales. The company initially produced conventional online slots, but its breakthrough came in 2016 with the launch of the Megaways™ engine, which randomises the number of symbols per reel on every spin, generating up to 117,649 ways to win. The first game to implement this was Dragon Born (2016), followed by Bonanza (2016), which became a global phenomenon and remains one of the most iconic slots of the decade.
Business Model and Licensing
Rather than keeping Megaways™ exclusive, BTG chose to license the technology to other developers, starting with Blueprint Gaming in 2018. This move allowed dozens of studios—including Red Tiger, Pragmatic Play, and Relax Gaming—to create their own Megaways titles, turning BTG’s invention into an industry standard. Licensing generates recurring revenue and expands the ecosystem, while BTG continues to produce original content and introduce new mechanics such as Megaclusters™ (e.g., Cyberslot) and Megapays™ progressive jackpots (2021).
Products and Brands
BTG’s product portfolio spans Megaways™ titles, Megaclusters™ games, standard 4096-ways slots, and licensed properties. Notable releases include White Rabbit (up to 248,832 ways), Extra Chilli (high volatility with bonus-buy), and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Megaways™. The company also offers an OMNI Product Range of customisable game solutions for operators. All games are developed in HTML5 and certified by the UK Gambling Commission and Malta Gaming Authority (via Evolution).
Market Position and Acquisition
BTG is known for high-volatility, high-payout experiences and has a strong following among experienced slot players. In 2021, Evolution Gaming Group acquired BTG for approximately €450 million (EUR 33 million revenue, EUR 29 million EBITDA). The acquisition completed on 30 June 2021, and BTG operates as a wholly owned subsidiary within Evolution’s online slot division, retaining its brand identity and Surry Hills studio. The company’s small team—estimated at 14 employees—focuses on game design, mathematics, engineering, and licensing.
Recent Direction
As of 2025, BTG continues to release new titles and manage a licensing programme that includes Megaways™, Megaclusters™, and Megapays™. It maintains a “Players Only” Facebook community for exclusive previews and supplies games through Relax Gaming’s distribution network. Post-acquisition, BTG has expanded its mechanic portfolio and remains an influential force in slot innovation.
Key Products
Megapays™
A progressive jackpot network available to all Relax Gaming partners, connecting multiple BTG titles to shared prize pools. Launched in 2021.
Bonanza (Bonanza Megaways)
The flagship Megaways slot that became an industry benchmark, set in a gold mine theme with free spins and infinite multipliers.
OMNI Product Range
A suite of customisable game solutions for online casino operators, offering tailored game mechanics and mathematics.
Licensing Programme
BTG licenses its Megaways, Megaclusters, and Megapays patents to other developers, generating recurring revenue and expanding its ecosystem.
Megaclusters™
A variant of Megaways that uses a cluster-pays system where symbols can split into smaller symbols, expanding the grid and increasing winning potential. Debut title: Cyberslot.
Megaways™
Patented slot mechanic where the number of symbols per reel changes on each spin, generating up to 117,649 ways to win. First used in Dragon Born (2016) and popularised by Bonanza. Licensed to numerous third-party developers.
White Rabbit
An Alice in Wonderland-themed Megaways slot offering up to 248,832 ways to win through expanding reels during bonus rounds.
Extra Chilli
A high-volatility Megaways slot with a unique bonus-buy option and a Paytable Upgrade feature.
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Megaways
Branded slot based on the TV game show, using the Megaways engine with a question-based bonus round.
Offices & Headcount
14 employees (approx.)
Key Persons
- Nik Robinson
CEO