The Dog House Megaways by Pragmatic Play
The Dog House Megaways — is a revolutionary sequel to the iconic slot from Pragmatic Play, which was released on July 17, 2020, and immediately won the hearts of millions of players worldwide. This slot machine is a significantly improved version of the original The Dog House, supplemented by the innovative Megaways mechanic from Big Time Gaming, which increases the number of ways to win up to a fantastic 117,649 paylines.
The slot transports players to a cozy suburban world inhabited by charming four-legged friends of various breeds — from playful pugs to majestic Rottweilers. Each symbol is made with stunning attention to detail, creating an atmosphere of home warmth and coziness that fans of this series love so much.
A key feature of The Dog House Megaways is its ability to generate huge winnings thanks to the combination of high volatility (RTP 96.55%) and a unique system of multipliers on Wild symbols. The maximum win of x12,305 the bet makes this slot one of the most potentially profitable in Pragmatic Play's portfolio.
The machine offers two different types of bonus rounds with free spins — Sticky Wilds and Raining Wilds — each of which has its unique advantages and strategic opportunities. The option to buy a bonus for 100x the bet adds an element of tactical planning for experienced players.
Technical Specifications of The Dog House Megaways
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| RTP | 96.55% / 95.53% / 94.55% (adjustable) |
| Volatility | High |
| Maximum Win | x12,305 bet |
| Game Field | 6 reels × 2-7 symbols |
| Paylines | Up to 117,649 (Megaways) |
| Minimum Bet | 0.20 |
| Maximum Bet | 100.00 |
| Provider | Pragmatic Play |
| Release Date | July 17, 2020 |
| Theme | Animals (dogs) |
| Bonus Buy | Yes (100x bet) |
It is important to note that The Dog House Megaways offers casino operators a choice of three RTP settings, so it is recommended to check the return percentage at a specific casino before playing.
Description
Megaways Mechanics and Gameplay
How the Megaways System Works
The Dog House Megaways uses the licensed Megaways mechanic from Big Time Gaming, which fundamentally differs from traditional slots with fixed paylines. In each spin, the number of symbols on each of the six reels changes randomly — from 2 to 7 symbols, creating a constantly changing game field.
Principles of forming wins:
- Winning combinations are formed from left to right on adjacent reels
- Minimum number of symbols for a win — 3 identical symbols
- Each symbol on the reel can participate in multiple combinations simultaneously
- Maximum number of ways to win: 7×7×7×7×7×7 = 117,649
Cascading Payouts and Turbo Mode
After each win, the cascading payouts system is activated — winning symbols disappear, and new ones fall into their place, which can lead to a chain of consecutive wins in one spin.
The slot supports an ultra-fast game mode: with "Quick Spin" and "Turbo Spin" options activated, 100 spins can be completed in just 80 seconds, making it ideal for players who prefer dynamic gameplay.
Symbols and Payout Table
Regular Symbols
Low-paying symbols (card):
- 10, J — payouts: 3 symbols = 0.05x, 4 symbols = 0.1x, 5 symbols = 0.2x, 6 symbols = 0.5x
- Q, K, A — payouts: 3 symbols = 0.1x, 4 symbols = 0.2x, 5 symbols = 0.3x, 6 symbols = 1x
Thematic symbols (accessories):
- Bone, Collar — payouts: 3 symbols = 0.15x, 4 symbols = 0.4x, 5 symbols = 0.5x, 6 symbols = 1.5x
High-paying symbols (dog breeds):
- Dachshund — payouts: 3 symbols = 0.2x, 4 symbols = 0.5x, 5 symbols = 0.75x, 6 symbols = 1.5x
- Pug — payouts: 3 symbols = 0.35x, 4 symbols = 0.75x, 5 symbols = 1x, 6 symbols = 2x
- Shih Tzu — payouts: 3 symbols = 0.5x, 4 symbols = 1x, 5 symbols = 1.5x, 6 symbols = 3x
- Rottweiler — payouts: 3 symbols = 0.75x, 4 symbols = 2x, 5 symbols = 3x, 6 symbols = 7.5x
Special Symbols
Wild (Dog House): The substitute symbol appears on reels 2, 3, 4, and 5. Each Wild contains a random multiplier of x2 or x3. When a winning combination is formed, all Wild symbol multipliers are multiplied together, which can lead to a significant increase in payout.
Scatter (Paw Print): The bonus round activation symbol can appear on any reel. To trigger free spins, you need to collect 3 or more Scatter symbols in one spin.
Bonus Features and Free Spins
Bonus Round Activation
When 3, 4, 5, or 6 Scatter symbols appear, the player gains access to the free spins bonus round. The number of free spins depends on the number of activating scatters:
- 3 Scatter = choice between 7 Sticky Wilds or 15 Raining Wilds
- 4 Scatter = choice between 12 Sticky Wilds or 18 Raining Wilds
- 5 Scatter = choice between 15 Sticky Wilds or 25 Raining Wilds
- 6 Scatter = choice between 20 Sticky Wilds or 30 Raining Wilds
Sticky Wilds
This mode offers fewer free spins, but with a unique mechanic of fixing Wild symbols:
Sticky Wilds Features:
- All Wild symbols that appear during the bonus round remain in their positions until the end of free spins
- Each Wild contains a multiplier of x1, x2, or x3
- Wild symbols can appear with additional multipliers
- Starting Wild symbols are placed randomly on the field upon entering the bonus
- Highest winning potential among the two bonus types
Raining Wilds
An alternative free spins mode with more free spins and constant addition of new Wild symbols:
Raining Wilds Features:
- More free spins compared to Sticky Wilds
- New Wild symbols are randomly added to the field in each spin
- Wild symbols do not stick and disappear after use
- Multipliers x2 and x3 apply as in the base game
- More stable, but less impressive wins
Strategic Choice of Bonus Type
When to choose Sticky Wilds:
- If you have a large bankroll to cover possible variance
- When the goal is to get the maximum possible win
- For players who prefer high risk and high reward
When to choose Raining Wilds:
- With a limited bankroll
- For a more stable and predictable game
- When preference is given to the number of wins over their size
Bonus Buy
The Dog House Megaways offers an instant bonus round purchase feature for 100x the current bet. This option is especially popular among experienced players who want direct access to the most profitable part of the game.
Bonus Buy Features:
- Cost: 100x current bet
- Random number of activating scatters (3-6)
- Full choice between bonus round types
- Same rules and mechanics as with natural activation
- Not available in some jurisdictions due to regulatory restrictions
Analysis of bonus buy effectiveness: According to tests, buying a bonus can be economically justified under the following conditions:
- Having a bankroll of at least 3000-5000 bets
- Readiness for a long gaming session (3-4 hours)
- Understanding the high dispersion of results
Strategies and Game Tactics
"Lottery" Strategy
The most conservative approach, recommended for players with a limited bankroll:
Strategy Principles:
- Session duration: 10-20 spins
- Fixed bet for the entire session
- Immediate end of the game after achieving any significant win (50x+ bet)
- Stopping the game when a predetermined amount is lost
Advantages: Minimization of risk, bankroll protection, possibility of quick profit
Disadvantages: Low probability of a big win, need for discipline
Bonus Buy Strategy
Aggressive strategy for players with a large bankroll:
Strategy Principles:
- Systematic purchase of bonus rounds
- Preference for Sticky Wilds to maximize potential
- Keeping detailed statistics of results
- Using a progressive betting system based on results
Recommended scheme:
- Starting bankroll: at least 5000x base bet
- Purchase 10-15 bonuses in a row with a fixed bet
- Analyze results and adjust strategy
- Upon reaching profit goal — end of session
Martingale Strategy
Classic Martingale:
- Doubling the bet after each losing spin
- Returning to the base bet after a win
- ATTENTION: Extremely risky strategy for high volatility slots
Reverse Martingale:
- Increasing the bet after winning spins
- Decreasing the bet after losing spins
- Safer alternative to classic Martingale
Bankroll Management
Key Principles:
- Bet Size: No more than 1-2% of total bankroll
- Loss Limits: Setting a stop-loss at 20-30% of session bankroll
- Profit Targets: Fixing profits upon reaching 50-100% of starting bankroll
- Time Limits: Limiting the duration of gaming sessions
Analytics and Game Statistics
1000 Spin Test Results
Experts conducted detailed testing of The Dog House Megaways over 1000 spins to identify the slot's real characteristics:
Key test indicators:
| Parameter | Result |
|---|---|
| Bonus activation frequency | 1 time per 1000 spins |
| Hit Rate (frequency of any payouts) | ~23% (worse than 1:4) |
| Maximum win in base game | x81 bet |
| Win in natural free spins | x69 bets |
| Best result in purchased bonus | x324 bets |
| Total test result | -121 bets |
Distribution of Wins by Periods
| Spins | Result | Payouts from x10 | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-100 | -77 bets | Absent | Typical start |
| 101-200 | -33 bets | x26 | First significant win |
| 301-400 | +4 bets | x32 | Small profit |
| 501-600 | +81 bets | x81, x52, x16 | Series of big wins |
| 701-800 | +23 bets | x25, x16 | Bonus activation x69 |
Bonus Buy Analysis
Additionally, 10 bonus round purchases were tested:
Sticky Wilds results:
- 12 FS → x63 bets
- 7 FS → x7 bets
- 7 FS → x51 bet
- 7 FS → x71 bet
- 7 FS → x54 bets
Raining Wilds results:
- 15 FS → x16 bets
- 18 FS → x128 bets
- 15 FS → x17 bets
- 15 FS → x42 bets
- 15 FS → x324 bets
Conclusions from testing:
- Sticky Wilds showed more stable results
- Raining Wilds had a larger spread — from x16 to x324
- Average bonus buy payback was ~65%
- For profitability, a distance of at least 3000+ spins is needed
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages of The Dog House Megaways
- ✅ High RTP 96.55% — one of the best indicators among high volatility slots
- ✅ Huge maximum win x12,305 — exceptional potential for large prizes
- ✅ Innovative Megaways mechanics — up to 117,649 ways to win
- ✅ Two types of bonus rounds — strategic choice between Sticky and Raining Wilds
- ✅ Bonus buy feature — instant access to free spins
- ✅ Excellent graphics and animation — highest quality visual execution
- ✅ Wide betting range — from 0.20 to 100, suitable for all types of players
- ✅ Popular theme — dogs remain one of the most favorite themes
- ✅ Wild symbol multipliers — x2 and x3 multipliers with the possibility of summing
- ✅ Fast turbo mode — option for accelerated gameplay
Disadvantages and Limitations
- ❌ Extremely high volatility — long periods without significant wins are possible
- ❌ Rare bonus activation — on average 1 time per 200-300 spins in the base game
- ❌ Dependence on Wild symbols — most large wins require their participation
- ❌ Adjustable RTP — some casinos may use reduced settings
- ❌ High cost of bonus buy — 100x bet can be a substantial amount
- ❌ Psychological pressure — high variance can cause emotional stress
- ❌ Restrictions in some jurisdictions — bonus buy is not available in a number of countries
Demo Mode and Mobile Version
Demo Mode Features
The Dog House Megaways offers a fully functional demo version that is identical to the real game in all aspects, except for the use of virtual credits:
Demo Mode Capabilities:
- All functions and mechanics of the real game
- Testing strategies without financial risk
- Studying the features of bonus rounds
- Practicing the choice between free spin types
- Evaluating personal preferences for bet sizes
Recommendations for using the demo:
- Spend at least 500 spins to understand the mechanics
- Test both types of bonus rounds
- Try different bet sizes
- Study the behavior of Wild symbol multipliers
Mobile Version
The slot is fully optimized for mobile devices based on iOS and Android:
Mobile Version Features:
- Adaptive interface for screens of any size
- All desktop version features available
- Optimized graphics for traffic saving
- Support for haptic feedback
- Fast loading and stable operation
System Requirements:
- iOS: version 12.0 and above
- Android: version 6.0 and above
- Stable internet connection
- HTML5 support in browser
Where to Play The Dog House Megaways
Recommended Casino Selection Criteria
When choosing an online casino to play The Dog House Megaways, pay attention to the following factors:
Licensing and Security:
- Licenses from MGA, UKGC, Curacao, or other reputable regulators
- SSL encryption and personal data protection
- Positive reputation and player reviews
- Regular eCOGRA or TST audits
Technical Specifications:
- RTP 96.55% (maximum setting)
- Availability of demo mode without registration
- Presence of bonus buy function (where permitted)
- Support for mobile devices
Bonuses and Promotions:
- Welcome bonuses with low wagering requirements
- Regular free spins on Pragmatic Play slots
- Loyalty programs with cashback
- Slot tournaments with prize pools
Banking Operations:
- Fast payouts (24-48 hours)
- Many payment methods
- Low or no fees
- Cryptocurrency support (optional)
Bonus Offers
Types of bonuses for playing slots:
- Welcome package: Up to 200% on first deposits + free spins
- Cashback: Return of 5-20% of lost funds
- Reload bonuses: Weekly top-ups with a discount
- VIP programs: Exclusive bonuses for high rollers
FAQ
What is the maximum win in The Dog House Megaways?
How often do free spins appear in the base game?
Should I buy the bonus round?
Can I play The Dog House Megaways for free?
What is the optimal strategy for beginners?
Does the bet size affect RTP?
Is the game available on mobile devices?
How does Megaways differ from regular slots?