The original the dog house slot and its Megaways sequel share DNA but play very differently. Here's the short answer: if you want higher ways-to-win and a bigger max, pick Megaways; if you prefer a cleaner, lower-variance session structure, the original holds up fine.
How do the two versions compare at a glance?
| Attribute | The Dog House (Original) | The Dog House Megaways |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | Pragmatic Play (2019) | Pragmatic Play |
| Ways to Win | 20 fixed paylines | Up to 117,649 Megaways |
| RTP (standard) | 96.51% | 96.55% |
| Volatility | 5/5 — High | High |
| Max Win | 6,750× stake | 12,305× stake |
| Bonus Buy | Not available | Varies by operator/jurisdiction |
What does the RTP difference actually mean?
Four hundredths of a percent — 96.51% vs 96.55% — is noise in practice. What matters more is the RTP variant your casino is running. Operators can configure the dog house RTP as low as 89.99%. That applies to both versions. You usually can't tell which variant is live from the lobby.
Is the Megaways version available at US licensed casinos?
At least one review site notes The Dog House Megaways as unavailable at US online casinos. The original, by contrast, is confirmed at FanDuel Casino, BetMGM Casino, and PokerStars Casino — all licensed in NJ, PA, and MI where the dog house pragmatic play titles are actively supplied. If you're in a legal state and want to play right now, the original is the safer bet for availability.
Which version has the better bonus round?
Both games use sticky multiplier wilds in the free spins round — the mechanic that drives the big wins. The original awards 9–27 free spins triggered by landing 3 BONUS scatters on reels 1, 3, and 5. The Megaways version layers the variable reel engine on top of that, opening more ways for those wilds to connect. Higher ceiling, yes — but also longer dry spells between meaningful hits.
I've run long sessions on both. The original's free spins trigger roughly once every 180 spins on average. Megaways sessions feel more swingy; without US-market data on trigger frequency I won't put a number on it. Read more details in my free spins bonus breakdown.
Which should you pick?
Casual session with a limited bankroll? The original. You get a proven 6,750× max and a 27.55% hit frequency that keeps something landing often enough to stay in the game. Chasing the biggest possible number and playing in a market where Megaways is accessible? That version's 12,305× ceiling is genuinely higher. Either way, check the the dog house casino options to confirm what's in the lobby before you fund your account.
For the full series breakdown — including other variants like Multihold and No Dog Left Behind — see the dog house slots series comparison. Must be 21+. If gambling is causing problems, contact the National Council on Problem Gambling or call 1-800-522-4700.