If you’ve ever looked at a slot machine and found the symbols and numbers confusing, you’re not the only one. This can be especially true if you’re unfamiliar with how online slot games work.
A pay table is a key part of any slot game. It shows the symbol combinations that can lead to a payout and outlines how the various features of the game function.
This article explains how to read a pay table and includes an example to help clarify the layout. Read on to learn more.
What Is a Pay Table on Slots?
The pay table typically lists all symbols, often arranged by value, and indicates how many matching symbols are required to result in a possible payout. It also explains the roles of special symbols such as wilds and scatters, along with any additional features the game may include, like bonus rounds or free spins.
Each slot game is designed differently, and the pay table reflects this. Some may include elements such as multipliers, cascading reels, or a Megaways layout. These features are explained within the pay table as they influence how outcomes are determined.
All outcomes in slot games are generated by a Random Number Generator (RNG), which ensures that results are unpredictable and not influenced by previous spins. While the pay table outlines potential combinations and features, it does not determine when or how wins will occur.
Some individuals choose to review pay tables to better understand a game’s features or to see whether it includes themes or mechanics they find interesting. You may also notice figures such as Return to Player (RTP) and volatility– these provide additional insight into how the game has been structured.
Slot Machine Pay Table Example
To provide a clearer example, here is a simple illustration based on a classic fruit slot with five reels and three rows.
The payouts for symbols landing from the leftmost reel in a row might be as follows:
Cherries: 3 = £1.00, 4 = £3.00, 5 = £10.00
Lemons: 3 = £0.50, 4 = £2.00, 5 = £6.00
Watermelons: 3 = £2.00, 4 = £7.00, 5 = £20.00
BAR symbol: 3 = £5.00, 4 = £25.00, 5 = £100.00
Pay tables usually include details about special symbols as well:
Wild symbols can substitute for standard symbols to help complete winning combinations. These symbols may or may not have their own payout values.
Scatter symbols can potentially trigger features such as free spins and generally do not need to appear on a specific payline to have an effect.
There may also be sections explaining multipliers, bonus rounds, or other features that influence gameplay.
Many games display a RTP percentage. For example, an RTP of 94% suggests that, over a large number of spins, the game is expected to return £94 for every £100 wagered. It is important to remember that this figure is theoretical and does not predict individual results.
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Finding a Slot Machine’s Pay Table
To locate the pay table in any online slot, look for an “i” icon, a menu button, or the word “Paytable” within the game. Selecting this usually opens a section that displays symbol values, paylines, and descriptions of special features.
The information is often divided across several screens or pages, which you can navigate using arrows or tabs. Since layouts vary between games, it could be useful to review each section before you begin playing.
On mobile devices or tablets, the process is similar. The pay table will adjust to fit the screen size, but the information provided remains consistent. Some online casinos also display the RTP or summaries of features in their game lobbies, which can make it easier to compare different games.
How To Read a Slot Machine Pay Table
Once the pay table is open, start by looking through the list of symbols. This will show how many symbols are required on a payline and the possible payout amounts for each combination.
Some games pay from left to right, while others use different formats, such as Megaways. The roles of special symbols like wilds and scatters are also explained. Wilds may substitute for other symbols, and scatters often activate free spins or other features.
Additional game mechanics, including cascading reels, bonus rounds, or multipliers, are usually described in separate sections. These explain what triggers the features and how they operate during gameplay.
Themes and mechanics are often grouped together, which might be helpful when comparing different games.
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