Slot games may look straightforward, but each one has its own set of rules, potential payouts, and special features. This information is displayed in something called a pay table. Knowing how to read it can help you understand exactly how a slot game works before you play.
In this guide, we’ll look at what a pay table is, where to find it, how to read it, and what details it usually includes. We’ll also go through a practical example, so you can see how this information may appear in real games.
What Is a Slot Machine Pay Table?
A slot machine pay table is a section of the game that explains how payouts are calculated, how the game’s features work, and any other specific rules.
In UK online slots, you usually open the pay table by selecting an “i” icon, a “Paytable” button, or an “Info” option. On older physical machines, it could be printed on the cabinet.
You can expect to see:
- The value of each symbol and how many you need for a payout.
- Details of any special symbols like wilds (substitutes for other symbols) and scatters (trigger features without needing to be in a line).
- Information about paylines or “ways to win”.
- Rules for triggering features, such as free spins or other bonus rounds.
How Do You Read a Slot Machine Pay Table?
Start by looking at the symbols. Most games have:
- Low-value symbols – often card ranks like 10, J, Q, K, A, or themed icons offering smaller potential payouts.
- High-value symbols – tied to the game’s theme, such as animals, characters, or objects.
Next, check how many of each symbol are needed for a win. For example, three high-value symbols might pay 15× your stake, four could pay 40×, and five might pay 100×, depending on the game. If you bet £1 per spin, a 40× payout would be £40.
Some pay tables might list amounts as fixed currency values, while others may show multipliers of your bet or line stake. The layout depends on the game design, but the process of reading it is similar across titles.
What Information Do Pay Tables Show?
Aside from symbol values, the pay table often contains:
- How bonus features work, including whether wilds expand, stick in place, or come with multipliers.
- Requirements for triggering a free spins bonus, potential jackpots, or other special rounds.
- The arrangement of paylines or the rules for “ways to win” systems.
Some games also display their Return to Player (RTP) rate. This is a theoretical percentage showing how much the game is designed to return to players over a long period.
For example, an RTP of 96% suggests that for every £100 wagered, £96 may be returned over time. It is not a prediction for individual sessions, which can vary greatly.
Symbols and Payouts
Every slot has a set of symbols with different potential payout values.
Low-value symbols may appear more often, but offer smaller amounts, while high-value symbols can be harder to land, but offer larger possible payouts.
For example, in a mining-themed slot, a lump of coal could be low value, paying 5× your stake for five matches, while a gold nugget might be high value, paying 200× for the same.
Some symbols might pay if you match two or more, while others may require three or more in a row. The pay table will specify this clearly. Special symbols, such as wilds and scatters are usually explained alongside their payout (if they have one) and their function.
Bonus Features and Scatters
Bonus features vary from game to game. For example, a wild symbol might:
- Replace other symbols.
- Expand to cover a whole reel.
- Remain fixed in place for several spins.
- Apply a multiplier to any potential win it helps create.
Scatter symbols usually don’t need to appear on a specific payline. For example, three scatters anywhere might trigger 10 free spins, while landing more during the bonus could add extra spins or enhance the feature, depending on the game.
These features are not standardised across slot games, so the pay table is the most reliable way to see exactly how they work in the one you’re playing.
Paylines and Ways to Win
Paylines are fixed, invisible patterns across the reels that create wins when a number of matching symbols land on them. Older UK slot machines often had just one payline, running horizontally across the centre. Many modern games have 10, 20, or more paylines in various patterns.
Some slots use a ways-to-win format instead, where matching symbols on adjacent reels from left to right pay out regardless of their exact position. A popular version is Megaways, which can offer hundreds of thousands of potential combinations because the number of symbols on each reel changes with every spin.
The pay table will state how many paylines, or ways there are and whether you can adjust them.
Are Pay Tables the Same on All Slot Machines?
No, each slot game has its own pay table based on its theme, mechanics, and features. Even two games from the same developer can have different layouts and potential payout structures.
Simple slots may offer a small number of symbols and straightforward payouts. Others might offer complex bonus rounds, varying wild features, or unique paylines.
The pay table is unique to each slot game, so it’s the best place to find accurate details before you play.
Slot Machine Pay Table Example
Imagine a game called Deep Sea Fortune. The pay table might show:
- Seahorses paying 5×, 15×, or 40× your stake for landing three, four, or five matching symbols on a payline.
- Treasure chests paying 8×, 25×, or 80×.
- A pearl paying 250× for five matches.
The wild symbol is a golden anchor, substituting for all symbols except the scatter.
The scatter is a clam shell, and three or more anywhere award 12 free spins.
The pay table also confirms there are 20 fixed paylines.
Why Understanding Pay Tables Matters
Pay tables explain how wins can be formed, the value of each symbol, and any how any special features work. This information can help you better understand the structure of a slot game, but it doesn’t influence the outcome.
Slot results are determined by a Random Number Generator (RNG), meaning each spin is independent and unpredictable. There is no guaranteed way to win, and outcomes can’t be influenced by skill or strategy.
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Every game in our collection comes with its own pay table and rules. Log in or join Pay By Mobile Casino to browse, pick your favourite title, and find all the information you need to play in the way that suits you.
We encourage players to set sensible spending limits and view gambling as entertainment, rather than a way to make money. If you ever have questions about a game or want to understand its features better, check the pay table and make informed choices if you play.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these slot games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.