Learning how to read a slot machine paytable will help you find the best games to invest your bankroll in. Pro players can grab the most important information about each title within a minute after checking the paytable, and I will help you do the same.
I highlight the basics of reading slot machine paytables below, including what information is included and how to evaluate the game based on it.
What Does a Slot Machine Paytable Contain?
A slot machine’s paytable can hold a ton of information, most notably:
With so much information contained in one place, it is no wonder that experienced players always check the paytable before betting on a slot. To open the paytable for online, look for the “i”, three lines, three buttons, or “?” symbol.
1. Winning Combinations
One of the most important pieces of information found on the paytable is the winning combinations for the slot. These combos detail the paylines and how many of each symbol you need to secure a win.
Some slots do not use paylines, offering alternative systems such as pay-anywhere or cluster payouts. Knowing this information ahead of time will help you know what to look for when playing.
2. Payouts
The paytable also details the payouts for each symbol, so you know where the big prizes are. Furthermore, it’s usually indicative of the slot’s volatility. If there are limited small payouts and many huge ones, you can expect limited but bigger wins (high volatility).
On the contrary, if the paytable lists multiple small payouts and a few big ones, you can expect frequent wins but smaller prizes on average (low volatility).
3. Special Symbols
Another vital piece of information covered on the paytable is special symbols. The most common ones include:
-
- Wilds
- Scatters
- Bonus symbols
- Prize multipliers
The paytable also explains how each symbol works and the special features they offer. For instance, many games use scatters to trigger free spins. Many bonus features can affect how much you win or lose, so it is important to know how they work.
Prize multipliers are a great example of the importance of reading the paytable before playing. Some games simply take the highest multiplier, while others add or multiply their values together to create larger multipliers and massive wins.
4. Mini-games
Mini-games can take your slots playing experience to new heights. Some common styles of mini-games found in modern slots include:
-
- Pick-style bonuses
- Prize wheels
- Shooting mini-games
- Hold & Win features
All the details you need to know about a slot’s mini-games, including how to activate them and the prizes they offer, are typically found in the paytable. Some slots even have special paytables for mini-games.
5. Jackpot Details
Jackpot prizes are one of the best parts of playing slot games. To find out more about a game’s jackpots, look no further than the paytable.
Well-designed paytables will break down the types of jackpots, if any, available. Also, they will tell you how prizes are calculated, such as fixed vs. progressive prize pools, and how to win the prize.
In some slots, you must bet a specific amount, typically the maximum, to be eligible for a jackpot. Knowing this info beforehand can prevent you from wasting spins when you are not betting enough to qualify for a prize.
What’s Your Goal When Reading a Slot Paytable?
Reading slot machine paytables properly can give you an excellent idea of what experience to expect. It provides a hint of how volatile the slot is and whether you can expect an action-packed experience with multiple features or simpler gameplay mechanics.
You should explore the mechanics and decide whether the game is worth it, based on your personal preference. If you’re looking for a place to start, check out our list of the best online slots.
You must be logged in to comment. Don't have an account? Sign up today.