Slot machines remain a popular choice in both online and land-based casinos across the UK. If you have just started exploring, those menus or tables packed with numbers and symbols may seem confusing at first. Understanding these details is key to knowing how slots really work.
A pay table is at the core of every slot game. Learning what a pay table shows, why it's there, and how to use it could help you get the most from each game. This quick guide will show you what to look for, so you can feel confident if you sit down to play. Read on to learn more.
What a Slot Machine Pay Table Shows
A slot machine pay table gives you a simple breakdown of all possible symbols and what is returned if you line up a certain number on a payline. For example, getting three of a symbol might return a different amount than hitting five. These tables are easy to find within the game screen or on the physical machine.
Pay tables also include special symbols. Wilds typically substitute for other symbols, and Scatters can trigger features like free spins or special rounds, as previously explained. Each game may use these in its own way, so it could be wise to check each pay table before you start.
You’ll also find explanations of extra features here, such as expanding symbols, cascading reels, or jackpot prizes, if they're included. The layout and presentation might differ, but every slot lets you access basic information through its pay table or rules menu.
You’ll also come across important figures such as the Return to Player (RTP) percentage and the volatility rating. RTP is an average calculated over millions of spins to give you an idea of what the game returns overall, while volatility indicates how frequent and how large wins might be. As each session is random and results are generated by Random Number Generators (RNGs), these are simply guides.
Players should always remember to gamble responsibly and within their means- never wager more than you can afford to lose.
How to Read a Slot Machine Pay Table
To start, open the information menu or look for an “i” icon on your online slot. On land-based machines, refer to the panel, sticker, or printed sheet.
Look at the list of symbols, usually with pictures and payouts for each possible win. Note how many matching symbols are needed for a win.
Look for the details on Wilds, Scatters, and any special symbols—as covered earlier. These tell you what to expect if they land.
Identify how the slot’s paylines or ways to win work. Some slots have fixed lines; in others, the number you can select may vary. Mechanisms like Megaways or cascading reels are also described here if included in the game.
Read through the explanations for bonus features, such as free spins or multipliers. If there are jackpots or special rounds, these are usually set out in their own section within the pay table.
At the bottom or end, you’ll often see the RTP percentage and volatility information. As explained previously, RTP and volatility figures help describe the game’s statistical design, but don't predict how you will do each time you play.
Why Reading Pay Tables Matters
If you play different games or switch casinos, pay tables can look very different. Detailed pay tables are especially useful when exploring slots with unique mechanics, themes, or bonus features. Take a moment to view them for each new title so you know exactly how the game pays.
Slot Machine Symbols & Values
Slot machine symbols include everything from playing cards to themed icons like animals, jewels, or treasure chests. Each symbol’s value is shown in the pay table. Most slots use low, medium, and high-value categories. Lower-value symbols (often playing cards) appear more frequently, with smaller payouts. High-value symbols, matched to the game’s theme, can offer greater returns for longer combinations.
Wilds and Scatters, already discussed, bring added roles: Wilds substitute for other symbols, Scatters may trigger features wherever they land.
Your potential payout for each symbol depends on your bet and the number of matching symbols. Some slots use new structures, such as Megaways, which allow for thousands of possible combinations per spin.
Because each slot is different, payouts for the same symbol combination may vary between games.
Reels, Rows, and Paylines
Every slot contains reels (vertical columns), rows (horizontal lines), and paylines (winning paths). A typical game might have five reels and three rows, forming a grid.
Paylines are where wins are recorded. Some classic machines use just one straight payline. Modern online slots may have dozens, or use “ways to win” structures, described in the game details.
It could be a good idea to check the pay table or game info to see how many paylines or ways to win are in play, and how symbols must line up for a win. This information may help when picking a game that suits your style or feels easy to understand.
Why Pay Tables Differ
No two slot games have identical pay tables. Each game is designed with specific symbols, values, and features to match its theme and style. For example, classic fruit slots are much simpler than video slots filled with bonus rounds and unique icons.
Online slots in particular can vary greatly: you might see games with set paylines, “ways to win,” or even mechanics like cascading reels and Megaways, each explained in the pay table.
RTP and volatility numbers could help you compare games—though these are just guides for game structure, not actual session outcomes.
Knowing how to find and read the pay table is all part of learning to enjoy different games, and may help you decide which slot might suit your preferences best.
A Simple Pay Table Example
Let’s walk through an example from a standard 5-reel, 3-row, 10-payline game:
- Symbols shown might include cherries, bells, the number 7, and BAR.
- For three cherries, you might see a return of 0.5x your stake; four cherries could show 1.5x; five cherries, 5x your bet.
- Higher value symbols, such as bells, may show a return of 20x your bet for five in a row.
You’ll spot Wilds, which typically replace other symbols except Scatters, and Scatters, which can trigger bonus rounds or free spins.
Bonus features, like expanding Wilds or jackpot rounds, are also laid out in their own part of the pay table, together with the rules on how to activate them or what they pay.
As always, these numbers are guides to how the slot operates overall. You may find variations in how pay tables appear depending on the game, but you’ll always find details about standard payouts, special features, and win structures.
Slot Bonus Features
Bonus features bring something extra to certain slot games, such as free spins, pick-a-prize rounds, or random multipliers. You'll find clear explanations for these in the pay table, as discussed earlier.
Some games include several different types of bonuses, while others might only have one or none at all. If a feature or mechanic, like Megaways or “hold and win,” is of interest to you, look for its mention in the bonus section.
Bonus features are entirely optional and may only appear under certain conditions, according to the rules specific to each game. The section describing these provides all you need to know about activation and what to expect during play.
Where to Find RTP and Volatility
Most online slots in the UK will show the RTP figure in the pay table or game information. RTP is calculated over millions of simulated spins and shows what portion is, in the long term, returned to players. Volatility may also be offered, suggesting a general pattern for win size and frequency. Both are intended to help you make informed choices, but cannot predict what will happen each time you spin.
Different casinos and slot developers may use slightly varied language or layouts when displaying these statistics, but you’ll always be able to find them within the slot’s help or information menu.
Choosing a Slot Machine to Play
Selecting a slot game comes down to your personal taste for features, themes, and game structure. No slot can predict what you will win, as outcomes arise from a random process each time.
You may wish to check the RTP, look for specific features like expanding wilds or free spin rounds, or seek a theme that appeals to you. Each pay table gives you facts about a slot’s payouts, special symbols, and bonuses, so reviewing it could help guide your choice.
You might also want to check if the site you wish to use is registered by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), so that you can play safe in the knowledge that the site supports fair play and player security.
It could be sensible to set a limit for time and spending, and to focus on enjoying the experience.
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**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.
*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.