If you’re new to slot machines, understanding how to read the payout table is one of the most important skills to master. Whether you’re playing in a land-based casino or online platforms like Dewakoin, knowing how to interpret the payout table will help you make better decisions, maximize your chances of winning, and make the most of your gaming experience.
A payout table shows you the winning combinations and how much you’ll earn when you land those combinations on the reels. It can also provide insight into bonus features, special symbols, and how the game operates. In this article, we’ll break down the essentials of reading a slot machine payout table and give you the knowledge you need to play like a pro.
What is a Slot Machine Payout Table?
A payout table (also called a “paytable”) is a chart or list that explains how much each symbol is worth and outlines the different ways you can win. This is where you’ll find the payout values for various symbol combinations, information on the game’s bonus rounds, and details about special symbols like wilds, scatters, and multipliers.
When you play a slot game, the payout table is usually accessible by clicking on a “Paytable” button or icon. Depending on the game, you may find the payout table displayed on the game screen itself or in a separate window.
Key Elements of a Payout Table
- Symbol Values The first thing you’ll notice on the payout table is the values assigned to each symbol. Each symbol in the game has a different payout associated with it. These payouts are based on the number of matching symbols that land on an active payline or in a specific pattern.
- High-Paying Symbols: Typically, the high-paying symbols are the most valuable in the game, and these could be anything from themed icons (like treasure chests or characters in a movie-themed slot) to premium card symbols (such as Aces, Kings, Queens, etc.).
- Low-Paying Symbols: These are often standard symbols like fruit (in classic slots) or lower-tier card symbols (in video slots). They generally pay less than high-paying symbols but appear more frequently on the reels.
- Paylines and Winning Combinations The payout table will show how many paylines are available and the specific combinations needed to win on those lines. Paylines are the paths across the reels where matching symbols must land to trigger a payout.
- For example, a traditional 3-reel slot may only have a single horizontal payline, while a modern 5-reel slot could have dozens, or even hundreds, of paylines. Some games also feature 243 ways to win, where winning combinations are formed by landing matching symbols on adjacent reels in any position, rather than following specific paylines.
- The payout table will explain how many matching symbols you need to win and how much you’ll be paid for each combination, depending on the game.
- Wild SymbolsWilds are symbols that can substitute for other regular symbols on the reels to help complete a winning combination. The payout table will explain how the wild symbol works in that particular game, as well as how many wilds you need to land to win.
- Some wild symbols may also have special properties. For example, a stacked wild may cover an entire reel, increasing the chances of a big win, or a sticky wild may remain in place for several spins.
- There may also be expanding wilds that grow to cover multiple positions on the reel.
- Scatter SymbolsScatter symbols are unique because they don’t need to land on a payline to trigger a win. In most cases, you simply need to land a certain number of scatter symbols anywhere on the reels to activate a bonus feature, free spins, or a payout.
- The payout table will show how many scatters you need to trigger a special feature or bonus round and what the payout will be. For instance, landing 3 scatter symbols might activate 10 free spins, while 5 scatters could reward you with a bonus game or a larger payout.
- Bonus Features Many modern slot machines come with exciting bonus features that enhance the gameplay experience. The payout table will explain the different types of bonus features available, such as:
- Free Spins: A certain number of free spins may be awarded when you land a specific combination of symbols (like scatters). These spins are typically played without betting additional money, although the winnings are often subject to a multiplier.
- Pick-and-Click Games: Some slots offer interactive bonus games where you choose from a selection of objects to reveal hidden prizes. The payout table will show how to trigger this feature and the potential rewards.
- Multipliers: Multipliers increase your winnings by a certain factor (e.g., x2, x5, etc.). These are often included in free spins or bonus rounds, and the payout table will explain how multipliers work in the context of that game.
- Jackpot Information Some slot games, especially progressive jackpots, have a special section in the payout table that explains how the jackpot works. With a progressive jackpot, the prize pool grows with every spin until someone hits the winning combination.
- For example, the payout table might explain that you need to land a specific combination of symbols to win the jackpot or that the jackpot is only available if you bet the maximum amount.
- It will also show the current jackpot amount, so you can track how much the jackpot has accumulated.
- Betting Requirements In some slots, especially those with bonus features or jackpots, the payout table will include information about the minimum or maximum bets needed to trigger certain features. For example, you may need to bet a higher amount to qualify for the progressive jackpot.
How to Use the Payout Table to Your Advantage
- Understand the Game’s Mechanics By reviewing the payout table before you start playing, you’ll know exactly what to expect and how to form winning combinations. This knowledge gives you a clearer strategy and helps you avoid wasting spins on unfamiliar games.
- Maximize Special Features Pay attention to how the special features work. For instance, if you know that wild symbols can substitute for other symbols, you might try to trigger them more strategically. Similarly, if free spins or multipliers are involved, the payout table will guide you on how to maximize those opportunities.
- Adjust Your Bet Size The payout table can also inform your betting strategy. If you’re aiming for bonus rounds or a progressive jackpot, the payout table will tell you what minimum bet is required. If you’re playing for fun, you may decide to place smaller bets while learning how the game works.
- Be Aware of Payouts Knowing the payout structure helps you understand the best combinations to look for. If you’re chasing bigger wins, you might focus on high-paying symbols or aim for bonus features. If you’re looking for more frequent payouts, you might focus on low volatility games with more regular wins.
Conclusion
Reading a slot machine payout table is essential for playing like a pro, especially if you want to understand how to trigger bonus rounds, free spins, and maximize your winnings. It’s not just about picking the game with the best graphics or the most exciting theme; it’s about choosing a game that aligns with your strategy, goals, and budget.
When playing on platforms like Dewakoin, you’ll find a wide variety of slots with detailed payout tables that help you navigate the game. Take the time to review the table before you start spinning the reels—it will help you play smarter and make the most of your experience.