Pay tables: how to read and analyze them
Introduction
Each slot has its own paytable - this is the "passport" of the game, which reflects which symbols bring winnings, how bonus mechanics work and what maximum potential is laid down by the developer. For professional players, the ability to correctly read the paytable is the key to understanding what the slot is really capable of and whether it is worth the attention.
What's in the paytable
1. Symbols and their value
Low-pay symbols (usually cards A, K, Q, J, 10) - give minimal wins, maintain the balance of the session.
High-pay symbols (thematic pictures: characters, artifacts) - form the main payments.
The table always shows the factor (x) or sum for combinations from 3 to 5 (sometimes up to 6-10) characters.
2. Special characters
Wild - replaces others, sometimes adds a multiplier.
Scatter - launches bonus games or pays regardless of lines.
Bonus symbols - activate unique mechanics (Hold & Win, wheels, levels).
3. Paylines or mechanics
The table shows which schemes form winnings: classic lines, Megaways, Cluster Pays or other mechanics.
The more formation options, the higher the frequency of small winnings, but not always higher RTP.
4. Bonus features
Frispins, multipliers, Sticky/Expanding Wilds, cascades.
The table often indicates what exactly gives a bonus and how often it can theoretically work.
5. Maximum winnings
Usually listed as "Max Win" (e.g. x5000 of bet).
This is an indicator of the upper limit of the slot, important for assessing the potential.
How to read the paytable correctly
1. Compare high-pay and low-pay character ratios.
If the gap is large, then the game is built on rare but valuable combinations.
If the payouts are more balanced, the slot is more stable over the distance.
2. Analyze the role of Wild and Scatter.
In some games, up to 40-50% of RTP is "hardwired" into bonuses.
If Scatter is rare, but starts a decisive round, you need to be prepared for drawdowns.
3. Look at the description of the mechanic.
In Megaways, winnings are formed more often, but multipliers play a key role.
Cascades and multiplier accumulation are important in Cluster Pays.
4. Pay attention to Max Win.
Potential x5000 and above means high volatility and rare big wins.
Smaller ceiling slots are often suitable for long sessions.
How pros use pay tables
Volatility is determined. If the top symbol pays x500 per line, and the scatter only gives a bonus, the slot is almost certainly highly volatile.
Actual contribution of symbols is calculated. If 70% of payments form only bonuses, without them the slot is "dead" in the base game.
Different versions of the same slot are compared. Many providers release several options with different RTP - the paytable helps to notice the differences.
Strategy is formed. Understanding which symbols are key allows you to decide in advance: bet on long bonus sessions or play for frequent small winnings.
Examples
Book of Dead (Play 'n GO): The table shows a strong gap between regular characters and the bonus "book." This is a signal: there will be no large payments without a bonus.
Gates of Olympus (Pragmatic Play): Zeus multipliers are the most important element. The table immediately explains: winnings are not built on lines, but on a combination of cascades and random x.
Money Train 4 (Relax Gaming): Paytable showcases dozens of unique bonus symbols (Collector, Payer, Necromancer), and professionals see that they are the basis of RTP.
Conclusions
The paytable is not just a reference, but the main tool for analyzing the slot.
Experienced players through it assess the volatility, potential and distribution of RTP.
Key factors: difference between symbols, role of bonuses, maximum gain.
To ignore paytable is to play blind. Proper analysis helps you choose slots that really fit your goals - whether it's a long session or a skid hunt.
Each slot has its own paytable - this is the "passport" of the game, which reflects which symbols bring winnings, how bonus mechanics work and what maximum potential is laid down by the developer. For professional players, the ability to correctly read the paytable is the key to understanding what the slot is really capable of and whether it is worth the attention.
What's in the paytable
1. Symbols and their value
Low-pay symbols (usually cards A, K, Q, J, 10) - give minimal wins, maintain the balance of the session.
High-pay symbols (thematic pictures: characters, artifacts) - form the main payments.
The table always shows the factor (x) or sum for combinations from 3 to 5 (sometimes up to 6-10) characters.
2. Special characters
Wild - replaces others, sometimes adds a multiplier.
Scatter - launches bonus games or pays regardless of lines.
Bonus symbols - activate unique mechanics (Hold & Win, wheels, levels).
3. Paylines or mechanics
The table shows which schemes form winnings: classic lines, Megaways, Cluster Pays or other mechanics.
The more formation options, the higher the frequency of small winnings, but not always higher RTP.
4. Bonus features
Frispins, multipliers, Sticky/Expanding Wilds, cascades.
The table often indicates what exactly gives a bonus and how often it can theoretically work.
5. Maximum winnings
Usually listed as "Max Win" (e.g. x5000 of bet).
This is an indicator of the upper limit of the slot, important for assessing the potential.
How to read the paytable correctly
1. Compare high-pay and low-pay character ratios.
If the gap is large, then the game is built on rare but valuable combinations.
If the payouts are more balanced, the slot is more stable over the distance.
2. Analyze the role of Wild and Scatter.
In some games, up to 40-50% of RTP is "hardwired" into bonuses.
If Scatter is rare, but starts a decisive round, you need to be prepared for drawdowns.
3. Look at the description of the mechanic.
In Megaways, winnings are formed more often, but multipliers play a key role.
Cascades and multiplier accumulation are important in Cluster Pays.
4. Pay attention to Max Win.
Potential x5000 and above means high volatility and rare big wins.
Smaller ceiling slots are often suitable for long sessions.
How pros use pay tables
Volatility is determined. If the top symbol pays x500 per line, and the scatter only gives a bonus, the slot is almost certainly highly volatile.
Actual contribution of symbols is calculated. If 70% of payments form only bonuses, without them the slot is "dead" in the base game.
Different versions of the same slot are compared. Many providers release several options with different RTP - the paytable helps to notice the differences.
Strategy is formed. Understanding which symbols are key allows you to decide in advance: bet on long bonus sessions or play for frequent small winnings.
Examples
Book of Dead (Play 'n GO): The table shows a strong gap between regular characters and the bonus "book." This is a signal: there will be no large payments without a bonus.
Gates of Olympus (Pragmatic Play): Zeus multipliers are the most important element. The table immediately explains: winnings are not built on lines, but on a combination of cascades and random x.
Money Train 4 (Relax Gaming): Paytable showcases dozens of unique bonus symbols (Collector, Payer, Necromancer), and professionals see that they are the basis of RTP.
Conclusions
The paytable is not just a reference, but the main tool for analyzing the slot.
Experienced players through it assess the volatility, potential and distribution of RTP.
Key factors: difference between symbols, role of bonuses, maximum gain.
To ignore paytable is to play blind. Proper analysis helps you choose slots that really fit your goals - whether it's a long session or a skid hunt.
