Paytable
A paytable is the information screen in a slot that shows what each symbol pays, how paylines or ways work, and what the bonus features do. It is where you also find the game's RTP and the rules that decide a win.
By Mark SmithChecked What a paytable tells you
- Symbol values: how much three, four or five of each symbol pay. High-value symbols (often characters or gems) pay more than low-value ones (often card ranks like J, Q, K, A).
- Special symbols: what wilds and scatters do, and how many trigger the bonus.
- Paylines or ways: a diagram of every payline, or how ways and clusters are counted.
- Features: free spins, multipliers, hold and win rounds, and any bonus buy price.
- Rules: the RTP, the maximum win, and what happens if a game malfunctions or disconnects.
How to use it
Read the paytable before you play a new slot, ideally in demo mode. Compare the top symbol payout with the maximum win: a game whose biggest symbol pays 10x but advertises a 10,000x max win gets most of its value from rare features, which means high volatility.
Also check the RTP shown: some games are made in several versions, and a casino might run a lower one. Our game pages list the published RTP for each title, such as Wolf Gold.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find the paytable in a slot?
Tap the "i", menu or question-mark icon in the game. The paytable opens over the reels and usually has several pages: symbol values, features, paylines and game rules.
Are paytable values in Rands or multipliers?
Most modern slots show values in your currency at your current bet, so they change when you change your stake. Some show multiples of your bet instead.
Does the paytable show the RTP?
Usually, in the game rules section. If a casino offers several RTP versions of a game, the paytable at that casino shows the version it uses.
Related terms
Mark has been writing about online gaming since 2007, covering everything from sportsbooks to casino and slot reviews, offering insights for players of all levels.