Introduction
Every casino game has a paytable — the reference guide that tells you what each winning combination pays, how bonus features work, and what symbols to look out for. For beginners, paytables can look like a confusing grid of numbers and symbols. But once you understand how to read them, they become a powerful tool for choosing games and understanding what you are playing. This guide breaks it all down.
What Is a Paytable?
A paytable is the information screen within a casino game that displays:
- The value of each symbol or winning combination
- How paylines are structured
- Special symbols (wilds, scatters) and what they do
- Bonus feature rules
- The game's RTP (sometimes)
Think of the paytable as the game's instruction manual. Reading it before you start playing is one of the best habits you can develop as a new player.
How to Access the Paytable
In most online casino games, the paytable is accessed through a button labelled "Info," "Paytable," "Help," or represented by an "i" or question mark icon. On mobile devices, this is typically in a menu accessed from the game screen. In live dealer games, payout information is usually displayed on the table interface itself.
Reading Slot Paytables
Slot paytables are the most detailed. Here is what you will typically find:
Symbol Values
The paytable shows every symbol in the game and how much each combination pays. Payouts are usually expressed as multiples of your bet or as credit values based on your current bet size.
For example, a paytable might show that five matching premium symbols pay 500 coins, while five low-value symbols pay 100 coins. Three matching symbols usually trigger a smaller win, and most symbols require at least three in a row to pay anything.
Payline Diagrams
Many slots include a diagram showing all active paylines — the patterns across the reels where matching symbols must land to produce a win. Some games have fixed paylines (always active), while others let you choose how many to play.
Wild Symbols
The paytable explains what the wild symbol does. Standard wilds substitute for other symbols to complete wins. But many modern slots feature enhanced wilds:
- Expanding wilds: Cover an entire reel when they land
- Sticky wilds: Remain in place for multiple spins
- Multiplying wilds: Double, triple, or further multiply wins they contribute to
- Walking wilds: Move across the reels with each spin
Scatter Symbols and Bonus Features
The paytable describes what the scatter symbol triggers. Usually, landing a certain number of scatters (often three) triggers free spins or a bonus round. The paytable should specify exactly how many scatters are needed and what the feature offers — number of free spins, any multipliers, and whether the feature can be retriggered.
Reading Table Game Paytables
Table game paytables are generally simpler:
Blackjack
The blackjack paytable is straightforward: a winning hand pays 1 to 1 (even money), and blackjack (an ace plus a ten-value card) typically pays 3 to 2. Some casinos offer 6 to 5 blackjack payouts — this significantly increases the house edge and should be avoided when possible.
The paytable may also show side bet payouts, such as payouts for pairs or suited combinations.
Roulette
The roulette paytable is printed right on the betting layout. Inside bets (specific numbers) pay 35 to 1. Outside bets pay less: red/black, odd/even, and high/low all pay 1 to 1. Columns and dozens pay 2 to 1.
Video Poker
Video poker paytables are critical because they determine the game's RTP. A "full pay" Jacks or Better machine pays 9 coins for a full house and 6 for a flush — hence the nickname "9/6 Jacks or Better." Lower payouts reduce the RTP, so checking the paytable before playing is essential.
What to Look For in a Paytable
When reviewing a paytable, ask these questions:
- What is the highest-paying symbol or combination? This tells you what you are hoping to land.
- How many matching symbols trigger a win? Most slots require three, but some pay on two.
- What do the special symbols do? Understanding wilds and scatters is key to understanding the game.
- How do bonus features work? Know what to expect when you trigger free spins or a bonus round.
- What is the RTP? Some games include RTP in the paytable or help section.
Practical Tips for Beginners
- Read the paytable before betting: Taking two minutes to review the paytable can prevent confusion during play.
- Play in demo mode first: Use free play to understand how features work without risking money.
- Compare paytables: Two seemingly similar slots may have very different paytables and RTPs.
- Note the volatility: While not always shown, some games indicate volatility (low, medium, high) in the paytable or info section.
Responsible Gambling
Understanding paytables makes you a more informed player, but information does not change the mathematics. Every game has a house edge. Use your knowledge to choose games you enjoy, set limits before playing, and remember that outcomes are always random regardless of what the paytable says.