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The Importance of Pay Tables in Online Slots
Before you ask, a pay table is not something you sit at. It does not serve up free money. You can’t buy it at IKEA.
Now we have those misunderstandings out of the way, let’s dig into what a pay table is, how it works for online slot players, and deconstruct the way it operates in an online slot.
Introduction to Pay-Tables in Online Slots
Take your time to study the rules of a slot to find important information on the payout structure.
A pay table is an essential component of an online slot game. It displays the payouts and winning combinations for each symbol or feature in the game. Pay tables are usually found on a separate screen accessible through the game's main interface.
Why Pay Tables are Crucial for Online Slot Players
They are the North Star for slot players hoping to figure out potential winning combinations. Whenever a player presses “spin”, they are looking for a line-up of symbols that can explode the betting balance. Sometimes, that depends on a game’s volatility, which can often be found in the pay table.
Decoding the Pay Table
But how does one understand a pay table? They can be complex grids of numbers and symbology. Here are some explainers and tips on how to deconstruct a pay table, what to look for, and special features.
Symbols and Their Meanings
Different symbols represent varying significance and value. Typically, playing card symbols (10, J, Q, K, and A) are great examples of lower-paying symbols, while graphic-based symbols - especially characters associated with the gameplay - tend to pay out much more.
Of course, the value of symbols can change accordingly. The best way to establish the value of each symbol is to check the pay table.
How to Read Payouts on a Pay Table
It can depend on the structure of the pay table. Some represent potential returns by displaying the total return according to the stake set within the game client. Others show the win multiplier adjacent to the symbol.
Understanding Special Features: Wilds, Scatters, and Multipliers
Three mainstays of the modern-day online slot are wilds, scatters, and multipliers. Typically, you can define each of them as follows:
- Wilds: Wilds are symbols in online slots that can substitute for other symbols to create winning combinations.
- Scatters: Scatters are special symbols in online slots that pay out regardless of their position on the reels, and can often trigger bonus rounds or free spins.
- Multipliers: Multipliers are features in online slots that increase the value of a player's winnings, sometimes by doubling, tripling, or even multiplying them by much larger numbers.
Always check the information section within the game client to gain a full understanding.
Pay Tables and Their Impact on Slot Variance
Pay tables are where information on slot variance can be uncovered. But what is a variance? And how can it impact your next slot choice?
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Definition of Slot Variance and Its Importance
Variance in an online slot refers to the risk or volatility associated with a particular game.
It measures how frequently and how much a player can expect to win or lose while playing - ostensibly, it depends on the player’s risk averseness.
There are typically three types of variance in online slots: low, medium, and high.
Low variance means that there is a small difference between the minimum and maximum payouts, resulting in more frequent but smaller wins. Medium variance offers a balanced payout structure with occasional big wins mixed with smaller ones. High variance, on the other hand, has a large gap between the minimum and maximum payouts, resulting in less frequent but potentially significant wins.
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How Pay Tables Help Determine Slot Variance
One way in which a player can establish slot variance is by consulting the pay table and working out the maximum win from any one possible combination.
The maximum win per spin is a tell-tale sign of volatility - the higher the return, the more volatile it’s likely to be.
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Choosing the Right Slot Based on Variance and Pay Table
With everything above in consideration, the pay table is a veritable mystic ball for a player attempting to pick their next favourite game.
While volatility, variance, and symbol payouts are important, the general gameplay also plays a key part in the decision-making process of a prospective slot player.
Comparing Pay Tables Across Different Online Slots
Just as you can compare bonus rounds, volatility, and gameplay, players can also compare and contrast pay tables. They are conduits to the make-up of a slot and can offer players a window into what to expect from their casino experience.
Factors to Consider When Comparing Pay Tables
There is no distinct handbook or guide when playing an online slot. It depends on what the player wants and the gambling experience they are looking for.
But, for the newcomers, we recommend you look at the following elements before deciding on which slot to play.
- Return to Player (RTP) percentage - Perhaps one of the more misunderstood terminologies in gambling, the Return To Player percentage refers to the amount a player can expect to recoup over time. The bigger the RTP, the better the return over time for a player.
- Volatility or variance - As we mentioned above, volatility means how much risk is attributed to each spin. For example, the more volatile a slot, the higher potential returns can be in a single spin. In exchange, however, players are likelier to burn through their money more quickly.
- The number of paylines - This represents a crucial element of online slots. Paylines can vary from as few as three to as many as 117,649 - and more in some instances. You can find out how many in the pay table.
- Special features - Often, online slots provide special features such as bonus rounds, wild symbols, and multipliers. To get an overview, head to the pay table, where any bonuses or reel modifications are laid bare.
- Max bet requirements - In progressive jackpot games and other volatile slots, there is sometimes a max. stake implemented. Even some windfalls are too rich for casinos and their game developers.
Case Study: Pay Table in a Popular Online Slot
A classic pay table that has inspired many more in iGaming is the one used by BTG in their slot Bonanza, which you can see below.
To the left is the number of symbols that need to line up to pay the requisite amount on the right. For example, two silver diamond symbols pay 2x the qualifying stake.
The Evolution of Pay Tables in Online Slots
It might be hard to believe, but the evolution of the online slot is just a speck on the timeline of the pay table.
At the end of the 19th century, Charles Fey created the land-based gaming machine. It was an alien concept at first, and Fey needed a way to explain his creation in as simple terms as possible.
Step forward to the pay table.
Historical Perspectives on Slot Pay Tables
Today’s pay tables reflect the approach of game developers of more than 100 years ago - keep it simple, keep it understandable, and enhance enjoyment.
Back in the 1920s, there were no computers. The paylines had to be clear or gamblers would steer clear.
Technological Advances and Their Effects on Pay Tables
With digital slots, game developers have more flexibility in creating pay tables. They can use various algorithms and programming techniques to adjust win frequencies and payout ratios, ultimately affecting players' chances of winning and the amount they can potentially win.
Make sure you pay attention to key factors, such as the RTP and max. win per spin, when you consult the pay table.
Future Trends in Slot Machine Pay Tables
With the introduction of Virtual Reality (VR) slots seemingly just years away, don’t be surprised to see gamblers research and investigate pay tables through headsets. That will involve hand-flicking, swiping, nodding, blinking, and more.
It’s hard to predict the future, but it’s not difficult to see pay tables transition to the VR world.
Common Misunderstandings About Pay Tables
Take into account all the details provided in the slot rules and pay table to avoid any misinterpretation.
The pay table is a relatively simple concept, but there are often misunderstandings. Let’s lay them out below.
Myths Versus Facts
Let’s bust some common misconceptions about the online slot and pay tables that could save newcomers some money down the line.
| Size Doesn’t Matter | No matter the stake, players have the same chance of winning on any spin. That’s because of the Random Number Generator (RNG), which is used by every online slot to meet regulatory requirements. Don’t increase the stake size and expect to win more regularly. |
| RTP Fallacy | While the RTP is relevant, it doesn’t necessarily mean you are more likely to win on a slot with a bigger RTP than another with a smaller RTP. |
| It Will Come In Eventually | As always, we would recommend players engage with online slots with their eyes wide open. Be responsible and mindful. Just because a big win or bonus hasn’t come in, doesn’t mean it will. Set budgets and stick to them. |
Clarifying Common Misconceptions
One of the biggest mistakes players make is thinking they can manipulate the pay table by adjusting their bet amounts. The random number generator determines the outcome of each spin regardless of the bet size. The pay table simply displays different potential payouts based on the chosen bet amount.
Expert Advice on Understanding Pay Tables Correctly
Be clear-headed, know what you’re looking for, and consider the points made in this article. In whichever way you decide to gamble, make sure you do it from a perspective of understanding and knowledge.
Conclusion
To sum up, pay tables should be your user guide, your manual, and your information portal. Do your research and look through them before pressing “spin” on any game. Not knowing how a game works or operates can damage your overall enjoyment. Hopefully, this article helps with some explanations and tips!
FAQs About Online Slot Pay Tables
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How do I find the Pay Table on an online slot machine?
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The Pay Table is an important feature of any online slot machine, as it outlines the potential payouts for each winning combination. To find the Pay Table on an online slot machine, simply look for a button or tab labelled "Pay Table" or "Info".
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Does every online slot have a unique Pay Table?
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Yes, every online slot has its unique pay table. This is because each slot game has its own set of symbols, paylines, and bonus features, which all contribute to the potential payouts. Players need to familiarise themselves with the Pay Table of any slot game they are playing to understand how to maximise their winnings.
