Slot Payout Tables
- What Is a Payout Table in an Online Slot?
- Why Is the Payout Table Important?
- Symbol Categories: High, Medium, and Low
- Examples of Payout Tables
- How Slot Volatility Affects Casino Payouts
- Return to Player (RTP): The Payout Percentage of Online Slots
- Payout Tables: Real Money vs. Free Play
- Key Facts About Online Casino Payouts
- FAQ
The potential payouts you can achieve on online slot games are defined by specific rules set by the providers. The payout table of a slot offers detailed information about possible winnings. This article breaks down the essentials of payout tables and provides insights to help you better understand slot mechanics.
What Is a Payout Table in an Online Slot?
The mechanics of an online slot machine are relatively simple. Symbols appear on the reels after each spin, and certain combinations trigger payouts credited to your account.
Most online slots feature between 8 to 12 symbols with varying frequencies and values. The value of each symbol is outlined in the payout table.
In many cases, the values are represented as multipliers relative to your bet amount. Some providers, however, offer flexible payout tables that adjust based on the bet size selected.
You can typically find the payout table in the game rules or information section, often accessible via an “i” button. This section includes additional details, such as:
- Functions of wild symbols
- Use of scatter symbols to activate free spins
- Number and distribution of paylines
- Bonus game or buy-feature explanations
- Special game features
- Return-to-player (RTP) percentages
Why Is the Payout Table Important?
The payout table tells you how much you can win per spin. For the highest payouts, consider the top-value symbol and the best possible combinations across paylines. Multiplying this value by the number of paylines gives the theoretical maximum payout per spin.
However, most slots have a predefined maximum win per round, typically set by the developers. Casinos may adjust these limits, so it’s essential to check the information section for specific details.
Symbol Categories: High, Medium, and Low
A quick glance at the payout table reveals that symbols are typically divided into three categories:
- High-value symbols: Often main characters or key themes, including wilds and scatters.
- Medium-value symbols: Additional thematic images such as animals or objects.
- Low-value symbols: Letters and numbers, commonly based on playing cards.
Some providers introduce unique designs, particularly in cluster-based slots, to vary the presentation.
Examples of Payout Tables
Legacy of Dead features a fixed payout table, where symbol values remain constant regardless of bet size. Payouts are calculated using the displayed multipliers and the chosen bet amount.
| Symbol | X2 | X3 | X4 | X5 |
| Wild Symbol (Gold Tomb) | – | 2x | 20x | 200x |
| Tutankhamun | 10x | 100x | 1,000x | 5,000x |
| Anubis | 10x | 100x | 1,000x | 5,000x |
| Pharaoh | 5x | 30x | 300x | 1,600x |
| Horus (Falcon God) | 5x | 20x | 80x | 600x |
| A | – | 5x | 30x | 120x |
| K | – | 5x | 30x | 120x |
| Q | – | 5x | 20x | 80x |
| J | – | 5x | 20x | 80x |
| 10 | – | 5x | 20x | 80x |
Wolf Gold by Pragmatic Play
Wolf Gold offers a dynamic payout table that adjusts to the chosen bet amount. Below are two examples with different bets:
Bet Size: $0.75
| Symbol | X3 | X4 | X5 |
| Wild Symbol (Wolf) | $0.75 | $7.50 | $15.00 |
| Buffalo | $0.75 | $7.50 | $15.00 |
| Hawk | $0.60 | $4.50 | $12.00 |
| Horse | $0.45 | $3.00 | $9.00 |
| Wildcat | $0.30 | $1.50 | $6.00 |
| A | $0.30 | $0.60 | $1.50 |
| K | $0.15 | $0.60 | $1.50 |
| Q | $0.15 | $0.60 | $1.50 |
| J | $0.15 | $0.60 | $1.50 |
Bet Size: $2.00
| Symbol | X3 | X4 | X5 |
| Wild Symbol (Wolf) | $2.00 | $20.00 | $40.00 |
| Buffalo | $2.00 | $20.00 | $40.00 |
| Hawk | $1.60 | $12.00 | $32.00 |
| Horse | $1.20 | $8.00 | $24.00 |
| Wildcat | $0.80 | $4.00 | $16.00 |
| A | $0.80 | $1.60 | $4.00 |
| K | $0.40 | $1.60 | $4.00 |
| Q | $0.40 | $1.60 | $4.00 |
| J | $0.40 | $1.60 | $4.00 |
How Slot Volatility Affects Casino Payouts
The payout table of an online slot can also give you insights into the machine’s volatility. Slots with high variance generally lead to fewer winning spins, but when payouts occur, they tend to be larger.
On the other hand, slots with medium or low volatility typically offer smaller maximum payouts but provide more frequent wins.
Choosing Slots Based on Volatility
- Low and Medium Volatility Slots: Ideal for casual players who want to enjoy extended play without quickly exhausting their balance.
- High Volatility Slots: Best for experienced players with a larger bankroll, focusing on potential wins.
Return to Player (RTP): The Payout Percentage of Online Slots
Most slot game rules include the RTP (Return to Player), often displayed near the payout table. This percentage reflects the long-term average return players can expect.
- A typical RTP for reputable slots is around 96%, although popular games may range from 94% to 98%.
- The highest RTP slots, with 97% or 98%, are often preferred by some players. However, a high RTP does not guarantee larger winnings, as losses remain a possibility.
Payout Tables: Real Money vs. Free Play
Reviewing the payout table is essential when preparing to play a new slot. Understanding the symbol values and potential winnings is key.
Before wagering real money, it’s a good idea to test the slot in free play mode to get a sense of its mechanics. Notably, the payout table remains the same in both free and real money modes.
Key Facts About Online Casino Payouts
- Wins calculated based on the payout table are credited immediately to your account.
- Funds can be reinvested in further gameplay or withdrawn after requesting a payout.
- Leading online casinos process withdrawals within hours, typically using the original deposit method.
- Completing the KYC (Know Your Customer) verification process is required before withdrawals can be processed.
