The pay table is one of the most important features of a slot machine. While many players ignore the pay table in favor of the fun and excitement of playing, a thorough understanding can help players increase their chances of winning, as well as improve their gaming experience.
A pay table explains how each symbol on the reels can form a winning combination, and what that combination is worth. It also explains what symbols will trigger special bonus games, and how the game’s jackpot amounts work. A pay table can be found on both older mechanical slots and newer video machines. It may be printed directly on the machine’s glass or it can be accessed by pressing a button on the player console.
As the popularity of slot games has increased, so has the need for information to help players understand the game’s rules. Although some players claim that the house edge of a slot machine is far worse than a table game, this does not take into account the fact that table games are reported statewide casino win percentages, while slot machine wins are only reported for casinos where the machines are played.
In the past, pay tables were often printed on the front of a slot machine. However, as games have become more complex and require massive HD computer monitors to operate, they have largely been moved into the help screens. The pay tables can be accessed by clicking on a small icon on the player console, usually a question mark or the hamburger menu (the universal three horizontal lines). Depending on the game’s design, this icon can appear before, between, or after spins.
Some slot machines have multiple paylines, which increase the odds of hitting a winning combination and increasing the size of the payout. The payouts can be in the form of cash or credits that can be used to play other games in the same casino. In some cases, the player can even exchange their credits for a larger jackpot.
In the old days, it was easy to understand the basic mechanics of a slot machine. You spun the reels, and if you hit three matching symbols on a payline you won the corresponding amount. In later years, bonus games and wild symbols were added to the mix. Despite the additional complexity, a slot machine’s pay table remains an essential feature of any gaming experience. Those who ignore it are lowering their own return-to-player percentage, and making uninformed decisions that can lead to an undesirable outcome. By educating themselves on the basic details of a slot machine’s pay table, players can maximize their enjoyment of the game. Besides increasing their chance of winning, learning the pay table can also help players understand how to choose the best slot machine for their personal preferences and bankrolls. To get started, visit TwinSpires Casino and try out our vast selection of games. We hope you’ll find something to enjoy!