What Is a Paytable?

The paytable (also called the info screen or game rules) is a built-in reference guide found in every online slot. It contains everything you need to know about how a specific game pays, what each symbol is worth, and how bonus features are triggered. Reading the paytable before you play is one of the most important habits you can develop as a slot player.

Where to Find the Paytable

Almost all online slots display the paytable through a dedicated button — usually labeled "i" (information), "?", or "Paytable" — located somewhere on the game interface, often near the spin button or settings menu. It typically opens as an overlay or separate screen with multiple scrollable sections.

Section 1: Symbol Values

The first and most important section shows the value of each symbol. Symbols are typically ranked from highest to lowest payout, and values are expressed as multiples of your bet or as fixed coin amounts. You'll usually see:

  • Premium symbols — thematic icons specific to the game, offering higher payouts
  • Low-value symbols — often playing card suits or royals (A, K, Q, J, 10) offering smaller payouts
  • Wild symbol — usually marked explicitly, describes what it substitutes for
  • Scatter symbol — triggers bonus features regardless of position

Pay attention to how many matching symbols are needed to trigger a win — most slots require at least 3 symbols on a payline, starting from the leftmost reel.

Section 2: Paylines and Ways to Win

The paytable will explain the game's win structure:

  • Fixed paylines: A set number of winning lines that are always active (e.g., 20 paylines).
  • Adjustable paylines: You can choose how many lines to activate.
  • Ways to Win: No traditional lines — any matching symbols in adjacent reels from left to right create a win (e.g., 243 ways, 1024 ways).
  • Cluster pays: Wins are formed by clusters of connected matching symbols, not lines.

Section 3: Bonus Feature Rules

This is often the most detailed section. It will explain:

  1. How to trigger the free spins or bonus round (e.g., "land 3+ scatter symbols")
  2. How many free spins are awarded
  3. Any special rules active during the bonus (multipliers, extra wilds, retriggers)
  4. How special symbols like expanding wilds or bonus symbols behave

Section 4: Game Rules and RTP

Many paytables include a rules section covering:

  • RTP percentage — the theoretical return to player for the game
  • Maximum win cap — the highest payout possible in a single game round
  • Bet range — minimum and maximum stake per spin
  • Any special rules about malfunctions or disconnections

Beginner Tips for Using the Paytable

  1. Always read it first. Spend two minutes before you play any new slot to understand the basics.
  2. Note the scatter trigger requirement. Knowing you need 3 scatters (not 2) sets accurate expectations.
  3. Check the max win. This tells you the ceiling of what's possible in that game.
  4. Look for the RTP. If the paytable doesn't show it, look up the game's RTP from the developer's website.
  5. Identify the highest-paying symbol. Knowing which symbol to hope for keeps the experience engaging.

The paytable is your most reliable tool for understanding any slot game. Developers are legally required to make this information available — use it to your advantage.