Paylines and ways to win
Slots count wins in a handful of ways. Knowing which you are playing makes the screen readable.
By Ryan Jessop. Last checked .
Key takeaways
- Paylines: set paths.
- Both ways: counted from either edge.
- Pays anywhere: counts, not lines.
- None changes the RTP.
The systems
| System | How a win forms | Our examples |
|---|---|---|
| Paylines | Matching symbols on a set line from the left | Big Bass Bonanza, Book of Dead, Fishin' Frenzy, Fluffy Favourites |
| Both ways | Lines counted from either edge | Starburst |
| Pays anywhere | Eight or more matching symbols anywhere | Gates of Olympus, Sweet Bonanza |
| Megaways | Adjacent reels, with a changing number of ways | None of ours |
Our seven
| Slot | Layout | Ways to win |
|---|---|---|
| Big Bass Bonanza | 5 reels, 3 rows | 10 paylines |
| Starburst | 5 reels, 3 rows | 10 paylines, paying both ways |
| Sweet Bonanza | 6 reels, 5 rows | Pays anywhere (8 or more matching symbols) |
| Gates of Olympus | 6 reels, 5 rows | Pays anywhere (8 or more matching symbols) |
| Book of Dead | 5 reels, 3 rows | 10 paylines |
| Fishin' Frenzy | 5 reels, 3 rows | 10 paylines |
| Fluffy Favourites | 5 reels, 3 rows | 25 paylines |
Lines and your stake
On a payline slot, total bet equals line bet times lines. Ten lines at 2p is a 20p spin, and a "10x" line win returns 20p, the cost of the spin.
Selectable lines
Where you can switch lines off, as in Fluffy Favourites, doing so cuts cost and chances in step. It never improves the return.
Is one better?
No. The pay system shapes the experience; RTP and volatility are set separately. See pays anywhere slots and Megaways.
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Cluster pays
Another system, not used by our seven, pays for groups of matching symbols that touch on a grid. It usually comes with tumbles, like pays-anywhere slots.
Choosing by system
If you like to see exactly why a spin paid, choose paylines. If you enjoy constant movement and do not mind counting, choose a grid.
Slot figures are developers' published defaults, each confirmed against two sources; a casino may run a lower RTP. Offer terms dated 5 October 2026. How we check. 18+. Free help: 0808 8020 133 or safer gambling.
Frequently asked questions
What is a payline?
A path on which matching symbols pay.
What does pays anywhere mean?
Enough matching symbols win wherever they are.
Do more lines mean more wins?
More chances per spin at more cost.
What is both ways?
Lines counted from either edge.