Foreword｜PHL63
Online slot machines are arguably the best casino games for beginners. Players just need to hit “Spin” and match at least two or three symbols to receive the bonus. But if you’re an experienced online slots player, you know that paylines and how you win are critical to your success. These characteristics can determine the amount of money a player can win and how often they hit winning combinations.
But what is the difference between online slot machine paylines and ways to win? Although some people use the terms interchangeably, the difference is quite stark. In this article, you will learn more about these slot machine terms and how to play on slot machines with paylines and ways to win.
What are slot machine paylines?｜PHL63
Slot machine paylines or betlines are just as important as RTP (Return to Player) as they determine how often players win. In short, these are the lines on which you can create winning combinations. With a classic three-reel slot machine, players can only make winning combinations on one horizontal payline. But modern slot machines have improved on this, offering players anywhere from 5 to 50 vertical, horizontal and diagonal betting lines.
Here’s a practical example: You can get a slot machine with 20 betting lines. This means players can create winning combinations on one, some or all of the 20 betting lines. In most cases, the game will only pay out if you match adjacent symbols on the leftmost reel. But some modern slot machines allow you to create a winning line anyway.
Slot machine paylines come in two different forms – fixed and adjustable. As the name implies, players cannot adjust the paylines in fixed payline games, while games with adjustable paylines do the opposite. Therefore, if you choose to form a winning combination on a line, you limit your chances of creating a winning formation.
What are the ways to win in slot machines?｜PHL63
Playing online slots with multiple paylines will definitely increase your chances of winning. However, the fact that you can only create winning lines vertically, horizontally or diagonally limits your winning prospects. For this reason, some casino software developers have decided to introduce a way to win features. Don’t worry; in 2023, you can play slots the winning way at top online casino sites.
So, this is how winning slots work; players just need to match symbols on adjacent reels instead of lines. Players earn rewards by landing similar icons anywhere on the first three reels. Many modern slot machines have anywhere from 243 ways to win to over 200,000. A slot machine with a way to win should be more attractive than a game with betting lines.
Megaways slot machine｜PHL63
The method of winning mechanics is not an entirely new concept. However, until Big Time Gaming released the first Megaways slot machine, Bonanza, in 2016, this slot machine system operated on the fringes of most online casino sites. Since then, the game mechanic has become a fan favorite thanks to the thousands of ways to win.
While traditional slot machines have a specific number of icons on the reels, Megaways slots have six reels with symbols that change randomly. In other words, the number of symbols on each reel keeps changing with every spin. Megaways slot can have up to seven symbols per reel. So, if the game has six reels, each supporting up to seven symbols, a player has as many as 117,649 ways to win (7x7x7x7x7x7).
Two way pay slot machine｜PHL63
As mentioned earlier, most slot machines allow players to form winning combinations from the leftmost reel. Note that this payout rule applies to slot machines with betting lines and ways to win. But you can also find a slot machine that allows players to form winning combinations in two ways. In other words, players can start matching symbols from the leftmost or rightmost reel, increasing their chances of winning.
In addition to the two-way pay feature, some slot machines may have unusual game boards with more symbols than usual. A good example is NetEnt’s Wonders of Christmas slot, which features a diamond-shaped grid. Instead of the standard 5×3, 5×4 or 5×5 formations, the game uses a 3x4x5x4x3 layout. But that’s about it, because everything else is the same as the standard five-cord reel.
Megaways Video Slots with Jackpots｜PHL63
Today, most jackpot slot machines use the Megaways mechanism. But what do Megaways have to do with jackpot slots? First of all, there is no relationship whatsoever between online jackpot slots and Megaways. Many jackpot games offer players life-changing sums without using the Megaways mechanism. Microgaming’s Mega Moolah, for example, doesn’t use this innovative slot machine feature despite paying players over $1 billion to date.
But because Megaways slot is capped, if you’re after those big wins, you’d better not play a slot with a fixed jackpot. The Megaways feature only allows players more leeway to create winning formulas, not to increase payouts. So you can play Megaways slot and get a max win of 10,000x, while non-Megaways games can give you 20,000x payouts. Don’t confuse the two!
Paylines vs Ways to Win: Which Is Best?｜PHL63
By now, you might be wondering whether to play 50 paylines online slots or play: Megaways Slots with 117.649 ways to win. This is a good gambling question because it shows that game developers are constantly innovating to improve your slot machine experience.
But honestly, both slot machine features have their own uniqueness. While Megaways online slots are enticing, the game with 50 paylines is by no means flawless. It’s all about your gaming preferences.
Digging deeper to find slot machines that pay both ways is also advisable, as these games can be satisfying. Any serious slot player will appreciate the opportunity to create a winning combination from left to right and vice versa.
Other important slot machine features include RTP, variance and hit frequency. If a machine has a 15% hit rate, it can be difficult to land winning combinations, even on a 50 payline slot machine that pays both ways. But the best OnlineCasinoRank advice is to experiment with the features and find what works best for your play style.
