Paylines and ways to win
How a machine decides whether symbols make a win.
By Ryan Jessop. Last checked .
Key takeaways
- Paylines: set paths from the left.
- Ways: adjacent reels, any position.
- Pays anywhere: counts of symbols.
- None changes the RTP.
In shortA payline is a path across the reels. Matching symbols along it, from the leftmost reel, make a win. Newer machines replace lines with ways or counts.
Four systems
| System | How a win forms | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Paylines | Matching symbols on a set line from the left | Book of Dead: 10 lines |
| Both ways | Lines counted from either edge | Starburst |
| Ways to win | Matching symbols on adjacent reels, any row | 243-ways and Megaways machines |
| Pays anywhere | Eight or more matching symbols | Gates of Olympus, Sweet Bonanza |
Lines and cost
Total bet is line bet times number of lines. On ten lines at 2p, a line win of ten times the line bet returns exactly the cost of the spin.
One line to thousands
The first machines had a single line across the middle. Three-line and five-line machines followed, then video machines with 20, 25 and 50. Megaways machines can offer up to 117,649 ways on a spin.
Keep reading: Megaways slot machines, Big Bass Bonanza slot machine, PlayOJO slot machines and Slot machine bankroll guide.
Fixed and selectable lines
Older video machines let you choose how many lines to play. Playing fewer lowers the cost of a spin and the chance of a win in equal measure, and can lock you out of features that need all lines. Most modern machines fix the number.
Why "from the left" matters
On a standard machine three cherries on reels two, three and four pay nothing, because a win must start on the first reel. Both-ways machines and scatter symbols are the exceptions.
Go further: The cherry symbol, Slot machine near misses and Slot machines in Britain.
In other words
Paylines are also written pay lines, win lines or betting lines. Ways to win, all-ways and 243 ways describe the line-free alternative.
Keep reading: Fluffy Favourites slot machine, Hold and win, Slot machine tips and The random number generator.
Slot figures are developers' published defaults, each confirmed against two sources; the version at your casino can differ. UK land-based stake and prize limits and online rule dates were checked against Gambling Commission and licensing authority sources on 6 October 2026. History follows commonly cited accounts. 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.
Do more paylines mean better odds?
No; more chances at more cost.
What is ways to win?
Wins on adjacent reels in any row.
What does pays anywhere mean?
Enough matching symbols win wherever they land.