Paylines and ways to win
Slots count wins in three main ways. Knowing which one you are playing makes the screen readable.
By Ryan Jessop. Last checked .
Key takeaways
- Paylines: set paths across the reels.
- Both ways: lines counted from either edge.
- Pays anywhere: counts, not lines.
- None changes the RTP.
Three systems
| System | How a win forms | Our examples |
|---|---|---|
| Paylines | Matching symbols on a set line, left to right | Big Bass Bonanza, Book of Dead, Fishin' Frenzy, Fluffy Favourites |
| Both ways | As paylines, counted from either edge | Starburst |
| Pays anywhere | Eight or more matching symbols anywhere | Gates of Olympus, Sweet Bonanza |
Lines and your stake
On a payline slot the total bet is the line bet times the number of lines. Ten lines at 2p is 20p a spin. Wins are paid as multiples of the line bet, which is why a "10x" line win on that spin is 20p, not £2.
Ways and Megaways
Some slots drop fixed lines for "ways": any matching symbols on adjacent reels from the left. Megaways games vary the number of symbols per reel on each spin, changing the number of ways. We do not review a Megaways slot yet.
Scatter pays
Scatters ignore every system: they count wherever they land.
Which is better
None. The pay system shapes the experience; the RTP and volatility are set separately.
More guides: How to choose a slot, Slot myths debunked and Slot bankroll guide.
Our seven slots
| Slot | System | Count |
|---|---|---|
| Big Bass Bonanza | Paylines | 10 paylines |
| Starburst | Both-ways paylines | 10 paylines, paying both ways |
| Sweet Bonanza | Pays anywhere | Pays anywhere (8 or more matching symbols) |
| Gates of Olympus | Pays anywhere | Pays anywhere (8 or more matching symbols) |
| Book of Dead | Paylines | 10 paylines |
| Fishin' Frenzy | Paylines | 10 paylines |
| Fluffy Favourites | Paylines | 25 paylines |
Reading a win
Take a 20p spin on a ten-line slot: the line bet is 2p. Three matching symbols on one line that pay 5x return 10p, less than the spin cost. UK rules stop the game celebrating that as a win, and you should not count it as one either.
Cluster pays
A further system, not used by our seven, pays for groups of matching symbols touching each other on a grid. It behaves much like pays-anywhere, with tumbles after each win.
Choosing by system
If you like to see exactly why a spin paid, choose paylines. If you prefer constant movement and do not mind counting, choose a grid.
Slot figures are developers' published defaults, each confirmed against two sources; your 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; the RTP is unchanged.
What is both ways?
Lines counted from either edge.