Slot Machine Winning Combinations: How Do You Win?
Slot machines remain one of the most popular choices at both land-based and online casinos. If you’re new to them, you might be wondering how winning combinations are formed and what the different symbols actually mean.
Understanding how these combinations work is a simple way to get to grips with the basics. Once you’ve got a handle on it, spinning the reels may become a lot more engaging.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how slot machine combinations are created and what to look out for. Let’s take a closer look.
How Do You Win On Slot Machines?
A win on a slot machine comes when certain symbols line up across the reels in set positions. These line-ups are called “winning combinations”. In most games, a player needs to match the same symbol across a payline, often starting from the first reel on the left.
Slots can have just one payline or dozens, sometimes arranged in zig-zags or different shapes across the display. Some newer games use “ways to win” instead, where matching symbols must land on neighbouring reels, not just on set lines.
Every slot game includes a paytable that shows which symbols pay out and how much each possible combination is worth. Special symbols like wilds help by standing in for others, and scatters may trigger free spins or bonus features, opening up more ways to try to win.
If you intend to play, take some time to check the paytable and game rules beforehand. This gives a clearer view of what to expect from each slot, so your experience won’t come with surprises.
Slot Machine Pay Table: Your Guide To Winning Combinations
The paytable is your reference guide for any slot machine. It lets you see how to create winning combinations and what each symbol is worth.
You can usually view the paytable by pressing an “info” or “help” button within the game. This will typically show:
- All symbols and their values
- How many matching symbols are needed for a win
- Special features like wilds and scatters, and what they do
Some paytables will also explain how many paylines or ways to win a slot gives players. Seeing this ahead of time can help players understand what to look for when the reels are spinning.
If you intend to play, reading the paytable beforehand can help you make more informed choices, as you’ll better understand the potential combinations and how different features might work.
Slot Machine Symbols Explained
Symbols are how the outcome of each spin is decided. Each game will have its own set of designs, but the main symbol types often include:
- Standard Symbols: These are the regular images that appear on the reels. Matching enough of the same symbol usually leads to a payout, as shown on the paytable.
- Wild Symbols: Wilds take the place of other regular symbols to make a winning combination where possible. However, they rarely substitute for scatters or bonus symbols.
- Scatter Symbols: Scatters can pay out wherever they land on the reels; they do not usually need to be on a set line. Often, three or more scatters will trigger free spins or a special bonus round.
- Bonus Symbols: Some games include special bonus icons. These can activate bonus rounds or features with extra ways to try to win.
If you intend to play, it’s helpful to get to know each type of symbol beforehand. By understanding what each symbol does, you’ll spot them more easily.
How Many Symbols Are There On a Slot Machine Reel?
The number of symbols found on a single reel can change from one game to the next. Classic slots often have 10 to 20 unique symbols per reel.
With online slots, developers can include more variety, often adding 30 or more different symbol designs. Special features, such as wilds and scatters, are also more common in online slots.
The total number of symbols and how they combine is set by the game’s software. You can look at the paytable or info screen to see exactly what symbols appear in a particular game.
Does Stopping a Slot Machine Change The Outcome?
Some slots let players pause or stop the reels using a quick button press, and you might wonder if this affects the result.
The outcome of every spin is actually decided the moment a player starts the game, thanks to something called a Random Number Generator (RNG). This means pressing stop does not change where the reels end up or what combination shows up.
The stop feature is there mostly to speed up the pace of the gameplay. The result—what symbols players see—cannot be influenced once the spin begins. It is essential to keep this in mind when approaching slot games.
Play Slot Machines Online at Mr Luck Casino
At Mr Luck, you’ll find a wide selection of online slot machines, all in one place. Our platform is fully licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), so you can play knowing the games are fair and your rights are protected.
Whether you prefer classic slots or more modern titles, there’s something to suit almost every preference. We also offer a range of player tools to help you set limits and manage your experience, so you can enjoy your time on our site responsibly.
Explore the slots we have available at Mr Luck, where your enjoyment and safety are always our top priorities.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to these slot games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.