Payline slots are slot machines that use patterns of lines behind the reels. Symbols land on the rails, and if they follow these paylines, then this counts as a combination win. Most games come with fixed paylines, and some give you the option to adjust the number of paylines you want to bet on. Today, we have 1 up 100 payline pokies and slots, and in this guide, we’re going to explain each one as well as give you demos to try each one out.
Table of Contents
What is a payline, and how do paylines work?
A payline on its own is a line that runs horizontally either directly from the left side of a slot to the right side or zig zags its way across the reels.
When the reels spin on a slot machine and symbols land in place, if the same symbols follow the exact path of the payline, then you are paid for a symbol combination win.
It is important to note that the first symbol must always land on reel 1, and then follow across subsequent adjacent reels for the combination to be counted as complete.
For example, you can land the following combination wins across a payline:
- 2-Symbol Combination Win = Same symbols on reels 1-2
- 3-Symbol Combination Win = Same symbols on reels 1-2-3
- 4-Symbol Combination Win = Same symbols on reels 1-2-3-4
- 5-Symbol Combination Win = Same symbols on reels 1-2-3-4-5
Typically, symbols on payline slots line up from left to right, but there are also online slot and pokie games that payout combination wins when symbols line up from right to left, known as pay both ways slot games.
Pay Both Ways Payline Slots
‘Pay Both Way’ payline slots allow symbols to line up across paylines from left to right and right to left. Therefore, you can land a 3-symbol combination win when the first symbol lands on reel 5 and subsequent like symbols run through a payline that runs across reels 4, 3, 2 and 1.
The table below compares the two different ways payline slots can line up symbols, either from left to right or from right to left:
| Combination Win | Left-to-Right | Right-to-Left (Pay Both Ways) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Symbols | Same symbols on reels 1-2 | Same symbols on reels 5-4 |
| 3 Symbols | Same symbols on reels 1-2-3 | Same symbols on reels 5-4-3 |
| 4 Symbols | Same symbols on reels 1-2-3-4 | Same symbols on reels 5-4-3-2 |
| 5 Symbols | Same symbols on reels 1-2-3-4-5 | Same symbols on reels 5-4-3-2-1 |
Paylines and Player Strategy
Paylines directly influence how you manage your bankroll and shape the kind of experience you’ll have on a slot. The more paylines a slot has, the more your bet size increases, since each line must be covered for a full spin. That’s why a 20-payline slot with a €/$0.10 coin value costs €/$2 per spin, while a single-line slot with the same coin value only costs €/$0.10.
Another important factor is volatility. Slots with fewer paylines usually deliver fewer hits but can pay out bigger when a line lands.
On the other hand, slots with many paylines hit more frequently, but wins are often smaller and steadier. RTP (Return to Player) doesn’t change with paylines alone, but covering more lines means you’re more likely to see that RTP come back to you over time.
| Payline Setup | Bet Size Per Spin | Volatility | Player Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–5 Paylines | Low | High | Bigger swings, less frequent wins, higher payout potential |
| 10–25 Paylines | Medium | Balanced | Mix of steady wins and occasional bigger hits |
| 30+ Paylines | High | Low | Frequent small wins, smoother bankroll curve |
Testing Payline Slots For Yourself Via Free Play Demos
To help you find some of the best payline online slots, we have listed free play demo games in the categories below.
You can open each of these games and then open the paytable, where there will be a visual demonstration of each payline these slots and pokie games use. For example, a 10-payline slot will show you the patterns used for each payline using 10 pictures as per the image at the beginning of this guide. A 20-payline slot will show you 20 images to depict all 20 lines used to form combination wins. Once you have opened up two or three pay tables, you will be an expert at explaining what payline slot games are and how paylines work.
Classic 1 to 3 Payline Slot Demos
9 Payline Slot Demos
10 Payline Slot Demos
15 Payline Slot Demos
20 Payline Slot Demos
25 Payline Slot Demos
50 Payline Slot Demos
Find Payline Slot and Pokie Bonuses
Here at Casinoplusbonus, we’ve added no deposit bonus and deposit bonus pages, where you will find opportunities to claim a promotional offer at an online casino where you’ll either receive a bonus without making a deposit or a bonus when you make a deposit. Many of these promos come with free spins on payline slot games, and the bonus money balance you earn can be used to test out payline slot games.
Slots and Pokies Bonuses Explained: Find out how online slot bonus deals work via our online slot bonus guide here on Casinoplusbonus.
Looking for your next payline slot game?
Now you know how payline slots use patterns behind the reels that symbols must follow from left to right, and right to left in some cases, to form combinations. You will now also be aware that the first symbol in a combination must begin on reel 1 (or reel 5 for pay both ways slots) and run across adjacent reels. Now that you are a payline slot and pokie game expert, you can test out payline slots and spin the reels on free-play slot games.
Here’s a quick recap:
- Paylines are patterns behind the reels of an online slot or pokie game
- When the reels stop spinning, any symbols that follow a payline will trigger a combination win
- The first symbol must always begin on the first reel
- Symbols must run from reel 1 left to right on consecutive adjacent reels for the combination win to count
- There are also pay both way slot and pokie machine games that line up symbol combinations from right to left
If you are looking for a site that helps you specifically find payline slot games, the best sites are those that offer filters, allowing you to sort games by paylines. In the accompanying table, we have listed software providers that create online slot and pokies games that use filters on their sites to help you test free play versions of payline slots they have developed.
| Software Provider Demo Games | Licensing Certificates Held | Countries Available |
|---|---|---|
| BGaming Payline Demo Slots | MGA | IE, CA, NZ, SA, IN |
| Endorphina Payline Demo Slots | MGA | IE, CA, NZ, SA, IN |
| Realistic Games All Demo Slots |
UKGC / MGA | UK, IE, CA, NZ, SA, IN |
| Pragmatic Play All Demo Slots | UKGC / MGA / AGCO | UK, IE, CA, NZ, SA, IN |
| Blueprint Gaming All Demo Slots | UKGC / MGA / AGCO | UK, IE, CA, NZ, SA, IN |
Alternative reel mechanics: To find alternative online slot machines and pokies that use reel mechanics that are different from payline slots, take a look at our guide that covers ‘Types of Slot Machine Reel Mechanics Explained‘, where you will find games that don’t use paylines!
Payline Slot Machine FAQ
What is the highest RTP payline online slot available globally?
We would have to choose Thunderkick’s 1429 Uncharted Seas slot title, which has a 98.6% RTP. It is a 25-payline slot game available under the UKGC and MGA licensing, plus you will also find it available at Curacao and Anjouan online casinos, making it widely available in multiple jurisdictions.
Are more paylines always better when choosing a slot?
Not necessarily. A 100-payline pokie offers more frequent small wins, but a 9-payline classic slot may deliver bigger hits on fewer paylines. It comes down to your personal style of play and your bet sizing, as well as your bankroll management strategy.
Can I change the number of paylines when playing online slots?
Yes, but not on fixed payline games. Some slots like Book of Dead by Play’n GO and a large number of Betsoft slot games come with adjustable paylines where you can choose 1 to 10 or 1 to 30 paylines. Ultimately, it is down to the online slot or pokie game you choose.
Do Megaways or Cluster Pays video slot games use paylines?
No, they do not, which is why they are also referred to as no-payline slot machines. Instead, they calculate wins based on symbols on adjacent reels or adjacent symbols for matching clusters, making paylines irrelevant. Also, Megaways and Cluster Pays use different reel mechanics to create combination wins.
How do wild symbols help create symbol combinations on payline slots?
While the same symbols need to run across a payline to create a combination win, there is an exception to the rule. If the wild symbol is on the payline alongside another set of like symbols, then it acts as a wildcard and substitutes for one of the symbols. This will then trigger a combination win.
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