Reading a Pokies Paytable

Every pokies title ships with a paytable: a reference screen that explains which symbol combinations pay, how paylines or ways-to-win work, and what triggers features. Marketing thumbnails cannot replace it. Before you stake money on an unfamiliar game, open the paytable and info panel; they are the authoritative source for that build of the game, even if aggregator websites list different numbers.

Opening the paytable in your game (method, not a cited source)

Look for an Info, ℹ, ?, or Paytable control inside the game client you are playing. Menus differ by provider and device; this guide does not cite a specific title, build, or paytable screenshot. Use only the panel shown for your session when checking symbol values, line directions, and feature rules.

Symbols, multipliers, and pay directions

Paytables group symbols from low-paying card ranks or gems up to thematic “premium” icons. Each row shows how much you receive for landing three, four, or five matching symbols on an active line, usually as a multiple of your line bet or total bet—the legend at the top clarifies which. Wild symbols substitute for ordinary icons when rules allow, but they rarely replace scatters or special bonus symbols.

Some games pay anywhere on screen (cluster or scatter pays) instead of left-to-right lines. Others use ways mechanics where adjacent reels count as long as symbols touch on consecutive columns. The paytable diagram illustrates the pattern. Misreading direction—assuming a right-to-left pay when the game pays left-only—leads to false expectations about “near wins.”

Paylines, bet sizing, and max win caps

Adjusting “lines” or “ways” changes how much each spin costs even if coin size stays the same. The paytable often includes a grid showing enabled lines. Check minimum and maximum bets in the same panel; they interact with autoplay settings on mobile and desktop clients.

Many modern titles disclose a maximum win cap, such as a multiple of stake or a fixed currency ceiling. Caps matter when marketing shows enormous jackpots that only apply to rare progressive networks. Progressive rules, if present, should appear in a separate tab explaining contribution rates and trigger conditions.

Hypothetical mini-table (illustrative only)

The numbers below are not from any live game — they show how a paytable might express line wins as multiples of the line bet:

Symbol	3 of a kind	4 of a kind	5 of a kind
Cherry (low)	2×	5×	10×
Bell (mid)	5×	15×	40×
Crown (high)	10×	50×	200×

Always read the in-game paytable for the title you are playing; labels and multiples change between games and bet modes.

Scatters, features, and RTP notes

Scatter symbols typically pay when enough appear anywhere visible, and they may also unlock free spins or pick bonuses described in how pokies bonuses and features work. The paytable lists scatter pays separately from line wins. Feature pages explain retrigger rules, multiplier ladders, and whether bonus buys are available.

RTP and volatility summaries sometimes appear at the bottom of the info screen. Tie those figures to our explainer on understanding RTP and volatility: they describe long-run design, not tonight’s session. If RTP differs between base play and purchased features, both numbers should be labelled.

Comparing games and practice modes

Use the paytable to compare titles with similar themes. Two games can look alike while offering different top-symbol multiples or harder-to-trigger bonuses. When trying a game in demo mode—see free play vs real-money pokies—step through the paytable anyway so real-money sessions are not your first time reading rules.

If you are new to online reels, read what online pokies are in Australia for context on random outcomes and licensing checks before depositing. iPokies88 does not recommend specific casinos or promise that reading a paytable improves your odds. It simply helps you know what you are buying with each spin.

Sources consulted

Swipe sideways to read the full sources table.

Source	URL	Accessed	Used for
Liquor & Gaming NSW — How gaming machines work (fact sheet)	https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/resources/how-gaming-machines-work	2026-10-15	Random outcomes and long-term return information — supports RTP notes in the paytable section only; not symbol tables or session forecasts
ACMA — Online gambling services (consumer hub)	https://www.acma.gov.au/online-gambling-services	2026-10-15	Licensed interactive wagering context before depositing — not payline maths or game rules
UK Gambling Commission — LCCP 4.2.1 (customer information)	https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/licensees-and-businesses/lccp/condition/4/2/1	2026-10-15	Comparator only (not AU law): licensee duty to make paytable/RTP information available — supports why players should read in-game panels; does not prove any specific game’s maths