Video slots – how many paylines?

The first slot machine ever built had three reels, five symbols and a single payline. Since then technology has evolved beyond physical reels, and the number of winning combinations and paylines has evolved with it. Nowadays slot machines can have an overwhelming number of 12 reels, and a huge number, up to 25 paylines.

The number of maximum paylines available on slot machines is limited by the number of winning combinations that can be formed using the symbols on the reels. The maximum number of paylines on a classic, three-reel slot machine is three, while the maximum number of paylines on a five reel machine is at least five, or more. The most common multi-payline slots have a number of 3 to 25 paylines.

Multi – payline slots offer players the choice to bet on one or more paylines, depending on the number of units they are willing to bet. Usually, betting one unit – credit or coin – will ativate one payline, and with the addition of every new unit the number of active paylines increases. There are special buttons placed on slot machines that allow to increase player bets either one by one (Bet One), or straight to the maximum (Bet max).

When playing on a multi-payline slot machine, players have to be aware of the amount every unit or credit represents. While on a 25-cent slot machine with 20 paylines the maximum amount of the bet is just $5, when it comes to high-roller slot machines, the base credit amount can be much higher, and this can lead to bets of unexpected amounts. These bets, although offer a higher chance of winning and more generous payouts, can ruin a player’s bankroll in no time.

Multiple paylines increase not only the amount of your bets, but also the chances of winning. If on a classic slot machine you had three reels and one payline, on a multi-payline machine you can have, for example, five reels with at least five paylines, increasing the chance of forming a winning combination five times. Also, any spin can bring you more than one winning combinations per spin, increasing your playtime – when playing for fun – or your bankroll.

When playing video slots online or offline, for fun or for real money, multi payline slot machines will help you have more fun and maximize your chances of winning. Just always be aware of the amount you are betting per payline.
Good luck.