Slot paylines and ways UK

Slots count wins in a handful of ways.

Ryan JessopBy Ryan Jessop. Last checked .

Key takeaways

  • Paylines: set paths.
  • Both ways: from either edge.
  • Pays anywhere: counts.
  • None changes the RTP.

AnswerFive of seven popular slots use paylines; two pay for eight or more matching symbols anywhere on a grid.

The systems

SystemHow a win formsExample
PaylinesMatching symbols on a set line from the leftBook of Dead
Both waysLines counted from either edgeStarburst
Pays anywhereEight or more matching symbolsGates of Olympus
MegawaysAdjacent reels; changing waysSee Megaways slots

Seven slots

SlotLayoutWays to win
Big Bass Bonanza5 reels, 3 rows10 paylines
Starburst5 reels, 3 rows10 paylines, paying both ways
Sweet Bonanza6 reels, 5 rowsPays anywhere (8 or more matching symbols)
Gates of Olympus6 reels, 5 rowsPays anywhere (8 or more matching symbols)
Book of Dead5 reels, 3 rows10 paylines
Fishin' Frenzy5 reels, 3 rows10 paylines
Fluffy Favourites5 reels, 3 rows25 paylines

Lines and stake

Total bet is line bet times lines. On ten lines at 2p, a "10x" line win returns the cost of the spin.

Selectable lines

Switching lines off cuts cost and chances together. It never improves the return.

Where to play

CasinoReported libraryGames score
Casumo3,500+ games9.0/10
Coral2,000+ games (some reports put it far higher)8.5/10
Ladbrokes2,000+ games8.5/10
PlayOJO2,000+ games (reports range to 7,000 and above)8.5/10
10bet2,000+ games (reports range from 1,200)8.0/10

Ad 18+ only. We may earn commission from these links. Advertiser disclosure

Coral Casino logo

Coral Casino 4.3 out of 5

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100 spins at £0.10 (£10 in spins)

Significant terms: 18+. New players only. Offer runs 01/10/2026 to 01/02/2027. Deposit (certain types excluded) and bet £10+ on slot games to get 100 free spins (selected games, £0.10 each, 48 hrs to accept, valid 7 days). No wagering on free spin winnings. Deposits by Neteller, PayPal, Paysafe, Skrill, prepaid cards and certain debit cards do not qualify. Restrictions and T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org

Read the Coral review Licence: LC International Limited, UKGC account 54743. Offer checked 5 October 2026.

Ladbrokes Casino logo

Ladbrokes Casino 4.2 out of 5

Play £10 on slots, get up to 500 free spins

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Claim at Ladbrokes (advert, opens in a new tab)18+. New customers. T&Cs apply.
Wagering
None
Minimum
£10
Time limit
Claim daily for 10 days; each batch valid 7 days
Worked value
Up to 500 spins at £0.10 (up to £50 in spins)

Significant terms: 18+. New customers only, from 14/11/25 until further notice. Certain deposit methods excluded. Deposit and spend £10+ on slots for 50 free spins a day during the first 10 days after first deposit and registration (max 500, £0.10 each, selected games, claim before 23:59 each day, valid 7 days). No wagering. Prepaid cards, PayPal, Paysafe, Neteller, Skrill and Moneybookers deposits do not qualify. Restrictions and T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org

Read the Ladbrokes review Licence: LC International Limited, UKGC account 54743. Offer checked 5 October 2026.

PlayOJO logo

PlayOJO 4.2 out of 5

80 free spins, no wagering

No wageringFree spins

Claim at PlayOJO (advert, opens in a new tab)18+. New customers. T&Cs apply.
Wagering
None
Minimum
£10
Time limit
See offer terms
Worked value
80 spins at £0.10 (£8 in spins)

Significant terms: 18+. First deposit only. Minimum deposit £10. 80 free spins on Big Bass Bonanza, £0.10 each. No wagering requirements; winnings paid in cash. Cannot be used with any other offer. Only available to players who arrive through the designated offer link. Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org

Read the PlayOJO review Licence: Skill On Net Limited, UKGC account 39326. Offer checked 5 October 2026.

More on slots: Popular slots UK, High volatility slots UK and Jackpot slots UK.

Elsewhere on the site: Best casino games for beginners, House edge explained, Blackjack basic strategy, How to play baccarat and Multiplier roulette UK.

House edges and RTPs are standard published figures for common rules, and are long-run averages. 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 land.

Do more lines mean more wins?

More chances, at more cost.

Which is better?

Neither.

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18+ only. Please gamble responsibly.

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