How to Read a Casino Game Payout Table Like a Pro
May 19 2025, Published 2:30 a.m. ET
Casino games are exciting, but understanding how payouts work can make your experience even better! Whether you're playing slots, blackjack, or poker, knowing how to read a payout table helps you make smart decisions and get the most out of your bets.
A payout table (or paytable) explains how much money you can win for different bets and combinations. It shows the odds, prize amounts, and special bonuses in the game. By learning how to read it, you can improve your strategy and avoid surprises when playing.
Ready to become a payout table expert? Let’s break it down step by step!
What Is a Casino Game Payout Table?
1. The Basics
A payout table is a chart or screen that tells you how much money you’ll win based on different outcomes. Every casino game has one, whether it’s a slot machine, blackjack, poker, or roulette.
It usually shows:
- Winning combinations (for games like slots and poker)
- How much each combination pays
- Bonus rounds or special features
- Bet sizes and how they affect payouts
2. Why It Matters
Understanding the payout table helps you know:
- Which bets offer the best payouts
- What combinations or strategies give you better chances
- How much you need to bet for bigger prizes
Without this knowledge, you could miss out on potential winnings or play a bet that doesn’t match your expectations.
How to Read a Payout Table
1. Identifying the Key Sections
Most casino payout tables include different sections based on the type of game. Here’s how to read them:
- Slot Machines: Lists winning symbol combinations and their payouts. Some symbols pay more than others, while wild symbols and multipliers can increase winnings.
- Table Games (Blackjack & Poker): Shows the odds for certain hands or bets, like blackjack payouts (3:2 or 6:5).
- Roulette & Craps: Displays different bet types and their payout odds (e.g., straight bets in roulette pay 35:1).
2. Understanding Odds and Multipliers
Payout tables often show numbers like 5x, 10x, or 35:1. These multipliers indicate how much your bet increases when you win. For example, if a slot machine pays 10x for three matching symbols, and you bet $1, you win $10.
Games like blackjack and roulette use ratios instead of multipliers, such as 2:1 or 5:1, showing how much you win compared to your bet.
3. Max Bet and Progressive Jackpot Sections
Some casino games have a “Max Bet” or “Progressive Jackpot” section in the payout table. This means you must bet a certain amount to be eligible for the biggest possible prize. Always check these sections before playing so you don’t miss out!
Common Payout Table Features in Different Games
1. Slot Machines
- Symbols & Payouts: Lists the value of matching symbols.
- Wilds & Scatters: Special symbols that create bonus wins.
- Multipliers: Increase winnings based on combinations.
- Free Spins or Bonus Games: Extra rounds triggered by certain symbols.
2. Blackjack
- Basic Payouts: Winning blackjack pays 3:2 or 6:5, depending on the table rules.
- Side Bets: Some tables offer extra bets with higher payouts, like Perfect Pairs or Insurance.
3. Poker
- Hand Rankings: Shows payout odds for different hands (Royal Flush pays the most).
- Progressive Jackpots: Some video poker games offer jackpots for rare hands.
4. Roulette
- Single Number Bets (Straight Up): Pays 35:1 but has lower chances.
- Red/Black or Odd/Even Bets: Safer bets with payouts of 1:1.
- Column and Dozen Bets: Pay 2:1 with medium-risk odds.
How to Use Payout Tables to Make Better Bets
1. Choose Games with Favorable Payouts
Not all games have equal payout odds. Some offer better chances than others, based on their payout tables. Blackjack, baccarat, and certain slot machines have higher RTP (Return to Player) percentages, meaning better payouts over time.
2. Bet Smart Based on Paytable Info
If a slot machine has high multipliers and free spins, it might offer better long-term value. On the other hand, if a game requires max bets for jackpots, you should only play it if you’re comfortable making larger bets.
3. Avoid High-Risk Bets with Low Payouts
Some casino games tempt players with big payouts, but these bets have lower chances of winning. For example, betting on one single number in roulette (which pays 35:1) is much riskier than betting on red/black (which pays 1:1).
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Conclusion
Reading casino payout tables is essential for making smart bets and maximizing your chances of winning. By understanding symbols, multipliers, and odds, players can make informed decisions before placing bets. Whether you’re playing slots, blackjack, poker, or roulette, knowing how to read a payout table helps you play like a pro.
Next time you're in a casino or playing online, take a moment to study the paytable—it could make all the difference in your game!
