Ways vs Lines: Choosing Between Slot Machines Explained
With so many types of slot machines around, it’s easy to come across terms like ways to win and paylines without being sure what they actually do. Even if you’re familiar with the basics, you might still wonder how each one shapes how outcomes appear—and which might better suit the experience you’re looking for.
This blog post walks through what sets ways and lines apart, how symbols form outcomes, and how bets are worked out on each type. You’ll also see whether games can include both elements—and what that might involve.
Read on to learn more.
How Do Ways to Win Differ From Paylines on Slot Machines?
Ways and lines refer to how a game determines when a group of symbols forms a successful combination.
Paylines follow specific routes across the reels. A result is only counted when matching symbols appear exactly along one of these routes, as defined in the game’s layout. These routes can be horizontal, diagonal or even zigzag—and on some machines, players can decide how many are active for a given spin.
By contrast, ways to win work differently. Symbols don’t have to follow any fixed route. Instead, results are recognised when matching symbols show up on neighbouring reels from the far-left reel onward, regardless of exact position on each reel.
On a 5-reel, 3-row setup, a game offering 243 ways would count a match if the same symbol appears on reel 1, then again on reels 2 and 3. The more reels involved, the more significant the outcome.
So, while paylines depend on strict paths, ways open up more positions where symbols may line up. Both systems follow the rules laid out in each game’s information section, and the machine’s paytable explains exactly how they function.
What Are the Advantages of Ways Slots Compared to Lines Slots?
Ways slots don’t rely on choosing specific routes. Every spin includes all symbol positions that qualify on adjacent reels, so there’s no need to select anything beforehand.
Because these games use all available positions, matches can form across a wider range of reel layouts. As a result, ways slots may feel more dynamic to some players, since more positions may contribute to a win.
Betting also follows a more streamlined format. In ways games, a single stake typically applies to every possible match position, so you don’t select individual routes. This means the total per spin is typically easy to understand without needing to break it down by line.
It’s worth noting that the system used—whether ways or lines—doesn’t affect the machine’s underlying payout structure or how results are generated. That’s handled in the background by the machine itself. The difference lies in how a spin is evaluated on the reels.
If you choose to play a ways game, you’re essentially using a format that focuses on adjacent matches rather than preset routes, and this can feel very different to line-based setups.
How Do Paylines Work on Traditional Slot Machines?
In a lines slot, each route is clearly defined. Matching symbols only count if they land exactly along one of these paths and in the sequence shown in the game’s display.
The number of these routes varies. Some classic machines use only one horizontal path, while many video slots offer 10, 20, or even 50. On machines that allow it, you can choose how many of these to activate per spin, and the stake is applied to each active route.
For example, if a machine has 20 paylines and you set £0.05 per line, your total bet is £1 per spin. Reducing the number of active lines lowers the total, but only those selected lines can register a match.
This format means only specific placements count. A match just outside an active path won’t register, even if it would have been counted on a ways-based setup.
So, if you’re playing a lines slot, the alignment of symbols matters not just in appearance, but also in precise position relative to the chosen routes.
Can You Find Slots That Offer Both Ways and Lines?
Some modern machines let you choose between the two systems—ways or lines—within the same game. The reels and symbols don’t change, but the method for evaluating outcomes does.
This kind of setup gives you the option to try either method in one game. It’s less commonly found than single-mode games, but when it’s available, you’ll usually see a toggle or setting clearly marked.
In these hybrid slots, it’s important to check how the total stake is calculated depending on which mode you’re using. Some games apply different minimums or change the multiplier behind the scenes depending on whether you’ve selected ways or lines. The paytable usually outlines these differences in detail.
So, if you’re trying a game like this, make sure to review how outcomes are counted and how the stake applies before getting started. The structure can shift quite a bit between modes, even within the same reel layout.
Does Choosing Ways or Lines Affect Your Chance of Winning?
Whether a slot uses ways or lines has no effect on how its outcomes are determined overall. Every game has a predefined percentage called Return to Player (RTP)—a theoretical figure that represents how much, on average, a game is designed to pay back to players, on average, over time. It’s a long-term statistical average, calculated across many spins and player sessions, showing what proportion of total stakes a game is expected to return during extended play.
For example, a game with a 96% RTP is theoretically designed to return £96 for every £100 wagered. However, this does not mean a player will receive £96 back for every £100 they play. RTP does not predict individual outcomes, and results may vary significantly due to chance.
Slot results are determined by a Random Number Generator (RNG), ensuring each spin is independent and unpredictable.
What may vary is how results appear from spin to spin. A lines-based setup relies on matches along exact routes, while a ways-based system registers matches across adjacent reels. Designers often adjust how frequently wins occur—or how much they pay—to suit the structure in use.
This is why two games with the same RTP may feel quite different. One might produce more frequent, smaller wins, while another pays less often but offers higher potential combinations.
If you choose to place a bet, your preference might lean towards one style over another. For example, you may find adjacent matches more appealing, or prefer choosing specific paylines. Either way, the game’s information section will display the RTP, win mechanics, and any special features, helping you make an informed comparison.
Always remember to play responsibly. Set limits, stick to them, and treat gambling as a form of entertainment—not a way to make money.
How Does Betting Differ Between Ways and Lines Slots?
Betting on a lines slot is based on how many paths you activate and how much you place on each. So, the total is calculated by multiplying the number of selected lines by the stake per line. For example, selecting 25 lines at £0.04 per line results in a £1 total stake. Reduce the number of lines, and the stake decreases—along with the number of positions that can count for a match.
Ways slots use a different approach. Since all positions across adjacent reels are included by default, you typically place a single bet that covers the entire setup. Many machines show this as a multiplier. For instance, a 243-ways game might use a 20x multiplier, meaning that setting your unit value to £0.05 results in a £1 spin, with all ways included.
Because of these differences, you might prefer to compare the total per spin across games, rather than line or unit values by themselves. Each game’s paytable explains how your stake translates into possible outcomes and how combinations are evaluated.
And as always, if you choose to engage with these games, it’s important to do so within your own limits and priorities. Games are designed to be enjoyable, not relied on for gains.
Play Slots at King Casino
If you’re curious to see how different slot styles work in practice, we’ve got a wide selection of titles here at King Casino. Every game includes clear information on features, paytables, and how outcomes are recognised, so you can see exactly how each one is set up.
As a site licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), we also offer tools to help you manage how you interact with the platform, such as deposit limits, session reminders, and the option to take breaks. Our support team is available if you have any questions about how the games work or how to set things up.
If you’d like to explore our collection, you’re welcome to create an account at King Casino, add funds to play with, and browse the titles we have available.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
With so many types of slot machines around, it’s easy to come across terms like ways to win and paylines without being sure what they actually do. Even if you’re familiar with the basics, you might still wonder how each one shapes how outcomes appear—and which might better suit the experience you’re looking for.
This blog post walks through what sets ways and lines apart, how symbols form outcomes, and how bets are worked out on each type. You’ll also see whether games can include both elements—and what that might involve.
Read on to learn more.
How Do Ways to Win Differ From Paylines on Slot Machines?
Ways and lines refer to how a game determines when a group of symbols forms a successful combination.
Paylines follow specific routes across the reels. A result is only counted when matching symbols appear exactly along one of these routes, as defined in the game’s layout. These routes can be horizontal, diagonal or even zigzag—and on some machines, players can decide how many are active for a given spin.
By contrast, ways to win work differently. Symbols don’t have to follow any fixed route. Instead, results are recognised when matching symbols show up on neighbouring reels from the far-left reel onward, regardless of exact position on each reel.
On a 5-reel, 3-row setup, a game offering 243 ways would count a match if the same symbol appears on reel 1, then again on reels 2 and 3. The more reels involved, the more significant the outcome.
So, while paylines depend on strict paths, ways open up more positions where symbols may line up. Both systems follow the rules laid out in each game’s information section, and the machine’s paytable explains exactly how they function.
What Are the Advantages of Ways Slots Compared to Lines Slots?
Ways slots don’t rely on choosing specific routes. Every spin includes all symbol positions that qualify on adjacent reels, so there’s no need to select anything beforehand.
Because these games use all available positions, matches can form across a wider range of reel layouts. As a result, ways slots may feel more dynamic to some players, since more positions may contribute to a win.
Betting also follows a more streamlined format. In ways games, a single stake typically applies to every possible match position, so you don’t select individual routes. This means the total per spin is typically easy to understand without needing to break it down by line.
It’s worth noting that the system used—whether ways or lines—doesn’t affect the machine’s underlying payout structure or how results are generated. That’s handled in the background by the machine itself. The difference lies in how a spin is evaluated on the reels.
If you choose to play a ways game, you’re essentially using a format that focuses on adjacent matches rather than preset routes, and this can feel very different to line-based setups.
How Do Paylines Work on Traditional Slot Machines?
In a lines slot, each route is clearly defined. Matching symbols only count if they land exactly along one of these paths and in the sequence shown in the game’s display.
The number of these routes varies. Some classic machines use only one horizontal path, while many video slots offer 10, 20, or even 50. On machines that allow it, you can choose how many of these to activate per spin, and the stake is applied to each active route.
For example, if a machine has 20 paylines and you set £0.05 per line, your total bet is £1 per spin. Reducing the number of active lines lowers the total, but only those selected lines can register a match.
This format means only specific placements count. A match just outside an active path won’t register, even if it would have been counted on a ways-based setup.
So, if you’re playing a lines slot, the alignment of symbols matters not just in appearance, but also in precise position relative to the chosen routes.
Can You Find Slots That Offer Both Ways and Lines?
Some modern machines let you choose between the two systems—ways or lines—within the same game. The reels and symbols don’t change, but the method for evaluating outcomes does.
This kind of setup gives you the option to try either method in one game. It’s less commonly found than single-mode games, but when it’s available, you’ll usually see a toggle or setting clearly marked.
In these hybrid slots, it’s important to check how the total stake is calculated depending on which mode you’re using. Some games apply different minimums or change the multiplier behind the scenes depending on whether you’ve selected ways or lines. The paytable usually outlines these differences in detail.
So, if you’re trying a game like this, make sure to review how outcomes are counted and how the stake applies before getting started. The structure can shift quite a bit between modes, even within the same reel layout.
Does Choosing Ways or Lines Affect Your Chance of Winning?
Whether a slot uses ways or lines has no effect on how its outcomes are determined overall. Every game has a predefined percentage called Return to Player (RTP)—a theoretical figure that represents how much, on average, a game is designed to pay back to players, on average, over time. It’s a long-term statistical average, calculated across many spins and player sessions, showing what proportion of total stakes a game is expected to return during extended play.
For example, a game with a 96% RTP is theoretically designed to return £96 for every £100 wagered. However, this does not mean a player will receive £96 back for every £100 they play. RTP does not predict individual outcomes, and results may vary significantly due to chance.
Slot results are determined by a Random Number Generator (RNG), ensuring each spin is independent and unpredictable.
What may vary is how results appear from spin to spin. A lines-based setup relies on matches along exact routes, while a ways-based system registers matches across adjacent reels. Designers often adjust how frequently wins occur—or how much they pay—to suit the structure in use.
This is why two games with the same RTP may feel quite different. One might produce more frequent, smaller wins, while another pays less often but offers higher potential combinations.
If you choose to place a bet, your preference might lean towards one style over another. For example, you may find adjacent matches more appealing, or prefer choosing specific paylines. Either way, the game’s information section will display the RTP, win mechanics, and any special features, helping you make an informed comparison.
Always remember to play responsibly. Set limits, stick to them, and treat gambling as a form of entertainment—not a way to make money.
How Does Betting Differ Between Ways and Lines Slots?
Betting on a lines slot is based on how many paths you activate and how much you place on each. So, the total is calculated by multiplying the number of selected lines by the stake per line. For example, selecting 25 lines at £0.04 per line results in a £1 total stake. Reduce the number of lines, and the stake decreases—along with the number of positions that can count for a match.
Ways slots use a different approach. Since all positions across adjacent reels are included by default, you typically place a single bet that covers the entire setup. Many machines show this as a multiplier. For instance, a 243-ways game might use a 20x multiplier, meaning that setting your unit value to £0.05 results in a £1 spin, with all ways included.
Because of these differences, you might prefer to compare the total per spin across games, rather than line or unit values by themselves. Each game’s paytable explains how your stake translates into possible outcomes and how combinations are evaluated.
And as always, if you choose to engage with these games, it’s important to do so within your own limits and priorities. Games are designed to be enjoyable, not relied on for gains.
Play Slots at King Casino
If you’re curious to see how different slot styles work in practice, we’ve got a wide selection of titles here at King Casino. Every game includes clear information on features, paytables, and how outcomes are recognised, so you can see exactly how each one is set up.
As a site licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), we also offer tools to help you manage how you interact with the platform, such as deposit limits, session reminders, and the option to take breaks. Our support team is available if you have any questions about how the games work or how to set things up.
If you’d like to explore our collection, you’re welcome to create an account at King Casino, add funds to play with, and browse the titles we have available.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
