Both Ways Pay in slots: what does this feature mean?

In many modern online slots, wins are formed in a specific way. For example, you win from left to right across the reels. The Both Ways Pay feature works differently. As the name suggests, winning combinations can be formed in both directions.

This gives you more ways to form a winning combination. In this blog, we explain how Both Ways Pay works, how it differs from traditional paylines and what to look out for when playing a slot with this feature.

What is Both Ways Pay?

Both Ways Pay is a feature that allows winning combinations to form from left to right and from right to left.

In a classic slot, a combination usually starts on the first reel on the left. For example, if the same symbol appears on reels 1, 2 and 3, it may result in a win. If the symbol only appears on reels 2, 3 and 4, this combination usually does not count.

In a slot with Both Ways Pay, a combination can also form from the right. This means symbols appearing in different positions on the reels can still create a winning combination.

How does Both Ways Pay work?

Imagine playing a slot with five reels. A particular symbol appears on the first three reels. Normally, this can form a winning combination if the game pays from left to right.

With Both Ways Pay, the game also checks the opposite direction. If the same symbol appears on reels 5, 4 and 3, this combination may also result in a win.

The feature uses the symbols already appearing on the reels but gives you an additional way to form winning combinations. The exact mechanics vary from one slot to another. Some games combine Both Ways Pay with Wilds, Cascades or other bonus features.

What is the difference between Both Ways Pay and regular paylines?

In traditional slots, paylines determine how symbols must combine to form a win. A slot may have 10, 20 or 50 fixed paylines, for example.

Both Ways Pay works differently. The direction in which symbols appear plays an important role. Instead of only checking combinations from the left, the game can also recognise combinations from the right.

This does not automatically mean you will win more on every spin. The feature mainly changes how winning combinations are formed. Payouts and conditions still depend on the specific slot.

Can the same symbols win in both directions?

Yes. In a slot with Both Ways Pay, winning combinations can form from either side.

Imagine a slot with five reels where the same symbol appears on reels 1, 2, 3 and 4. This can form a combination from the left. If the same symbol also appears on reel 5, the game may recognise a combination from the right as well, depending on its rules. This means that combinations spanning all reels can pay out in both directions when this feature is active.

The exact way multiple combinations are paid depends on the slot. That is why it is always a good idea to check the game's paytable and rules.

Does Both Ways Pay affect the RTP?

Both Ways Pay can be part of the way a slot calculates its payouts, but the feature does not automatically mean the game has a higher RTP.

The RTP, or Return to Player, depends on the game's overall mathematical design. Volatility, payouts, bonus features and the different winning combinations also play a role.

A slot with Both Ways Pay is therefore not necessarily more favourable than a slot with traditional paylines. The feature simply offers another way to form combinations.

Games with Both Ways Pay

Firebird Double 27 1000x Dice

This classic slot from Synot combines Wild symbols with a unique gameplay experience. The game features 54 paylines: 27 from left to right and another 27 in the opposite direction. This feature gives you more ways to win, allowing winning combinations to occur more frequently and multiple wins to happen at the same time.

You can also win various progressive jackpots and double your winnings with the Double Up feature.

Sin City

Sin City by TaDa Gaming uses this feature in a unique way. During the game, you can unlock up to five bonus features, including multipliers and large Wild symbols. One of these bonus features is Both Ways Pay. When it is active, you can win from either direction. Combined with other bonus features that may be active at the same time, it can lead to bigger wins.

Both Ways Pay: more ways to win

Both Ways Pay allows winning combinations to form from left to right and from right to left. This sets the feature apart from traditional slots, where combinations usually have to start from one specific side.

Combined with Wilds, Cascades, Free Spins and other bonus features, Both Ways Pay can create a dynamic gaming experience. The exact mechanics and payouts vary from game to game, so always check the rules before you start playing.

Want to discover Both Ways Pay for yourself? At PepperMill Casino, you can try different online slots in free demo mode and see how this feature works in practice.