Comparing Slot Machines: Fixed vs Adjustable Paylines
Slot machines may look similar on the surface, but the way they decide winning patterns can differ quite a bit. One of the biggest differences is how their paylines work.
This blog explains the two main types — fixed and adjustable paylines — and how each one can affect your stake, the patterns you cover, and the overall experience. By understanding these differences, you can make choices that match how you prefer to play and what you’re comfortable spending.
We’ll also cover some key terms so that, even if you’ve never played before, you’ll know what each setting means and how it works in practice.
What Are Fixed and Adjustable Paylines?
A payline is a specific pattern across the reels where matching symbols must land for a payout to occur. These patterns can run straight across, zigzag, or take more unusual routes, depending on the game’s design.
In a slot with fixed paylines, every possible line is active on every spin. If a game has 20 paylines, each spin includes all 20 without the option to change that number. Your stake will always cover all of them.
With adjustable paylines, you decide how many lines to activate before spinning. If a slot has up to 25 lines, you might choose to play 25, 15, or even just one. Fewer lines means fewer possible winning patterns for that spin, but it also lowers the cost of the stake.
Paylines work in combination with a Random Number Generator (RNG), a piece of software that produces unpredictable results every time you spin. This ensures each outcome is independent and cannot be influenced by any previous results.
How Do Fixed Payline Slots Work?
In a fixed payline slot, the cost of each spin is based on all lines being active. Some games ask you to choose a bet per line, which is then multiplied by the number of lines. For example, at 10p per line with 20 lines, your total stake would be £2. Others let you set a single total stake, which is then divided equally across the lines.
Each line has a pre-set path. These can vary from straight horizontal lines, to patterns that jump between reels in different positions. The paytable — a built-in guide — shows exactly how these lines are arranged and which symbol combinations pay out. It will also note if certain symbols, such as wilds or scatters, work differently from the standard rules.
Because you cannot deactivate lines, you will always have full coverage of the game’s line patterns. However, this also means you cannot reduce the cost of a spin by reducing the number of active lines.
How Do Adjustable Payline Slots Work?
Adjustable payline slots give you the option to change the number of lines in play before each spin. If you select fewer lines, the total stake is reduced because the game only counts the active lines in the calculation.
For example, if the bet per line is 20p and you activate 10 lines, your total stake is £2. If you reduce this to 5 lines, the total stake becomes £1. However, only those 5 lines can return line-based payouts for that spin. If a winning pattern appears on an inactive line, no payout is awarded for it.
The paytable shows all possible line layouts, even those that might be inactive for a spin. It also explains features such as scatters, which can sometimes pay regardless of paylines. Adjustable paylines are often chosen by players who want the option to alter coverage and cost from spin to spin.
Fixed VS Adjustable Payline Slots – Which Is Better?
Whether fixed or adjustable paylines suit you more depends on how you prefer to manage your gameplay. Fixed paylines keep the same setup every time you spin. This avoids the possibility of missing a potential payout because a line was not active.
Adjustable paylines provide the flexibility to play fewer lines, which can lower the total stake. This also means accepting the chance that a win could appear on a line you have deactivated.
Neither format changes the underlying randomness of outcomes. The RNG still determines symbol positions, and there is no setting that can guarantee a return. Some players may prefer the certainty of fixed coverage, while others might like being able to change the number of active lines to match their budget.
Do More Paylines Mean More Chances To Win?
Activating more paylines increases the number of patterns covered on a spin. This may make it more likely to match symbols along at least one active line. However, the total stake also rises with each additional line in play.
As an example, imagine a slot with 20 lines where a small win might occur on around 1 in every 5 spins on average. Playing all lines means you could see more frequent small wins, but it also means a higher cost per spin compared to playing fewer lines.
No number of paylines can guarantee a win, because the RNG decides symbol positions independently for each spin. You could activate every line and still have spins without a payout.
Which Type of Payline Slot Is Best?
The “best” type depends entirely on personal preference. Fixed paylines suit those who want consistent coverage without making adjustments each time. Adjustable paylines suit those who prefer the option of reducing the stake by lowering the number of lines in play.
It can be useful to look at the paytable and line diagrams before playing, especially if the game is unfamiliar. This can help you understand how wins are awarded and whether features like scatters, bonus symbols or “both ways” wins may apply.
Are Payouts Affected by Payline Types?
The payout amount for a winning combination on a line is the same whether you are playing one line or all lines. What changes is how many opportunities you have for that combination to land on an active line.
Game payout percentages, known as Return to Player (RTP) figures, are a theoretical long-term measure. For example, an RTP of 96% means that, over a very large number of spins across all players, the game is designed to return £96 for every £100 wagered. This is not a prediction of what you will personally receive, and individual results can vary greatly.
Play Slots Online
Rose Casino offers a wide choice of real money online slots with both fixed and adjustable paylines.
As a casino licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, Rose Casino follows strict standards for fairness and player protection. Log in or join Rose Casino to browse slots from trusted software providers.
Each slot’s payline layout, features and staking options are explained on the game pages, which can help you choose a setup that fits your budget.
Tools to help you play safely are available, including deposit limits and time-outs. Only play with money you can afford to lose, and seek support if you ever need help with gambling.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these slot games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**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.