Pay Both Ways Slots: Double the Fun or Double the Confusion?

John Bonello

Updated by John Bonello

Content Editor

Lee James Gwilliam

Fact Checked by Lee James Gwilliam

Senior Vice-President

Last Updated 9th Jul 2025, 03:52 PM

Tell me, inquisitive stranger, are you confused about things that go both ways? Are you scared to leave the house for fear that both ways things might look at you? Then fear not, for this Player's Guide to Pay Both Ways Slots will keep you safe in your hour of judgment and need.

The free-to-read Pay Both Ways Slots Guide details all the things that both ways slots get up to behind closed doors. Learn about their habits and where they hang out. By the time you have finished, you will have the confidence to handle sticky 'both ways' situations. 

Best Pay Both Ways Slots

Secrets of Atlantis Game Logo
Software Provider NetEnt Logo
RTP 97.07%
Volatility Medium
Maximum Win 128000
The Watcher Game Logo
Software Provider Stakelogic Logo
RTP 96.01%
Volatility High
Maximum Win 486000
Nitropolis 5 Game Logo
Software Provider ELK Studios Logo
RTP 94.00%
Volatility High
Maximum Win 2500000
Split Happens Game Logo
Software Provider Thunderkick Logo
RTP 94.16%
Volatility High
Maximum Win 300000
Siberian Storm Game Logo
Software Provider IGT Logo
RTP 96.00%
Volatility Medium
Maximum Win 250000

What Does "Pay Both Ways" Actually Mean?

Pay Both Ways is a mechanism configuration that allows players to not only win with matching symbols aligning the standard left-to-right way on a gaming grid, but also produces wins going from right to left. This mechanism is a somewhat rare feature that can help to bolster winning opportunities.

Albert Slotstein Quantum Reels Retreat, Mirage Mountains Chief Slot Scientist & Volatility Field Tester

Pay Both Ways? Now that’s slot symmetry worth toasting with a quantum martini! Imagine paylines as boomerangs. They don’t just go out, they come roaring back with potential. It’s a rebellious mechanic that flips the reel rulebook, whispers sweet nothings to the leftmost and rightmost reels alike, and dares volatility to keep up. Forward? Backward? Why not both—simultaneously!

Why Players Love Pay Both Ways Slots

When you play slots with Win Both Ways configured into the game, the rules of play are the same, with just one alteration. With a typical slot machine, matching symbols to form a win, be it a payline or adjacent reels, begins with the leftmost reel (reel 1). However, with the Win Both Ways feature, you can also win with matching symbols starting with the rightmost reel. 

With this alternating opportunity, you not only get double the chance to win, but it also adds value to the gaming entertainment that these specialized slots provide. Also, the Pay Both Ways may be part of a slot bonus feature that needs to be activated.

But Wait... Is There a Catch?

So, what are the drawbacks to playing with Win Both Ways slots? Well, firstly, the rate of potential wins is increased, so the developer needs to counter this through some settings. 

  • The obvious way is to lower the values of what symbols are worth. You may win more, but the amounts won't be so overwhelming. 
  • A reduction of the paylines will help to keep control over how frequently wins can be won.
  • Now, you may think that you might win twice, seeing as wins pay both ways. Sadly not. Only the highest-paying combination is paid out.
  • RTP settings can be lowered, and these can be high volatility slots

Now, with this said, feature or no feature, winnings are still determined by luck. Playing a hundred spins of a Win Both Ways slot that has a high volatility with an RTP of 96% carries the same level of risks as any other standard slot machine without Win Both Ways that also has the same volatility and RTP.

Strategy Tips & Player Advice

Does strategy exist in Pay Both Ways online slots? Yes, and it all comes back to free demo slots. At Casinos.com, you can access such games and learn how each performs. Take the time to understand the programming and how each of them works. Use this time to select the games which entertain you most, and which you sense give a better return for your investment. This is the number one tip for any online video slot, by the way.

My next free tip is to check the paytables of games, and research which slots come with value. Essentially, go for games that pay out more for their symbols. Compare what you get for landing three symbols for your bet per spin. You'll discover that not all games pay the same. 

Here are a few more points to take on board. The higher the RTP of a slot, the better. The lower the volatility of a game, the better it is suited for budget players, whilst higher volatility games are more playable for high rollers. 

Ultimately, my advice is… if you're having fun, why stop?

Casinos That Show Love in Both Directions

Looking to go both ways with your next online slot? Well, if you wish to explore such games, here is a list of reputable, tried and tested casinos that offer Win Both Ways slot machines.

These offers are not available in your state.

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Meet The Author

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John Bonello
John Bonello
Content Editor Content Editor

With a passion for words, John is always thinking about what to write next. He has over 12 years of experience working with online content and as an Editor at Casinos.com, John makes sure that readers get the latest and most accurate information about the online gambling industry.

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