What does 2-Way Pay mean?
2-Way Pay is a specific gameplay feature that pertains to the manner in which the paylines run on an online slot. It can be translated as "two-way payout." Typically, paylines follow a standard course from left to right, in line with the reader's direction. However, 2-Way Pay introduces an additional direction in which the paylines can run and be read, alongside the regular course.
How does the 2-Way Pay feature work precisely?
Course of the winning lines
At slot machines, the 2-way paylines can run in two directions: the regular left-to-right and the exact reverse, right-to-left, which is also known as bidirectional. Despite the change in direction, the line's exact path remains unchanged.
This is usually indicated in the payout table of the corresponding online slot. Therefore, rows of identical symbols can start on both the left and right reels.
Double lines, double opportunities.
Although a provider in the rules of the game mentions, for example, 10 paylines, the number of predetermined paylines is effectively doubled by 2-Way Pay, so in the example, there would be 20. The course is indeed predetermined, but you can also individually examine each line and its trajectory. This leads to a doubling of the number of lines. As a result, you simply have better chances of achieving winning symbol combinations than with regular slot machines.
Doubled maximum winnings
The unique twist of the 2-Way Pay feature comes into play when you have a maximum symbol series. This means that in a 3-, 4-, or 5-reel slot, you have a row of 3, 4, or 5 identical symbols on a line. With the 2-way payout, such a symbol series can be read in both directions. In this way, you have the opportunity to double your winnings, unless the game rules explicitly state otherwise or exclude such a payout.
Simple missions
Although the 2-Way Pay feature practically doubles the number of lines and sometimes allows for double payments, you only need to place a simple bet. An online slot with 2-Way Pay and, for example, 10 lines, also requires only one wager for the 10 paylines. When you also consider the better odds of winning, slot machines with 2-Way Pay are very promising casino games.