Payout Structures
How Pennsylvania Skill games translate base outcomes and skill inputs into payouts. This chapter explains paytables, upgrade paths, volatility tiers, caps, tickets, and dispute-proof transparency.
Introduction
A paytable is the contract between game and player. It lists what patterns pay and by how much. In PA Skill, the contract includes a determinative skill step that can upgrade base results.
Paytable Basics
Most titles pay for lines, clusters, or hands. The table below shows a generic structure for line-matching titles at a $1 wager.
| Pattern | Base Payout | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 3 in a row | 2× | Common, small win |
| 4 in a row | 5× | Less common |
| 5 in a row | 20× | Rare, high value |
| Special symbol | 10× | Triggers feature |
| Jackpot pattern | 50×–200× | Title-dependent |
Skill Upgrades & Paths
Upgradeable states are base outcomes that a correct action can convert into higher-paying patterns.
Common Upgrade Types
- Swap: Move one tile to complete a line.
- Pick: Reveal a hidden card that improves a hand.
- Pattern: Identify the missing icon to finish a set.
Outcome Logic
- Skip prompt → base payout applies.
- Correct prompt → upgraded payout applies.
- Incorrect prompt → base payout remains.
Illustrative Upgrade Table
| Base State | Base Payout | Correct Skill | Upgraded Payout |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 in a row showing | 5× | Swap in fifth symbol | 20× |
| Pair in card grid | 1× | Pick card to make three-of-a-kind | 3×–5× |
| Two corners matched | 0× | Identify correct tile to complete square | 4× |
Volatility Tiers
Volatility expresses how bumpy payouts feel. Low volatility pays smaller amounts more often; high volatility pays larger amounts less often.
Low
- Frequent 1×–3× hits
- Fewer jackpots
- Good for learning prompts
Medium
- Balanced small and mid wins
- Occasional 10×–20×
- Most common default
High
- Long dry spells
- Rare big hits (50×+)
- For experienced players only
Caps, Limits, Tickets
Caps & Limits
- Max payout per round: Title-defined ceiling.
- Max bet per round: Venue or title limit.
- Session rules: House limits for safety.
Tickets & Redemption
- Cash-out prints a ticket with value and timestamp.
- Redeem at counter; ID check at staff discretion.
- Broken printer → call staff; do not leave without record.
Worked Examples
Example A: Line Game ($1 wager)
- Base shows 4 in a row → base payout 5× = $5.
- Prompt offers swap to make 5 in a row.
- Correct swap → upgraded payout 20× = $20.
Net effect: Skill added +$15 beyond base.
Example B: Pick Game ($0.50 wager)
- Base shows pair → base payout 1× = $0.50.
- Pick one of three hidden cards.
- Correct pick forms three-of-a-kind → 4× = $2.00.
Net effect: Skill multiplied the result by 4×.
Format Comparisons
| Factor | PA Skill | Slots | Lottery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Determinative skill step | Yes | No | No |
| Payout transparency | On-screen table + prompts | Theme-dependent | Printed odds |
| Player influence | Accuracy changes result | None | None |
| Session control | High | Low | Low |
Operator Transparency
Post & Display
- Show paytable and volatility notes.
- Explain “random draw + skill upgrade.”
- List ticket redemption rules and hours.
Log & Reconcile
- Daily meter reports and cash counts.
- Incident log for disputes or malfunctions.
- Printer tests at open and close.
Player Takeaways
- Read the paytable before wagering.
- Use small, steady bets while learning prompts.
- Track correct prompt rate; aim for improvement.
- Cash out to ticket regularly to lock gains.
FAQ
Do paytables change mid-session?
No. Paytables are fixed by title/version. The variable is your skill input.
Is a bigger bet more likely to hit?
No. Bet size changes payout size, not probability. It increases variance.
What if a ticket fails to print?
Call staff immediately. Request a meter print or manual voucher with timestamp and cabinet ID.
Can I verify payouts?
Yes. Ask staff to open the help/paytable screen. Operators can print or photograph posted tables.