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Casino Terms Glossary
Pays only when lit — is a slot machine instruction indicating that a symbol, payline, or feature pays only while its lamp or on‑screen indicator is illuminated (active). Common on classic reel cabinets and some video slots, it ties certain wins to a specific state such as max-bet, a toggled line set, or a temporary bonus mode, guiding how you read the paytable as a player.
Understanding Pays only when lit
In casino gambling, Pays only when lit meaning refers to a conditional payout: the term tells you a win is valid only when the relevant light or UI state is on. The Pays only when lit definition highlights activation by bet level, feature toggle, or bonus. This matters because expecting a prize when unlit leads to confusion, volatility spikes, and bankroll drift. At 101RTP, we review slots and let you test stakes with our Slot Simulator and Bonus Value Score so you can see how lit-only features affect outcomes and bonus-clearing value before you play.
Examples of Pays only when lit
Here are practical examples of Pays only when lit you’ll see in casinos and online:
- Classic fruit machine: A CHERRY lamp beside reel 1 pays 2× your bet only while that CHERRY light is on; unlit cherries don’t pay.
- Payline activation: The 5th payline lamp lights at max bet; that line pays only when lit, so partial bets leave it inactive.
- Bonus panel: A DOUBLE JACKPOT top‑box light turns on during a bonus; those doubled prizes pay only while the panel is lit.
- Video slot toggle: A special “Hotline”/“Feature Row” glows when enabled; wild upgrades pay only while the glow is on.
FAQs
What does Pays only when lit mean on a slot machine?
It means a specific symbol, payline, or feature pays only when its lamp or on‑screen indicator is illuminated. If it’s dark, the payout doesn’t apply. This term helps a player read the paytable correctly, avoid miscounting wins, and understand what is truly active during gambling.
How can I tell which symbols or lines pay only when lit?
Look for small lamps next to reels, glowing UI badges, or highlighted paylines. The paytable often marks conditional items with phrases like “pays only when lit” or an asterisk. We suggest spinning a few demo rounds and watching which elements light up at different bets and during bonuses.
Can Pays only when lit change RTP or volatility?
The term itself doesn’t change the slot’s theoretical RTP, but it changes what’s active at your chosen bet, which can shift the feel of variance. Unlit features reduce potential hit types; lit extras add them. 101RTP reviews explain which games tie lit features to bet settings so you can plan.
Is Pays only when lit used in online casino games?
Yes. Many modern video slots simulate lamps with glowing frames, toggles, or highlighted rows during free spins or feature modes. The wording still means a conditional payout: if the indicator is active, the prize applies. If not, the displayed symbol or panel is informational but won’t pay.
Do I need to use max bet when something pays only when lit?
Often, yes—extra lines or bonus lanes may light only at higher stakes. But not always: some features light via random events or bonus triggers. Check the paytable and rules of the casino game. Size your bet so your bankroll can sustain the activated features you want.
Why do slots say Pays only when lit on cabinets and screens?
It’s clear messaging. Cabinets and UIs contain many decorative elements; the phrase flags which are conditional. The term protects against confusion, streamlines the paytable, and signals when a temporary mode or bet state is required for a payout, helping the player avoid mistaken expectations.
How do I manage bankroll around Pays only when lit features?
Budget for the cost of lighting extra lines or features and the variance they add. Test different stakes to see how often lit states occur. At 101RTP, use the Slot Simulator with your bankroll and the Bonus Value Score to forecast outcomes and choose bonus-friendly bet levels.
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