Wondering where a slot hides its RTP? Start with the information or help menu in the game you actually opened. A figure in a review can be useful, but it may describe a different version.
But what is the payout percentage exactly?
Our article will break down the term for you and show you how to find the payout percentage on a slot machine the easy way! Let’s get straight to business!
What is the Slot Machine Payout Percentage?
Slot machine payout percentage is also known as RTP or “Return to Player” percentage.
RTP is a theoretical long-run return expressed as a percentage of stakes. A 96% figure is not a promise to return 96% of your own session budget.
Now, you might be wondering how the casino makes money on slots if they return such a high percentage of it. If a slot machine has a high RTP, let’s say 98%, it doesn’t mean that you will get 98% back. There’s also a chance you’ll lose it all.
For a game with 98% theoretical RTP, the corresponding theoretical house edge is 2%. Actual results can be very different over a short session.
How To Find the Payout Percentage on a Slot Machine
Now that you know what the term “payout percentage” stands for, it’s time for you to learn how to find it on a slot machine!
#1. Search the Casino’s Website
UKGC game-information standards require relevant rules and information about the chance of winning to be available before you gamble. Open the game help first; casinos may also provide a fairness page.
Usually, casinos have a list of payout percentages for each slot game on their website. You can find the list by visiting some of the following sections:
- General Terms and Conditions
- Bonus Policies
- Fair Gaming Policy
- Frequently Asked Questions
To visit these sections, you typically need to scroll down to the bottom of the homepage and click on the appropriate links.
If you can’t find them, we recommend you contact the casino’s customer support team, which should redirect you to the sections in a timely manner. Getting in touch with them is quite easy, as there’s a live chat feature you can use most of the time.
#2. Check the Game’s Specifications
If the casino you’re playing at doesn’t offer information on the RTP of their slot machines, you can find it by checking the game specifications.
You can do this in two ways, namely:
- Within the information tab. Most of the time, every game you play at online casinos has an infobox, which, as its name suggests, contains the most important information on the game, including the RTP. In the information tab, you can also find out the volatility of the slot machine, the minimum and maximum bets, and other useful details.
- Inside the game itself. In some cases, you’ll be able to find the RTP and other important information inside the game itself by clicking on the “Rules” or “Help” buttons.
#3. Do not confuse your session return with the game RTP
You can calculate how much a session returned, but that will not establish the game’s theoretical RTP. A short sample can be strongly affected by a handful of wins or losses.
If you are checking your own records, divide total returns by total stakes, then multiply by 100. Count every stake, including money staked again after a win.
For example, $450 returned from $500 in total stakes is a 90% observed return for that sample. It does not prove that the game is configured at 90%, and it is not a reason to keep playing to reach a target.
#4. Conduct a Google Search
A search can help you find a developer page or a review, but check that the result refers to the same game and version.
All you have to do is type in the name of the slot machine that you’re thinking of playing and add “RTP” next to it. You should land on a page that’s full of slot machine reviews, most of which have a detailed breakdown of payout percentages.
On top of that, you can also find out how volatile the game is, what its maximum bet is, and how much money you can hope to win if you land a jackpot.
Can Online Casinos Control the Payout Percentage?
A developer can supply more than one RTP configuration. The version selected by a casino matters, which is why the rules inside the loaded game are more useful than a provider-wide average.
Two casinos can therefore display different documented RTP figures for the same game title. Compare the relevant game rules, not just the name or artwork.
That is different from adjusting outcomes to your recent results. UKGC randomness standards prohibit adaptive behaviour and set requirements for changes to game rules and probabilities.
Which RTP information should you use?
A provider-wide range cannot tell you the return of one specific slot. These checks are more useful than an old catalogue count or an unsupported average:
3 Common Myths About Slot Machines and Payouts
During your gambling career, you’ll encounter many myths about slot machines and payouts. We’ll debunk some of them for you in the section below!
#1. Hot and Cold Slots
A recent run of wins or losses does not reveal that a random online slot is now “hot” or “cold”. Past results do not make a win due.
Volatility describes the spread of possible returns. It is useful when comparing game designs, but it does not tell you exactly how often you will win in your next session.
Two games with the same theoretical RTP can produce very different sessions. Neither owes you a return that brings your balance back to its advertised percentage.
#2. RTP is Irrelevant for Single Sessions
RTP helps you compare the underlying maths, but it cannot predict your next session.
A higher theoretical RTP means a lower theoretical house edge if you compare the same stake basis and game assumptions. You can still lose the entire amount you set aside.
#3. Complex Paytable
A paytable is a list on a slot machine that displays all symbol combinations, their payouts, bonuses, and other important information. Some gamblers like to think that a complex paytable with a large number of combinations equals a high win ratio.
The length of a paytable is not enough to judge the return. You also need the probabilities and payout values of its outcomes.
Key Takeaways
The useful habit is simple: read the version-specific game information before playing, and keep theoretical figures separate from what happened in your own session.
To sum it up:
- Check the RTP in the loaded game.
- Treat provider and review figures as references, not proof of the casino’s configuration.
- A short session does not establish theoretical RTP.
- Never keep playing because a slot seems due to return more.
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Finding Payout Percentage on Slot Machines FAQ
What is the payout percentage of slot machines?
Slot machines are programmed to give a certain percentage of wagered money back to the player. This percentage is called RTP (Return to Player) and is, on average, around 96% for most slot machines.
How do you calculate slot machine odds?
To calculate slot machine odds, you need to:
- Choose a standard bet value per spin
- Determine the number of spins per hour
- Set a precise playing time and a clear budget
- Keep track of your total winnings
Should you bet max on slot machines?
Unfortunately, no, you shouldn’t bet max on slot machines, as there is simply no benefit from doing that.
What does 777 mean in slots?
In most parts of the world, “777” is considered a lucky number. That’s why, for example, it’s used to identify a jackpot in the United States.
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