Do Casinos Change Slot Payouts? How Slot Payouts Work
Many people wonder how slot machines actually pay out and whether casinos have any control over these payouts. There are also common questions about the differences between online slots and physical machines, and what rules govern payout rates.
In this blog post, we’ll explain what slot payout percentages—known as Return to Player (RTP)—mean, and whether casinos can adjust these rates. You’ll also learn how RTPs are determined, if different casinos can offer varying payout rates for the same game, and how to identify games with higher or lower payout percentages.
Read on to find out more.
How Slot Payout Percentages Actually Work
Slot payout percentages—known as Return to Player (RTP)—are expressed as a percentage and reflect how much a slot machine might return to players over an extended period of play.
For instance, a slot with an RTP of 95% suggests that, over thousands or even millions of spins, on average, the game could pay around £95 for every £100 wagered back to players. These figures are based on statistical averages over a long period; they don’t predict what any individual player will receive in a single session, as each spin is random and independent.
RTP should be viewed as an indication of what might be returned to players, on average, over millions of spins and many sessions, rather than a reflection of the results in any single session.
Can Casinos Change Slot Machine Payouts?
The payout percentage of a slot machine—also known as RTP—is typically set by the game developer and programmed directly into the software or hardware. Whether the slot is found online or in a physical casino, the casino itself cannot simply adjust these settings at will.
For land-based machines, changing the payout usually requires technical modifications to the machine’s hardware or internal programming. These changes must be documented and carried out in line with strict regulatory requirements. In the UK, any such adjustment may also need formal approval from the relevant authorities.
With online slots, the RTP is built into the game’s code by the developer. Casinos operating in the UK are not permitted to alter this; only the original developer can make changes, and only if those changes meet all necessary regulatory checks. These measures are in place to ensure that the information shown to players reflects the game’s true payout rate and that all games meet recognised standards of fairness.
What Are the Rules for Adjusting Slot Payouts?
In the UK, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) sets strict rules on how slot machine payout adjustments must be managed, covering both land-based and online games.
For physical machines, any changes to the RTP usually require formal approval and must be fully documented. These adjustments are not common and must be carried out by authorised technicians, following a specific process—not by everyday casino staff.
When it comes to online slots, any RTP changes must be made by the game developer before the game is released. Once a game is live, casinos are not allowed to alter the payout percentage. All adjustments must meet regulatory standards and go through the necessary checks.
These rules are in place to ensure that licensed casinos operate fairly and transparently, with games that reflect the correct RTP as advertised.
Do Online and In-Person Slots Work the Same Way?
Online slots and in-person slot machines are built on the same core principle: both use Random Number Generators (RNGs) to determine the outcome of each spin. This ensures that results are random and not influenced by previous plays or outside factors.
In online slots, the RNG is handled entirely through software. In land-based machines, it may involve a combination of hardware and software. While the underlying mechanism is similar, online slots often include additional features, such as animations, bonus rounds, or interactive elements not typically found in traditional machines.
Both types of slots are regulated by the UKGC to make sure they meet strict standards. So, whether players choose to play online or at a physical venue, the systems behind the games are designed to work fairly and consistently.
Why Slot Machine RTPs Vary Between Games
Not all slot machines have the same RTP, and that’s largely due to how each game is designed. As mentioned earlier, the RTP is set by the developer during the development process and reflects the overall structure of the game.
Elements such as bonus rounds, progressive jackpots, or special symbols can influence the RTP. In games with more features or larger jackpots, the RTP may be slightly lower, as a portion of each bet contributes towards funding those extras.
Different slots are designed to offer different types of play. Some aim for frequent, smaller wins, while others focus on less frequent but higher-value payouts. These design choices all play a role in how the RTP is calculated for each individual game.
Do All Casinos Offer the Same Return To Player Rates?
It’s not uncommon to see the same slot game listed with different RTPs at different casinos. This is because some games are developed with multiple RTP versions, and the casino decides which version to make available.
For online casinos, the operator selects from the options provided by the game developer. In land-based venues, different RTPs may also apply, though they must always remain within the limits set by regulation. Regardless of the setting, UK rules require that each slot’s RTP is clearly displayed.
If you’re considering playing, you might want to check the RTP for the specific game you’re interested in. Licensing rules ensure this information is easy to access, both online and in physical venues, making it more straightforward to compare games and choose those that suit individual preferences.
How to Tell If a Slot Has a High or Low Payout Rate
If you’re deciding whether a slot offers a higher or lower payout rate, one of the first things to check is the RTP percentage. This is usually listed in the game’s help or information section.
As a general guide:
- Slots with an RTP of 96% or higher are often seen as higher-paying.
- Slots with an RTP below 94% are typically considered lower-paying.
For online slots, the RTP is usually shown on the game page. With physical machines, it’s often displayed on the cabinet itself, or you can ask a member of staff if it’s not immediately visible.
While the RTP may give you a better idea of what is returned to players, on average, over time, it’s just one of several things you might want to consider if you’re thinking about which game to play.
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**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.