Locating the best payout slot machines is probably the wisest decision any casino player will make before hitting a machine.
Many players choose a machine based purely on looks. Huge error.
The difference between a low and high-payout slot will determine whether you enjoy your session or leave with pockets full of air. Want to know the best part?
Tracking down high-payout slots isn’t difficult at all once you know what to look for.
In This Guide:
- What Is RTP and Why Does It Matter?
- Denomination And How It Affects Slot RTP
- Find High-Payout Slots (Easy 4-Step Process)
- Volatility VS. Payout Percentages
- Online Slots VS. Land-Based Casino Payouts
Let’s go!
What Is RTP? (And Why You Should Care)
RTP stands for Return To Player. If you want to find the best payout slot machines, it’s the most important stat you should know.
Here’s what it means simplified:
Let’s say we have a slot machine that has a RTP of 96%. Over millions of spins this machine should theoretically pay back £96 for every £100 wagered. Sounds good so far, right?
The difference of that £4 is called ‘The house edge.’ The higher the RTP the better chance the player has of winning.
So what is a good RTP percentage?
- Below 95% — avoid these slots like the plague
- Between 95–96% — ok, but don’t get comfortable
- 97%+ — high rollers welcome this as the best paying slots uk territory and where you’ll focus your time
- 98–99% — insanely high for a brick and mortar casino
Anything with an RTP over 97% would be classed as a high-paying slot machine. Industry averages usually sit around 96% RTP, so exceeding that figure is ideal.
Easy peasy so far, right?
Now here’s the kicker. Casino’s aren’t exactly going to post that percentage on the machine for all to see. We need to dig deeper to uncover this info, and that’s exactly what we’ll cover below.
How Does Coin Size/Slot Denomination Affect RTP?
Here’s a cool little tidbit most players don’t know…
The more you bet per spin, the higher the RTP will be on that slot machine.
Nevada Gaming Control Board analysis found in 2024 that penny slot machines had the highest ‘hold rate’ of any casino game in Vegas. Coming in at 9.36%.
That means slots that took a $5 denomination only had a casino win percentage of 4.46%. Hands down the best payout rate available to players.
Let’s use that info for some examples
- Penny slots — casino keeps approx 9–10p for every £1 wagered
- £1 Slots — almost all machines fall between 95–99% return
- £5 Slots — where the best payouts are at in brick and mortar casinos
Sky blue! Simply by increasing the denomination, you instantly qualify for a wider range of higher-paying games. Lower denomination games are programmed to take a larger cut from your bankroll. Fact.
Find Slot Machines With The Best Payouts
Here’s a 4-step process that actually works. Backed by lots of players just like you.
Step 1 – Search “insert slot name + RTP” on Google
Each individual slot machine has it’s own RTP. Simply type the game title into Google, followed by “RTP”. Boom! Answer awaits. This should take around 30 seconds for each new slot.
Step 2 – Check the paytable (inside the game)
RTP is listed in nearly every online slot machine inside the ‘paytable’ or information menu. Look for the “i” or “?” icon on the game screen.
Step 3 – Filter library using casino game filter tools
Most online casinos these days allow players to filter available games by RTP. You can sort from highest % to lowest and instantly compile a shortlist of worthy machines.
Step 4 – Cross reference with software RTP lists
Some software providers publish the RTP of all their games online. Companies like NetEnt, Pragmatic Play and Playtech are examples. If you know a specific developer holds higher RTP percentages on average, spend some time browsing their catalog.
Repeat these steps for each new slot and you’ll easily create a huge shortlist of high payout opportunities.
Slot Machine Volatility Vs. RTP
RTP percentages and volatility are often mixed up, leading to one of the biggest mistakes beginner players make.
Simply put…
Volatility determines how often and how much a slot pays out. It does not determine the total amount of money paid back over millions of spins.
Low volatility slots will pay smaller wins more often. High volatility slots on the other hand reward larger wins less frequently.
Both low and high volatility slots can offer a 97% RTP. One will give you smaller frequent wins. The other tends to dry up bankrolls much faster.
Why? Imagine pulling 50 small wins in a row on a low volatility slot versus 1 massive payout on a high volatility machine. Both can technically offer the same RTP yet your bankroll won’t look quite the same.
Always consider volatility when choosing which slots to play. The higher your bankroll, the more risks you can afford to take.
Coupling a high volatility slot with a weak bankroll = quick loss. Couple that same slot with a high RTP and a hefty bankroll = winning!
Land-Based Casino Slots VS. Online Slot RTP
Online wins hands down.
There’s a reason why. Casinos operating from a brick-and-mortar location have far higher overheads than online casinos.
Rent. Staff wages. Maintenance. You name it – those costs are piled on top of gambling commissions in land based establishments.
Casinos in Nevada posted an average RTP of 92.8% in 2024 when it comes to slots. That’s significantly lower than the 96%+ found in online casinos across the UK and world.
Looking for the highest paying slots? You’ll have better luck (and transparency) in online casinos.
Conclusion
Three things matter when it comes to finding the best payout slots machines:
- RTP
- Coin Size/Denomination
- Volatility %
Every player can increase their odds just by taking a few extra minutes prior to gambling. Here’s your quick checklist:
- Know every games RTP before playing. (%97+)
- Bet higher wherever possible
- Weigh up volatility rates
That’s honestly it! Implementing these steps into your gambling routine will shift the odds massively in your favour.
