Slot machines remain one of the most popular forms of gambling entertainment across the UK’s betting shops, casinos, pubs and online. Their bright lights, exciting sounds and innovative bonus features draw players in. However, not all slot machines are created equal when it comes to their payout percentages. For smart slots players, finding games with high return-to-player (RTP) percentages is key to getting more bang for your buck. This guide takes a close look at RTPs, highlights factors that impact payout rates, and points players towards the slots offering the best odds.
Understanding Return to Player (RTP)
At its core, a slot machine’s return to player percentage indicates how much money it pays back to players over time, relative to the total amount wagered. A game with an RTP of 95%, for example, will on average pay out £95 for every £100 put into the machine. This percentage is calculated over hundreds of thousands if not millions of spins. In the short term, results can vary widely, but the higher the RTP, the better your odds are over extended play.
While no machine offers a 100% RTP, many modern video slots come quite close – commonly in the 95-98% range. However, older style fruities and pub slots more typically have RTPs between 80-90%. So the first step in finding slots with the highest returns is looking for newer, video-style games. Players should also check game rules and help screens to find verified RTP percentages before playing. This information is required to be available by regulation.
Factors Impacting Slot Machine Payout Rates
Several factors impact a slot machine’s programmed RTP rate. One is location. Slots in highly competitive venues like casinos tend to offer higher returns to players, averaging over 95%, versus pub slot RTPs which are typically under 90%. The competition for player attention and spend is higher in gaming-focused environments, so generous payout rates are used to attract and retain players.
The inherent volatility of a slot also impacts its payout percentage. More volatile slots with bigger but less frequent wins can offer higher RTPs, while low volatility slots provide smaller payouts more often and tend to have lower RTPs. Newer video slots with more bonus features also tend to boast RTPs on the higher side versus basic 3-reel slots.
Finding the Most Generous Slots
Armed with an understanding of RTP rates and what impacts them, savvy slots players can better identify the games offering the highest returns. Here are some tips for finding the most generous slots:
- Play at reputable online casinos offering 95-98% RTPs across their slot selection. Their game libraries will be populated with high-paying options.
- Check game rules to confirm RTP percentages before playing. This information must be provided upfront.
- Sort slot selections by RTP – some casinos and game makers allow this. Play the 98% RTP games that rise to the top.
- Focus play on modern video slots from leading developers like NetEnt, Microgaming and Play’n Go, as these tend to boast RTPs of 96% and up.
- Seek out slots with progressive jackpots, as the chance for a big eventual payout boosts overall RTPs.
- Take advantage of in-game bonus features like free spins, pick bonuses and respins to benefit from additional payouts that increase RTPs.
Smart slots players look for every advantage they can get, and seeking out games with the highest return-to-player rates is one of the best ways to boost your odds. By focusing on modern video slots from reputable providers with generous payout percentages, players give themselves the best chance to stretch their entertainment budget and maximize slot machine payouts.
In the end, slot machines remain a popular form of entertainment for UK punters. However, RTP rates can vary widely between older fruities and pub slots versus newer video slots at reputable casinos and websites. By understanding factors impacting RTPs, checking game rules for payout info, and focusing play on slots verified to have 96% or higher returns, players can pinpoint the most generous machines. Getting the most for your slots spend means playing the games that pay out at the highest percentages over time. So be selective, play smart, take advantage of available bonuses, and the best-paying slots can help boost your bankroll and betting entertainment.