Slot Machine Odds, Probability, Return, and Payback Percentages
One of the most misunderstood concepts for slot players is the odds of a slot machine. Slot machine odds, and casino house edge will either make or break any casino player. In this article we focus on how to find the odds on a slot machine, slots with the best odds and what the payout percentage really means.












What are the Casino Payouts? How to Find the Best Odds on Slots?
For starters, it is more than just your winnings; you will notice percentage (%) values.
Lets say the casino you are playing at displays an overall casino payout of 95%. Contrary to what many people think, it does not mean you will win 95% of the time. It means that out of a $100 wagered on the game – for a specific range of time, or the game's life-span (like with slot machines) – a player will be paid out $95. As you can see, it could be any player, and in a very long time as a rule of thumb, any casino below 90% is not trust-worthy, or at least not worthy of your money and time.
Slot Machine Payout Percentage
Along with the overall percentage, there is also a payout for each game. The higher the percentage, the higher the payout for the player, and of course, the lower the earnings for the casino (the House).
Be careful though… just because a specific game has a high percent, it does not mean you should go crazy on it playing all your money for a hopeful win. One thing to keep in mind is that even though the best odds slots payout more, the odds might still be high; it also means that the game is a higher limit game in which you will have to gamble higher amounts of money, equating to a faster loss of chips, and probably less of a fun time.
The best recommendation is always to stay within budget, play smart, and have fun.
Playing smart does help… if you play within the game's strategy, you should be able to alter the payout, and get better odds for you – such is done with card counting. Slot players should understand that there is no winning slots strategy. It's basic common sense that a slot machine is random, therefor you can't beat the system even if the slot machine payout percentage is high.
Ticket and electronic games (keno and slots) have lower payout percentages, as they are lower limits. They also have higher jackpots to win, and for the most part rely on luck. Table games on the other hand usually have higher payout percentages as they are higher limit games, and have a greater probability of providing more profits to the casino in shorter times.
Why would players play higher limit games? Well, the fact is, they are known as skill games too, since the players can learn more about the game, the odds, mathematical equations and so forwards, altering the odds on their favor to win.
Slot Machine Payouts: Offline vs. Online Casinos
Referring to our topic, online casinos usually have a higher payout percentage. If you consider this fact, along with the convenience of staying home, playing at your own pace, and doing everything online from e-cash to entertainment, then you can definitely see why it is so much better to be playing at online casinos most of the time.
Their payout percentages are usually displayed with each game – or the casino will gladly inform you if you cannot locate them. These are also usually set by the casino software developer, who before posting the games up, will test them out with millions of play for fun money in order to see the games percent. You could do the same, but make sure you have millions of money or time to burn. If you are worried about their accuracy and reliability, then all you have to do is check for their certificates at the bottom of the page. These certificates are issues by companies whose main job is to make sure these online casinos follow the norms of randomization, fair play, and so forwards.
Offline casinos on the other hand set their own payouts, but still need to request approval from the Gaming commission (specific to United States casinos). One point to consider is that offline casinos will generally put the higher payout slot machines upfront – closer to the entrance of the door, so the sound of jackpots on these games will attract pedestrians near by.
Offline casinos will also have their dealers rush the games, and hence, making you lose more and faster, obviously decreasing your winning odds, and lowering your entertainment experience.