Slot payout percentages explained – what the numbers mean
Every online casino for real money makes money by building in a profit margin in the rules of each game. How big this advantage is will affect your average chances of winning at specific games. For the avoidance of doubt or confusion, the payout rate is only an average. Each gaming session will always have the potential to bag a massive progressive jackpot or, if it’s not your day, a long cold streak of rotten luck.
So, how exactly do payout percentages work? Put simply, the payout percentage is the amount of money a casino game will release in winnings compared to the amount players would have wagered. This percentage isn’t calculated over one session, day, or even a year, but over the game’s lifespan. The temptation for many casinos is to jack up their advantage as much as they can, but casino payouts by state are mostly regulated by different local authorities.
Payout percentage example
To make the concept of slot payout percentages by state clearer, let’s look at an example:
- Your favorite online slot machine has a payout percentage of 95%.
- You spin the reels 1,000 times at 1c per spin, totaling $100.
- You walk away with $95.
True, you’ll have made a $5 loss. But the way this example works in real life is the casino gets to keep this $5, whatever happens. Players, on the other hand, can lose their entire $100 or walk away with thousands, courtesy of other players’ losses.
Volatility and variance
Another way to evaluate besides slot machine payouts by state is the game variance or volatility. This factor indicates how often you’ll win and how big the average payout is. Slot machine variance falls into three categories:
- Low variance – these games frequently release wins, but the amounts are typically small.
- Medium variance – players can expect to get a decent number of both small and relatively larger wins.
- High variance – with these games, you’ll experience long dry runs, but when you get a payout, it’ll be pretty huge.
Whether you’re looking at variance or casino payouts by state, it’s vital to keep in mind that these figures are guides, and not a guarantee of how the game will behave while you play.
Online versus offline slot payout percentages – which option is better?
While the house edge is typically different, online and land-based slot machines work on pretty much the same principles. Random number generators determine the outcome of each spin of the reels. As such, it’s important to know the slot machine payouts by state, whether you’re playing online or in a brick-and-mortar casino.
Land-based casino slot machine RTPs
Slot machine payouts depend on how different games are programmed. But unlike you’ll find at the best online casino in USA, land-based casino software developers don’t always make the numbers for their games public. Fortunately, our team of experts and other avid gamers have already done most of the legwork for you.
As local lawmakers set payout minimums, the state in which you’re playing slot machines can also tell you the average numbers to expect. The lowest state-mandated minimum payout is usually 80%.
Online casino RTPs
Online slot machine payouts by state are a lot easier to determine. The RTP and variance are typically displayed on the game rules or the software developer’s website. Because our team at TheGruelingTruth always considers a game’s RTP in our reviews, we are another trusted source for game stats like the payout percentage. Generally speaking, online slot machines provide better RTPs than their land-based counterparts. It’s not at all uncommon to find games with payout percentages above 97%.
Where are online casinos legal in the USA? Six states at the moment
The US online gambling legal landscape has been touch-and-go for the longest time. Since players are keen to get the higher online slot machine payouts by state, the biggest question surrounding gaming is – where is it legal? While not as prevalent as horse racing, the lottery, or sports betting, online casino gaming is currently legal in the following states:
| State | Description |
| New Jersey | New Jersey was the first state to legalize online casino gaming in 2013. The Garden State is currently home to one of the most thriving casino gaming ecosystems in the country, with more than twenty operators up and running. As such, you can expect the best online casino payouts NJ to be higher than average. Some of the best online casino RTP stats are: |
| Pennsylvania | The Keystone State legalized online casino gaming in 2017, but the first online casino in Pennsylvania went live in 2019. Currently, more than ten online casinos are operating within PA state lines. While the state was slow off the starting line, Pennsylvania casino payout percentages have been exceptional since launch. Some of the best average RTP online casinos for Pennsylvania are: |
| West Virginia | West Virginia okayed online casino gaming in March 2019. Like in PA, it took a while for the first operator to go live. The licensing rules create space for only up to fifteen online casinos to operate in the Mountain State. It may take some time to fill all the available slots and improve the best casino payouts in West Virginia. |
| Michigan | The Wolverine State laid all the groundwork for online casino legalization in 2019. However, gamers had to contend with COVID-related delays, and embrace the first gaming site in 2021. Like WV, Michigan has space for 15 online casino websites. The best casino payouts in Michigan should, therefore, be comparable with those in the Mountain State. |
| Connecticut | Connecticut is one of the newer entrants into the legal US online casino gaming scene. The best casino payouts in Michigan are, therefore, quite competitive. Currently, three operators are up and running, with many more set to open shop. |
| Delaware | The Delaware Park, Harrington Raceway, and Dover Downs racinos each can run up to three online gambling sites. While there’s obviously less competition than in other states, the best casino payouts in Delaware aren’t bad at all. Players have access to online slots, table games, and poker. |
What are some of the RTP Rates?
Out of the six states where online casinos are legal, we have complied the table below with current available information on the return to player rates for some of the most popular casino sites around:
| State | OnlinCasino and Average RTP |
| New Jersey | - Unibet – 97.87%
- BetRivers – 97.87%
- The Golden Nugget – 97.86%
|
| Pennsylvania | - Unibet – RTP: 97.87%
- BetRivers – RTP: 96.50%
|
| West Virginia | - BetMGM – RTP: 97.21%
- Caesars – RTP: 96.89%
- DraftKings – RTP: 96.53%
|
| Michigan | - DraftKings – RTP: 98.76%
- BetMGM – RTP: 95.00% plus
- BetRivers – RTP: 95.00% plus
|
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Which online slots have the best payout percentages? Games to look out for
Savvy gamblers know that winning on slot machines is pretty much a matter of luck. But while looking for the most entertaining titles, players should consider that it’s more fun to play when you know the game offers higher winning chances.
This section is dedicated to games with the best slot payout percentages by state. While anything above 95% is considered a “good” payout percentage, these slot machines feature even higher figures. But even better, the RTPs are the same, whether you play at an online casino in New Hampshire or any other state.
Ugga Bugga (Playtech) – 99.07% RTP
Escape to untamed jungles filled with the stirring beat of bongo drums, allure of tribal artifacts, and nourishment of delicious tropical fruits in the Ugga Bugga slot machine. The 3-reel Playtech title boasts 10 reels and 10 paylines that spin independently of each other. A unique “hold” feature allows players to get a virtually unlimited number of winning combinations. Even better than playing a game that has a bare-minimum house advantage, players can win up to 1,000x their bet per line.
Mega Joker (NetEnt) – 99.00% RTP
NetEnt’s Mega Joker has been a hit since it first burst onto the scene in 2013. On top of having a three-by-three grid and five paylines, the online slot machine features classic fruit symbols and a massive progressive jackpot. Mega Joker has a 99.00% RTP, which is among the highest slot payout percentages by state.
Blood Suckers (NetEnt) – 98% RTP
Another NetEnt-powered slot machine, Blood Suckers easily makes it into any high-RTP game list. The 5-reel, 25-payline slot title is available on many online casinos, and players can spin the reels for as little as 25c. Blood Suckers was released in 2009 and has a 98% RTP, 44.9% hit frequency, and 1,014.6x maximum payout. How’s that for a best-payout slot machine?!
Book of 99 (Relax Gaming) – 99% RTP
Book of 99 proves that it’s not only mainstream software providers that can provide the best slot payout percentages. Boasting a 99% RTP and 5,000x maximum win, this online slot machine is one to look out for. Players can get free spins to get more chances to strike it lucky. Expanding symbols can also appear in adjacent positions to unlock wins.
Our top tips for online casino gaming in the USA – improve your gaming outcomes
One of the reasons why online slot machines are a favorite with players is their easy-to-master gameplay. There aren’t any complex strategies you need to know to reduce the house edge. Besides knowing games with the highest slot machine payouts by state, players only need to choose their preferred bet size and click the spin button. But all this doesn’t mean you can’t do anything to improve your gaming experience and overall outcomes. The following tips will help you take your slot machine gaming to a whole new level.
Verify the slot payout rate
In addition to reading our slot reviews, there are plenty of other ways to find slots with the best return to player percentages. You don’t have to settle for one source, but instead, verify the numbers by checking multiple sources. Also, check the slot machine’s paytable before spinning the reels. This will typically tell you the variance, maximum payouts for different symbols, and a jackpot amount, if available.
As we mentioned before, the game payout percentage doesn’t equally affect individual gaming sessions. You need to play a specific game for some time before you can fully understand its volatility, payout percentage, and general feel. Doing this using real money can be costly. So, if the option to play games in demo mode is available, you should do so first. When playing at our recommended online casinos, you’re assured the same game mechanics and payout percentages, whether you play in free-play mode or with real money.
Consider the payout percentage regulator
It means nothing if an RTP is displayed without any independent evaluator to back up the numbers. Online gambling industry regulators ensure that casino gaming results are random and fair. They also test if the displayed payout percentages for different games are accurate. eCOGRA and GLI Gaming Labs, for example, have become the most authoritative independent online casino game auditors. Regulators like the MGA and Curacao iGaming, also ensure casinos play fair. So, when choosing high slot payout percentages by state, also check if the games are licensed and audited by reputable organizations.
As we mentioned, high variance slot machines may take you through long dry runs before finally paying out relatively bigger wins. If you don’t set a gaming budget from the get-go, it’s easy to drain your bankroll while waiting for a big payday that never comes. So, even if you’re playing a high-payout percentage game, know how much you’re willing to lose and stop playing once you reach that amount.
While playing games in demo mode is an excellent way to test casino payouts by state, you won’t be able to claim any real winnings. Claiming bonuses, on the other hand, allows you to spin the reels for pennies on the dollar and potentially get a real money payout. Just be sure to claim promos from top casinos with fair terms and conditions, as you’ll find in our reviews.
Conclusion – play to learn more
Payout percentages are a measure of how much money a casino game will return in payouts compared to how much players would have wagered. Every game pays less than the sum total of what gamers wager—that’s how casinos are guaranteed to make money. You can, however, win thousands from pennies, courtesy of other players’ losses. But when all has been said and done games with higher casino payouts by state provide a higher chance of winning. This doesn’t apply to individual gaming sessions, but players’ overall experience with the game. Check out the demo games at our recommended online casinos to get a better grasp of how payout percentages work in real life.
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Casino Payouts by State FAQ
💯 What percentage do the best slots pay out?
Because different local laws set minimum game standards, players will find varying slot payout percentages by state. The return to player percentages matter, but you also have to look at other features, like the variance and maximum win limit. Our team reviews different online casino games and provides a clear insight into the best payouts you can get from slot machines.
🥇 What casino has the best slot payouts?
Online casinos form partnerships with different software providers to create catalogs featuring the best titles from mainstream studios and slots to try from lesser-known sources. As you’ll find in our reviews, top casinos also consider the payout percentages of different games they include in their lobbies. We also include the availability of high-RTP games in our overall casino ratings.
🎰 What are loose slot machines?
After reading our guides for a while, you’ll begin to pick up on online casino gaming jargon. One of the concepts we explain is how players describe some desirable slot machines as “loose”. But that’s not the only thing to note. We cover many other factors to help you pick the best and more rewarding games.
🤔 Can casinos control game payouts?
After going through dry spells, it’s normal for players to wonder if online casino Nevada operators or in other states tinker with the scales to influence the outcomes of each round. This is especially warranted after some scandalous casinos have been fined for such practices. Our guides help you choose the best gambling environments and understand how casino payouts by state are determined.
