One of the most misunderstood and least studied aspects of slot machine and video poker gaming are payouts. Return to Player (RTP) percentage, game paytables, and random number generation add up to some slots and video poker machines providing excellent payout rates while others don’t.
Knowing how slots and video poker payouts work will enhance our slot machine and video poker playing sessions as well as alleviate the fears we have of “losing it all.” Check out everything you must know regarding slot machine and video poker payouts.
Everything you need to Know about the Online Slots and Video Poker
Table of Contents
Slot Machine Payouts
Video Poker Payouts
What is RTP
Best Payouts
Denomination on Video Poker and Slot Payouts
Other Tips
Understanding Slot Machine Payouts
Slot machine payouts are determined by a combination of factors, including the game’s paytable, random number generator (RNG), and Return to Player (RTP) percentage. Every slot machine operates using an RNG, ensuring that each spin is independent and random. The payouts for winning combinations are listed in the game’s paytable, which details the value of each symbol and potential jackpot amounts.
Understanding Video Poker Payouts
Video poker payouts are based on the specific paytable of the game variation being played. Unlike slots, video poker offers players the chance to make strategic decisions that impact their potential payouts. The paytable for each game will display the rewards for different hand rankings, with a full-pay machine offering the best possible payout percentages.
What is RTP (Return to Player) and How Does it Relate to Slot and Video Poker Payouts?
RTP, or Return to Player, is the theoretical percentage of wagered money that a machine will pay back to players over time. For example, if a slot machine has an RTP of 96%, it means that, on average, it will return $96 for every $100 wagered. Video poker machines generally have higher RTPs than slot machines, especially when optimal strategy is used. RTP is a crucial factor in determining how favorable a game is for players.
Choosing Slot Machines with the Best Payouts
How Do I Choose Slot Machines with the Best Payouts?
To find slot machines with the best payouts, consider the following factors:
- High RTP: Look for slots with RTP percentages above 95%.
- Low Variance: Low-volatility slots offer more frequent, smaller wins, which can help extend your bankroll.
- Progressive vs. Fixed Jackpots: Progressive jackpots can offer massive payouts but often have lower RTPs. Fixed jackpots may provide better overall returns.
- Read the Paytable: Compare different slot paytables to see which offer higher payouts for specific symbol combinations.
How Do I Choose Video Poker Machines with the Best Payouts?
When selecting a video poker machine, follow these guidelines:
- Find Full-Pay Machines: These machines offer the best paytables, such as 9/6 Jacks or Better, which returns 99.54% with optimal play.
- Check the Paytable: Different variations of video poker, such as Deuces Wild or Double Bonus Poker, have unique payout structures that impact RTP.
- Use Strategy Charts: Learning the correct strategy can significantly improve your odds in video poker.
How Do I Manage My Bankroll Based on Payout Information?
Proper bankroll management is essential for maximizing your time playing slots and video poker. Follow these tips:
- Set a Budget: Determine how much you are willing to spend before playing.
- Choose the Right Denomination: Higher denomination machines often have better payout percentages.
- Know When to Walk Away: If you hit a big win, consider cashing out rather than continuing to play.
- Adjust Bet Size: Play within your budget by adjusting your bet size, especially when playing high-variance games.
Understanding the Impact of Denomination on Video Poker and Slot Payouts
How to Understand the Impact of Betting Denomination on Payouts
The denomination of a machine can significantly affect its payout percentage. Higher denomination slots and video poker machines typically offer better RTPs than lower denomination ones. For example, a $1 video poker machine may have an RTP of 99%, while a $0.25 machine could have an RTP of 96%.
How to Understand the Impact of Betting Maximum Coins on Payouts
For both slots and video poker, betting maximum coins can unlock better payouts:
- Slots: Some slots offer enhanced payouts or jackpots only when the maximum bet is placed.
- Video Poker: Many machines offer an increased payout for a Royal Flush when betting the maximum number of coins. This can significantly improve the game’s overall RTP.
How to Understand the Differences Between Online and Land-Based Slot and Video Poker Payouts
There are key differences in payouts between online and land-based machines:
- Online Slots: Typically offer higher RTPs (95%-98%) due to lower operating costs.
- Land-Based Slots: Often have lower RTPs (85%-95%), depending on the casino.
- Online Video Poker: Offers better paytables and RTPs, making it more favorable for players.
- Land-Based Video Poker: Paytables may vary depending on the casino and finding full-pay machines can be more challenging.
Understanding slot and video poker payouts is essential for making informed gaming decisions. By focusing on RTP, choosing machines with the best paytables, and managing your bankroll wisely, you can enhance your chances of winning while prolonging your playtime. Additionally, being aware of denomination impacts and the differences between online and land-based machines can help you make smarter choices. Whether you’re spinning the reels or playing strategically in video poker, knowledge is your best tool for success.
Other Tips about Using Slots and Video Poker Payouts
If you’re an old school gambler, then you became used to the sound of the slot machines turning and settling on their outcomes, the clicks and clacks running as the wheels turn. If the combination turned out to be a winner, then you heard the flood of coins heading into the tray at the bottom of the machine. You also got used to watching people feed the machines from a big cup of coins, pulling the handle over and over again to start things tumbling once again.
Learning the Online Slots and Video Poker Nowadays
Poker, for you, was a game that you played at a table, with your competitors sitting around you and monitoring you for the slightest tell about what you had in your hand – or what you didn’t have.
You’re engaged in the same intrigue, seeking that one hint that could propel you to winning the big pot in the middle of the table.
Know the Slots and Become an Expert
Video slots and online casino have become popular alternatives. When it comes to the video slot machine, the moving gears and wheels have been replaced by a mere visual representation.
For those who play video slots for entertainment, you get more sophisticated graphic elements to the game, and some bonus games that the traditional machines didn’t offer.
While the traditional machines had mechanical limits, video slot machines generally feature five reels instead of three. This increases the number of possible outcomes dramatically, which means that odds can go as high as 300 million to 1 against a particular outcome.
More Opportunities to Win
Video slots also offer the chance to play more than one line at a time. On a traditional machine, the player could only play the middle of the three symbols that show up on the reels, going across.
Playing multiple lines involves running the line from bottom left to upper right as well, or any of the other available patterns. More lines bet per spin means a larger wager per spin, but it also means that the potential for winning is greater.
Because of the larger amount of money that’s on the line, sometimes players feel like they’re just watching their money go down the drain.
To keep this from making the games less popular, manufacturers frequently offer bonus games that allow players to win back many times the initial bet for that game.
The machine encourages the player to keep going to get to the bonus round, because winning that game could bring the player back into the black.
How to Use Slots and Video Poker Payouts: The Programming
Most video slot machines are programmed to pay out between 82 and 98 percent of the money that players wager. However, different jurisdictions have different requirements.
In Nevada, these games are only required to pay out 75 percent of bets. However, in New Jersey, the minimum is 83 percent. For video slots, the payout percentage is generally set when the software writers set up the program.
In some jurisdictions, this software can only be changed when state gaming officials are present.
Video poker works similarly to standard poker, at least in terms of the way that the game is played. However, the representation is visual, with the cards appearing on a screen rather than actually being physically present.
Payouts follow the rules of the jurisdiction in question. It’s easy to fall behind in this sort of game more quickly, because the deal happens at a much higher rate of speed, so paying attention to your bankroll is key.
Thank you for reading, and best of luck at the casino!
Table of Contents
Slot Machine Payouts
Video Poker Payouts
What is RTP
Best Payouts
Denomination on Video Poker and Slot Payouts
Other Tips

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