Secrets to Finding the Best Payout Slot Machines

Locating the best payout slot machines is much easier than most players think.

After knowing what to look for it becomes second nature to spot the high-paying slots from the machines programmed to bleed you dry. Better value. Longer sessions. A smarter way to play.

But here’s the catch…

Most players choose a slot machine completely at random. They never look at a number once. Choosing a game because of its theme, visuals or out of habit. That’s how players lose money.

Let’s take a closer look…

What’s Covered:

1. What Is RTP? Should You Care?
2. Volatility: Why It Matters (Even Though No One Talks About It)
3. Finding High-Paying Slots Before You Begin Playing
4. Biggest Mistakes to Avoid When Picking Slots To Play
5. Increase Your Chances Of Winning With These Tips

What Is RTP and Should You Care?

When trying to find the best pay out slots RTP is the first number you should learn.

RTP stands for Return To Player and is the primary determinant of how much a slot pays back over the long run. So if a game sports a 96% RTP then for every $100 wagered on that slot, it will pay back $96. The remaining portion (house edge) stays with the casino.

Simple right?

Industry wide the average RTP across online slots is around 96%. Though anything above 97% is considered a high-paying slot machine with many returning 98–99%.

When searching for best payout slot machines use RTP as your yardstick, everything else can be scrapped. That shiny dollar cluster machine sporting a 94% RTP will always cost you more over time than a basic fruit machine listed at 98%.

Higher RTP equals better long-term value. Period.

Always remember though RTP is calculated across millions of spins and thousands of players, not just your session. Short-term variance will always play a factor and luck will still blossom from time to time. Over time however a slot with a higher RTP will ALWAYS pay out more than its lower-rated counterparts.

Volatility: The Thing Most Players Never Talk About

Here’s a little secret most people don’t know…

Just because two slot machines both have the same RTP of 97% doesn’t mean they will feel the same when playing. Volatility is responsible for that.

Volatility refers to how often and how much a slot pays out. High volatility slots pay less frequently with bigger wins and low volatility slots offer more frequent but smaller wins. How you play should depend on your bankroll size and your tolerance for risk.

• High volatility – Wins are few and far between but can be substantial. Ideal for players with larger bankrolls.
• Low volatility – Small wins are more frequent allowing your bankroll to “stick around” longer. Ideal for long steady sessions.
• Medium volatility – You pretty much know what you’re getting yourself into. Consistent wins with occasional bigger wins peppered in.

Pairing the right volatility level with a high RTP percentage is about as close to gaining an edge as you can get playing slots.

How To Find High-Paying Slots Before You Start Playing

Finding a slot’s RTP should happen before you begin playing and yet this is exactly where most players go wrong.

How do you find the RTP of a slot machine before playing? Simple…

• Read the paytable – Take a quick look at the game’s paytable. The RTP should be clearly visible in the information or settings tab.
• Google it before installing – Search for the game’s name alongside the keyword “RTP”. The number should pop up in a matter of seconds. If it’s an established slot then 99% of the time it will be listed on review sites.
• Compare casino T&Cs – Occasionally some casinos will host multiple versions of slots with different RTP levels. It’s not unheard of to find the same slot machine running at 96% at one casino and 94% at another. Do your research and find which version you will be playing.
• Play from reputable sources – Slots that have been independently tested by a recognized laboratory (such as eCOGRA or iTech Labs) will list their RTP on the site’s database. You can trust these numbers were calculated during testing and aren’t fabricated.

The Biggest Mistakes Players Make When Choosing Slots

Pick slots based on their jackpot size

Yes, the jackpots can be huge on progressive slots. Sometimes absurdly large. But these slots come with a hefty price tag. The base RTP on a progressive slot machine will ALWAYS be lower than a non-progressive. The payouts just aren’t there for the average player.

Ignore Hit Frequency

Hit frequency refers to how often a slot will pay out ANY winning combination. You can have a high RTP but near NONEXISTENT hit frequency which will result in long draining sessions. If you prefer playing longer with more action on the reels then pair a good RTP with a decent hit frequency.

Play more on a machine that hasn’t been paying

Don’t. Just…. Don’t. Accept it when a machine isn’t paying. Each spin on a slot machine is independent of the last and because of this your odds of winning do not improve with more spins. Simply pick a new slot with a higher RTP.

Top Tips To Help Increase Payouts

Follow these tips and you’ll look at slots a lot differently…

• Always find a slot’s RTP before playing – Modern players should have 96% as their minimum RTP and strive for 97% or higher.
• Know what volatility you’re playing – Don’t jump into high volatility slots with a small bankroll. Know your limits and choose accordingly.
• Try free mode first – Most online slots offer a free-play mode where you can try before you buy. Many land based venues will let you try the demo slots before you play with real money too.
• Not all casinos list the same RTP – The same slot can have wildly different payback percentages based on who you play them through. Double check which RTP you will be playing at before you start.
• Have a session limit – Yes even the best payout slot machines STILL have a house edge. If you want to be a smart gamer and not a costly one know when to walk away.

Sure you can beat a slot machine down — those once-in-a-blue-moon luck sessions will happen. Though consistently winning long-term at a casino isn’t possible.

However, approaching your slot sessions smarter is…

Choosing high-RTP games. Knowing how volatility affects your bankroll. Understanding what every number means.

You’ve read articles similar to this before. But have you taken any of the advice?

The Best Payout Slot Machines Are Waiting

Smart players know where to look.

They know that RTP is how much a slot pays back over the long term. Volatility dictates how those returns look and feel. Hit frequency bridges the gaps. Knowing these three numbers gives you an excellent understanding of what a slot machine is truly offering you.

Let’s recap real quick…

• Check the RTP. 97% is your baseline. Anything higher is a bonus.
• Pair volatility with your bankroll and risk tolerance.
• Double check which RTP edition of the slot you’ll be playing.
• Progressive jackpots are fun but they don’t offer the best value for money.
• Use free modes to get a feel for a game before wagering real cash.

Now go out there and find the best payout slot machines. You’ll know them when you see them.