How Slot Game Payouts Compare

Slot payouts are not as simple as a single percentage on the game’s info screen. When comparing which slot gives you the best return, you need to untangle several parts: the stated RTP (return to player), volatility (variance), hit frequency, paylines and features, and how casino bonuses and wagering rules affect your real-world take-home. Below we break down the key factors and use recent titles and a popular operator as examples so you can compare like-for-like.

What ‘payout’ really means: RTP, volatility and hit frequency

RTP is the long-term theoretical percentage of stakes a slot returns to players — for example, an RTP of 96% suggests £96 returned for every £100 wagered over many spins. RTP is useful, but it’s only part of the story. Volatility (sometimes called variance) describes the pattern of wins: low-volatility games pay smaller sums more often, while high-volatility games pay larger sums less frequently. Hit frequency tells you how often any winning outcome appears.

Together, these three paint a fuller picture. A high RTP with high volatility might mean long losing streaks followed by big wins, while a slightly lower RTP with low volatility can deliver steadier, smaller wins that stretch your bankroll further. Always check the game’s information or developer documentation; reputable providers usually publish RTP and volatility guidance.

How slot design and features change payouts — three game snapshots

Game mechanics shape payouts more than graphics do. Consider these examples from our catalogue:

• The Immortal Captain Rizk Slots (Microgaming (Apricot)): with 243 ways to win, coin size from 0.01 and free spins up to 29, this 5-reel video slot’s ‘ways’ format and extended free spins rounds tend to create frequent winning combinations and bonus-led payout potential. Read the full review here
• Voodoo Magic Slots (Pragmatic Play): a 5-reel, 40-payline title with wide coin-size options (0.01 up to 0.5 and other steps) and a £100 max bet on the site we saw. Multiple free-spins tiers and mystery features can amplify single-spin wins — a hallmark of higher-variance bonus-heavy games. See the game review
• Buffalo Trail Slots (BF Games): a 25-payline, classic animal-themed release with coin sizes up to 2 and up to 24 free spins. Its simpler payline structure is often associated with more predictable payouts and medium variance, although bonus features still shift the risk/reward profile. More details

None of the above is a guarantee of outcomes — rather, they illustrate how paylines, max bet options and bonus mechanics influence both the frequency and size of wins.

Why casino bonuses and wagering rules change the maths

Bonuses can improve your chances in the short term, but the terms can dramatically affect what you can actually withdraw. Two common promo types are deposit bonuses (match bonuses) and free spins; each comes with wagering requirements and maximum cashout limits.

Example offers to watch:

• A welcome offer listed at LuckBuckBets Casino: ‘100% up to $100 + 100 Free Spins’ with a minimum deposit of $20 and a 50x wagering multiplier. That multiplier is applied to bonus amounts and any free-spin winnings as specified in the offer terms; such a high multiplier makes withdrawal harder. See the operator’s review.
• A no-deposit bonus example: 30 Free Spins (code DEAD30) for Book of Dead comes with a 50x wagering requirement and a maximum cashout of €/$100. This offer is widely restricted by jurisdiction and requires code activation; always check the country exclusions and activation steps before claiming.

General rules to remember: contribution rates vary (slots often contribute more than table games), some games are excluded or have reduced contribution to wagering requirements, and casinos commonly cap bonus cashouts (e.g. €/$100 for no-deposit offers or 3x the bonus for deposits). Many operators use non-sticky bonuses, meaning bonus funds are separate until wagering is met — once playthrough is complete, winnings become withdrawable.

How casinos present payouts — a quick look at LuckBuckBets

LuckBuckBets lists a broad mix of payment methods, including Apple Pay, Trustly, PayPal, cards and cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ether), and supports EUR and USD alongside crypto. Wide software coverage (Microgaming, Pragmatic Play, NetEnt, Big Time Gaming, Evolution and many more) means you’ll find a range of RTPs and feature types under one roof.

Operators vary in how clearly they display RTP and volatility; a trustworthy site will publish game RTPs, transparent bonus T&Cs and support options (LuckBuckBets offers live chat and email). Always use the operator support if a game’s RTP or the bonus contribution table isn’t clear before depositing.

Practical tips for comparing payouts and choosing games

• Check the official RTP and volatility where available. If RTP isn’t published in-game, consult developer pages or the casino’s game info.
• Match game type to your bankroll: choose low-volatility titles for longer sessions and high-volatility ones when hunting bigger wins with a smaller number of spins.
• Factor in bet sizing: coin size, coins per line and max bet influence both the risk and the size of potential payouts.
• Read bonus terms carefully: minimum deposit, wagering multiplier, contribution rates by game, max cashout and country restrictions can turn an attractive-sounding bonus into poor value.
• Try free-play or demo modes first to get a feel for hit frequency and feature triggers before staking real money.

Responsible play — safeguards and where to get help

No strategy or bonus guarantees wins. Play within limits, set deposit and loss caps, use reality checks, and consider self-exclusion if gambling stops being fun. For UK players, register with GamStop if you want a cross-operator self-exclusion option and consult GambleAware for support and guidance. Operators should verify identity and prevent bonus abuse; be aware that creating multiple accounts to exploit promotions will likely result in closed accounts and forfeited winnings.

Payout comparisons are most useful when you look beyond a single percentage and consider volatility, features, bet structure and the real-world impact of bonus terms. Armed with that knowledge and sensible limits, you can make more informed choices about which slots best match your play style.