Do Slot Machines Have To Pay Out a Certain Percentage?
If you’re new to slot machines or considering trying one for the first time, you might wonder how these games work behind the scenes. A common question is whether slot machines are required to pay out a certain amount of money. You might have also come across the term “RTP” and been unsure what it means.
This article explains how payout percentages work in the UK, both for machines you might find in venues, and for slot games available online. You’ll learn how these figures are set, what they really mean for players, and where to find them.
Whether you’re just curious or thinking of playing, it can be useful to understand how these systems are regulated and why outcomes are based entirely on chance.
How Much Money Does a Slot Machine Hold?
Slot machines in physical venues, such as casinos or betting shops, are built to store and pay out money using built-in components. These include cash hoppers and note dispensers, which can hold funds typically ranging from a few hundred pounds to around £2,000. The actual amount can vary depending on the machine type and venue limits. Operators regularly check and empty machines as part of routine procedures for compliance and security.
Most newer machines use digital credit systems or paper ticketing known as TITO (Ticket In, Ticket Out). This means less physical cash is stored inside, reducing the need for manual handling.
Online slot machines are fully digital and don’t hold or handle physical money. When you play, all deposits and withdrawals are managed through your casino account. If you win, the money comes from the casino’s overall funds—not from the slot game itself.
How Do Slot Machines Know When To Pay Out?
Slot machines do not follow patterns or recognise any previous spins. Each outcome is produced using a piece of software known as a Random Number Generator (RNG). This is a standard tool required by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). It works by generating a random set of numbers at the exact moment you press the spin button. These numbers determine the position of the reels and the outcome of your spin.
The RNG ensures that each spin is completely separate from the last. No result is influenced by any earlier wins or losses. It doesn’t make a difference how long you’ve been playing, or whether the machine has recently paid out a large potential prize.
This system is the same across both physical machines and online games. Developers are required to have their games tested by accredited laboratories to ensure that the RNG works properly and fairly. These independent tests verify that no one—not the operator, the developer, or the player—can predict or change the outcome of a spin.
Do Slot Machines Have To Pay Out a Certain Percentage?
Slot machines available in the UK—whether online or in physical venues—are regulated by the UKGC. One key requirement is that each game must clearly display its Return to Player (RTP) rate. This is a theoretical percentage that shows the average amount a game is designed to return to players over a very large number of spins.
For example, if a slot has an RTP of 95%, it means that, in theory, the game could return £95 for every £100 played—based on millions of spins. This is not a guarantee of what you might receive in any one session. Slot games are random by design, and the outcome of each spin is unpredictable. You could win more, win nothing, or land somewhere in between.
The UKGC does not set a minimum RTP requirement for most machine categories or online slots. Instead, the minimum average return set by the manufacturer must be clearly shown to the player. This figure must also be verified, either by the developer or by an independent testing house.
In online casinos, some games are made available with more than one RTP version. A single slot title might exist with settings at 96%, 94%, or even lower. Which version you get depends on the operator, so it may be a good idea to check the game’s information page or paytable to see the exact RTP before playing.
Will a Slot Machine Hit Again If It Hits?
There’s a common belief that a machine which has just paid out is unlikely to pay out again straight away—or that a long run without a win means a big potential prize must be coming. This is known as the gambler’s fallacy, and it’s incorrect.
As mentioned earlier, each spin is decided by a Random Number Generator. The machine does not track any previous wins or adjust outcomes based on how long you’ve been playing. Whether a prize has just been awarded or not, your odds of a potential win stay the same on every spin.
This is why no pattern or system can influence results in your favour. It’s also why terms like “hot” or “cold” machines are misleading. Slot games do not use memory, and there is no timing that affects when, or if, any wins may occur.
Play Real Money Slot Machines Online
Here at Mr Luck, you can enjoy a straightforward experience with all the proper safeguards in place. As a UK-licensed online casino and sportsbook, we operate under strict regulations, so you know you’re playing on a site that puts fairness first.
Our full line-up is open to account holders who want to play using real money, with cash prizes on offer. Whether you’re after feature-packed slots or classic table games, you’ll find plenty of options to fit your preferences.
When you’re ready, simply sign in or register your account to get started. And before you begin, have a look through our responsible gambling resources and game information—these can help you make more informed choices.
Now that you know how slot machines operate in the UK, you can make your decisions with confidence and play responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these slot games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.