This is a version of a question we see a lot from players wondering about those slots with big recognizable entertainment brands:
Is RTP lower on the big named machines?
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We periodically ask slot makers about these questions. The answer in the last few years have been consistent. Here’s what we know about this.
The Options Are the Same as Other Slots
Slot makers don’t purposely design a lower set of options for RTP, or return to player, for licensed slots vs. any other slots. So that standard 85-98% most slots are designed with today also holds true for the licensed brands.
With more slots also falling into recognizable brands (Buffalo, Fire Link, etc.) players are sometimes concerned about those as well, and fortunately the answer is the same for them as well.
Bet Levels Tend to be Higher
One way casinos make more money on licensed slots is that they’re designed with higher bet levels. A game without a brand that costs 75 cents a spin may cost $1 a spin in a licensed format.
By raising the bet level per spin, it’s exposing a larger amount of wagers against the slot’s house edge. In the case of our example, it’s one-third more coin-in if the same number of spins are taken.
That means, over time, one-third more revenue vs. another machine with lower minimum bets at the same RTP setting.
Casinos Control the Payback Choice
Casinos will decide, like any other machine on the floor, what to set the payback at. They may opt to set a licensed game at a lower percentage.
But the odds are it won’t be by much – if their target for a penny denomination is 90% payback, a licensed game might fall a bit below it and a non-licensed a bit above it, but it’s generally not drastic.
Takeaway
As a player you shouldn’t be too concerned about playing a licensed game, aside from ensuring like any other slot the bet level you’re playing at is one you’re comfortable with, and reflects your budget to ride out rough patches towards bonuses.
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