With so many multi-denomination slot machines out there nowadays, we get a lot of questions about them, such as:
Does each bet denomination have its own cycle of paybacks?
Rick
First, just to be precise, slot machine paybacks don’t run on a cycle, but instead have a range of outcomes they can offer. A random number generator generates numbers that map to those outcomes, and over time that’s how the payback is achieved.
Casinos have the ability to set slot machine payback for a game at each denomination, generally speaking. In some cases, the game’s payback options are designed to gradually raise payback with each denomination. In others, casinos can decide how to handle each level individually.
It’s quite possible, and not necessarily unusual, for a casino to set the 1 cent and 2 cent versions of a slot with the same payback percentage. Oftentimes these games are identical minus the denomination change.
Slot makers will often tweak the games or line counts when moving to higher denominations such as 5 cents, which means it’s technically a slightly different game, and the payback percentages might differ a bit. A casino could still choose one that’s roughly the same as the penny, and some do. Others will set the nickel payback to be slightly better, which bears out in the payback reporting seen in many markets.
Overall, it’s the general rule that the higher the denomination, the better the payback over time, because casinos figure higher denomination players will wager more money, so they make it up in the total amount wagered.
Others set all the denominations to match the lowest denomination setting. So finding a version that starts with a dime denomination level isn’t a bad decision at times, vs. one that starts at pennies, as long as your budget allows for it.
Have a question? Submit yours here!
