Slots and Casino Payouts 101

It’s all too true, a lot of iGaming aficionados and enthusiasts in the US play casino games with only one goal in mind - to win, and if possible, to win big. Granted, there are those who only play games for fun, and we understand their enthusiasm, but there’s nothing quite like the feeling of getting an outright win at a casino and taking home the big prize. But, if you’re an avid casino gamer, there’s obviously one question you’d like answered: which casino offers the highest payouts?

You must know by now that not all casinos in the US are created equal – which means that there are casinos who pay out better than the rest. These high-payout casinos often stand out because they have a smorgasbord of games with high RTPs, but online casinos are also better at paying out their players because they don’t have to contend with overhead expenses, unlike their land-based casino counterparts. We bet you weren’t aware of that! But what else should you know regarding casino and slot payouts, and what do high RTPs have to do with high payouts? The bigger question is, how can you choose the best slot game, and what other factors should you look at aside from the RTP rate? Today, we’ll answer any - and all - questions you might have regarding slot and casino payouts, and spill the beans once and for all!

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Your Guide to RTP: Why is It Important?

If you’ve been playing casino games for a while now, then you will most likely have heard of RTP. RTP stands for Return-To-Player rate, and this number, in theory, refers to the amount of money wagered in a game and will be returned to players over time. Note that this doesn’t necessarily refer to a casino’s payout for a single gaming session. Instead, each and every casino will have different RTPs, and casinos get their RTP based on the amount of money players invest at every casino game versus the number of times players have won.

To explain it better: a return-to-player rate of 94% doesn’t mean you will get back $94 for every $100 you spend – the RTP is an average payout which is calculated over time and over a number of wins or returns. The typical casino will calculate its RTP based on a sample size of 25,000 to 100,000 spins in a slot machine, for example. With this, some players stand to gain back the amount they have invested while other players stand to lose, and some players will even profit.

By looking closely at the RTP rate of both the casino and the game (like slots, for example), you can figure out which games have the most advantageous casino payouts so you will have more chances at winning.

Best online casino payouts image

One game, for example, is Blood Suckers, which has an RTP of 98%. In time, it has been calculated that the game will pay out 98%, and this means that the casino platform will have a profit of 2%. The system then gives casinos a chance to earn money as well while players receive a reasonable payout at the same time.

You must also remember that while a game has a high payout rate, this doesn’t mean it will automatically let you win. You must also think about the game’s volatility as well as its variance. For instance, in games with low volatility, you can enjoy smaller but more frequent wins compared to games with high volatility, where you can enjoy larger payouts with fewer wins.

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Inspired Unveils Wheel of Wins Hybrid Dealer Game in Michigan and Ontario
June 10th, 20254 mins

Inspired Unveils Wheel of Wins Hybrid Dealer Game in Michigan and Ontario

After the success of the first hybrid dealer game, Caesars Palace Wheel of Wins in New Jersey, Inspired Entertainment has just launched other hybrid dealer games in Michigan and Ontario. The hybrid dealer game was made for the online casino platforms of Caesars Entertainment - both Caesars Palace Online Casino and Caesars Sportsbook & Casino. The game combines cutting-edge computer-generated images with the setting of a live casino, and it has undoubtedly been a resounding success.

Inspired Entertainment, Inc. has officially launched its acclaimed Caesars Palace Wheel of Wins hybrid dealer game in Michigan and Ontario, following a successful debut in New Jersey through Caesars Digital. The game, developed specifically for the online casino platforms of Caesars Entertainment, blends the glamour of Las Vegas with cutting-edge online gaming innovation.

Hybrid Dealer tech elevates online play

At the heart of the game is Inspired's exclusive Hybrid Dealer technology, which seamlessly fuses a live casino atmosphere with high-quality computer-generated imagery, or CGI. Real hosts escort players through each round, offering a personal and interactive experience. The action takes place in a virtual setting designed to replicate the iconic reception area of Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, delivering a striking and immersive backdrop for gameplay.

Caesars Palace Wheel of Wins is all about bringing the Strip experience directly to the player's screen, said Brooks Pierce, President and Chief Executive Officer of Inspired Entertainment. By integrating live hosts with advanced CGI, we've created something that feels fresh and engaging, and we're thrilled to bring that excitement to new markets, he continued.

Successful debut in New Jersey leads to expansion

Initially launched on Caesars Digital platforms in New Jersey, the game quickly gained traction among online players. Its strong performance and player reception prompted Caesars and Inspired to expand availability into the Michigan and Ontario online gaming markets.

"Building on the strong performance in New Jersey, this expansion to Michigan and Ontario demonstrates the success and potential of Caesars Palace Wheel of Wins," Pierce noted. He added, we're excited to continue growing this partnership and delivering innovative experiences in more markets throughout 2025 and beyond.

Immersive features and bonus game variety

The game is filled with engaging features that elevate the standard online wheel format. Players interact with the big wheel for a chance at various outcomes, including four themed bonus games that draw inspiration from different areas of Caesars Palace resort:

  • Caesars Choice
  • Colosseum Cash
  • Trevi Fortunes
  • Palace Spins

Additional highlights include wheel multipliers, a leaderboard showcasing top wins, and a real-time quick chat function that boosts interactivity and community engagement.

A strategic addition to Caesars Digital portfolio

The launch demonstrates Caesars Digital's commitment to replicating the feel of its world-class destinations across its digital platforms. "The launch of Caesars Palace Wheel of Wins is another example of our commitment to delivering elevated experiences enjoyed at our world-class destinations through our online gaming platforms," said Senior Vice President and Chief iGaming Officer at Caesars Digital, Matt Sunderland. "This title effectively combines the presence of real hosts with the finesse of RNG gameplay, offering players an engaging and innovative experience." Sunderland added that the game has quickly become a fan favorite, thanks to its dynamic presentation and entertainment value.

As online gaming continues to evolve, Inspired Entertainment aims to lead the charge in innovation, using technology like Hybrid Dealer to bring real-world excitement into the digital realm. With the expansion into Michigan and Ontario, Caesars Palace Wheel of Wins sets the stage for broader distribution and further evolution of interactive gaming experiences. For both new and seasoned players, the game offers a refreshing blend of realism, reward potential, and entertainment - delivering Caesars Palace's grandeur straight to their screens.

WrestleMania Returns to Vegas After Triumphant WrestleMania 41 Event
June 9th, 20254 mins

WrestleMania Returns to Vegas After Triumphant WrestleMania 41 Event

After Wrestlemania 41's stunningly victorious return to Las Vegas, Wrestlemania is once again set for a return to Vegas' Allegiant Stadium on the 18th and 19th of April, 2026. This is only the second time Las Vegas will host Wrestlemania in two consecutive years, with the last event hosted by Atlantic City in New Jersey in 1988 to 1989.

WWE is bringing WrestleMania back to Las Vegas for the second year in a row. On Saturday night during the "Money in the Bank" big event in Los Angeles, WWE Chief Content Officer Paul 'Triple H' Levesque made the blockbuster announcement: WrestleMania 42 will take place at Allegiant Stadium on the 18th and 19th of April, 2026. "In my experience, anything worth doing is worth doing twice," said Levesque, addressing the crowd. "So I've got just one question for you - are you ready to double down?"

The return of WWE's flagship event to Allegiant follows a record-breaking WrestleMania 41, which the company declared "the most-successful and highest-grossing event in company history" just one month ago.

A change of course

The 2026 edition of WrestleMania had originally been slated for the Caesars Superdome, located in New Orleans, a plan WWE publicly confirmed in February via an announcement by Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson on Friday Night SmackDown. But in a surprising move last month, WWE reversed course, opting instead to return to the glitz and spectacle of Las Vegas.

This decision marks only the second time in WWE history that WrestleMania will be hosted in the same city in consecutive years. The last occurrence came more than three decades ago, when Atlantic City in New Jersey hosted WrestleMania IV and V in 1988 and 1989.

An economic victory for Las Vegas

WrestleMania 41 wasn't just a success for WWE - it was a major win for Las Vegas. As testified to by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the event generated around $215 million for the town when it came to economic impact. The two-night spectacle at Allegiant Stadium drew approximately 125,000 fans, whose spending extended across an entire weekend of WWE-themed events, including Friday Night SmackDown at T-Mobile Arena, a Hall of Fame Ceremony at the Fontainebleau, and a WWE fan convention at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Streaming numbers also soared. WrestleMania 41 drew between 5.8 and 6.2 million global streaming accounts - doubling the 2.7 to 2.9 million accounts that tuned in for WrestleMania 40. Much of this boost is attributed to international streaming through Netflix, which now carries WWE content in several key markets.

Third time's the charm?

The 2026 show will mark the third time WrestleMania has taken place in Las Vegas. The first, WrestleMania IX, was held in 1993 at Caesars Palace - or more precisely, in its parking lot, dubbed the 'Caesars Palace Grand Garden' for the occasion.

That event has gone down in history as one of the most criticized in the series. WrestleMania IX featured several controversial booking decisions, most notably a last-minute match that saw Hulk Hogan defeat Yokozuna moments after Yokozuna had captured the WWF Championship from Bret Hart.

Technical problems also plagued the pay-per-view broadcast, with large portions of commentary lost to audio glitches. Attendance was underwhelming as well. Of the 18,000 available tickets, only 16,891 were used - and many of those were comped for casino guests, media, and promotional purposes.

Looking ahead to 2026

With WrestleMania 42, WWE appears determined to rewrite its early Las Vegas legacy. Allegiant Stadium, home of the NFL's Las Vegas Raiders, has proven itself an ideal venue, both logistically and symbolically. Its capacity and state-of-the-art facilities helped WrestleMania 41 become a global phenomenon, and WWE is betting big that lightning can strike twice. For fans and the city of Las Vegas, the message is clear: WWE is ready to double down - and so is WrestleMania.

Responsible Online Gaming Association Sets Guidelines for Supporting VIP Players
June 5th, 20254 mins

Responsible Online Gaming Association Sets Guidelines for Supporting VIP Players

The Responsible Online Gaming Association or ROGA, for short, has just released a set of guidelines for the VIP programs of sports betting operators. It states best practices for VIP procedures and policies that will promote responsible gaming. With this, VIP players can enjoy a more balanced gameplay experience that will take their personal limits into consideration.

The Responsible Online Gaming Association, which represents 90% of the legal sports betting industry in the US by handle, has unveiled a comprehensive set of recommended practices for VIP programs, aimed at boosting responsible gaming initiatives among high-value players.

These new guidelines reflect ROGA's commitment to fostering a safe and sustainable gaming environment. The association emphasized that while VIP programs are an important tool for rewarding loyalty, they must also incorporate responsible gaming principles to ensure that engagement remains balanced and recreational.

"A shared commitment to player well-being"

"Like in many sectors of entertainment, leisure, and hospitality, sportsbook VIP programs aim to reward and retain loyal players," said Dr. Jennifer Shatley, Executive Director of ROGA. "It is essential that these programs are operated with a strong commitment to responsible gaming. They should support a shared understanding between hosts and players on the value of responsible gaming that fosters long-term loyalty and player well-being."

Dr. Shatley noted that ongoing discussions around the structure and ethics of VIP programs prompted the association to prioritize this area. We want to provide research-driven guidance that adequately supports these programs while helping VIP players keep their experience fun and within their limits, she added.

Eleven key practices for responsible VIP programs

ROGA's recommendations are grounded in current evidence and best practices, many of which are already in place at some operators. These practices span education, technology, communication, and oversight, and are designed to be integrated gradually by member organizations.

The key recommended practices include:

  • Training for VIP hosts: Ongoing, role-specific education to help VIP hosts understand their responsibilities in promoting responsible gaming.
  • Automated behavioral monitoring: Utilizing technology to detect potential warning signs among VIP players, such as increased deposits, prolonged sessions, or failed withdrawals.
  • Escalation procedures: Establishing protocols to involve responsible gaming specialists when signs of problematic behavior arise.
  • RG messaging in VIP communications: Delivering consistent and tailored responsible gaming messages through direct interactions with VIPs.
  • Structured VIP engagement: Ensuring transparency and player support through clearly defined communication protocols.
  • Promotion restrictions: Prohibiting offers or incentives to players who are self-excluded, suspended, or on a cooling-off period, and providing opt-out options.
  • Data access for players: Offering VIPs full visibility into their gaming activity, including withdrawals, deposits, and wagers.
  • Tool awareness confirmation: Requiring VIPs to acknowledge their understanding of available responsible gaming tools upon onboarding.
  • Ongoing RG education: Delivering regular educational resources to reinforce healthy gaming habits.
  • Annual program evaluation: Reviewing VIP programs each year based on player and host feedback and engagement outcomes.
  • Continuous improvement: Staying informed about emerging responsible gaming tools and integrating them where appropriate.

Gradual integration, lasting impact

While the list is non-exhaustive, ROGA emphasizes that it marks a critical step toward elevating responsible practices industry-wide. Member organizations have individually committed to adopting the recommendations within a commercially reasonable timeframe.

Ultimately, these practices help align the goals of loyalty programs with player well-being, stated Dr. Shatley. By enhancing transparency, personalizing support, and using data intelligently, we can strengthen the foundation of trust that VIP programs are built on, she continued.

The guidelines are part of ROGA's wider mission to identify and promote evidence-based responsible gaming practices. With the support of its members, the association plans to continue its work on other high-priority areas affecting the online gaming ecosystem. A complete list of ROGA's recommended practices for VIP programs is available on the organization's website.

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The Issue of Variance or Volatility with Slot Machines

Let’s discuss the issue of variance or volatility a bit more. As mentioned, a game’s volatility or variance can be just as important as a game’s RTP. In essence, a game’s volatility tells you how often it takes for the game to give money back to players. Case in point: a game with lower volatility rates will often be better for beginner players because they would get their money back more often, although the sum would also be smaller. On the other hand, if you are the kind of gamer who likes to have a chance with bigger jackpots, then you should try out games with higher volatility rates, but keep in mind that their slot payouts aren’t as often as low volatility games.

Most casinos don’t normally advertise volatility rates as much as RTP ratings, but it is still possible for you to gauge if a game has higher volatility, as it comes with more substantial jackpots but will pay out less frequently. If the game’s winnings are less substantial and it pays out more often, then it means that it’s less volatile and can have the highest payout slot machines you’ve been looking for all along.

Slot machine payouts by state image

What You Need to Know about Range Variance

There is also the range variance of the game, and it will vary depending on the outcome of the game. Most gaming experts believe that games with lower denominations have higher rates of RTP – and therefore will be a better option if you want to play for a longer time. Furthermore, the rate a game pays out will also depend on how popular the game is. For instance, if a slot game is popular, it means that it gets played more, and consequently, it will pay out more because the number of spins are often higher and closer to the RTP rate - then it will be one of the best payout slot machines as well.

 

The Top Three Online Casinos with the Highest Payouts

Have you ever wondered which online casinos have the highest payouts? As we’re sure you’re aware, there are a high volume of casinos which operate in the US, both offshore and within our shores. But here’s a fact that you may not know: while offshore casinos often offer higher payouts compared to casinos on-shore (i.e, legally operating within the US), there’s also a big chance that you might not get your winnings, because they aren’t legal and don’t have to follow the rules and regulations of any gambling authority in the United States. So the first rule is this: before you gamble, it would be in your best interest to choose a casino platform that is authorized and fully legal within your state.

That said, we’ve looked at all online casinos and come up with the top three online casinos with the highest payouts – and they’re all legal and above-board! What’s more, these casinos do not only have great RTPs – they also offer a fantastic game collection, the most secure banking options, and to top it all off, the most awesome bonuses and rewards. Here’s the list:

 

Not only does Caesars Palace Online Casino have a Return-to-Player rate of 97.8% - it also has a bonus match of $2500 and an impressive range of 750 casino games. If you are playing from New Jersey, Michigan, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania, you have a chance to win in various games that include slot games, table games, and, best of all, live dealer games. For games with the highest payouts, go for titles such as Ultimate X Poker Triple Play with an RTP of 99.29%, 5 Treasures at 96.37% RTP, and Flippin Rich LuckyTap at 97.47% RTP. You can also try the highest RTP slot game, Blood Suckers, with an astonishing 98% RTP. The payout speed at Caesars Palace Online Casino is two days.

Caesars Palace Casino logo image

At BetMGM Casino, you can definitely take advantage of the highest RTP at 98.3% - and it comes with a massive 800-game collection to boot. BetMGM is available to gamblers in Michigan, New Jersey, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania, and it features everything from slots to exclusive game titles, live dealer games, and progressive jackpots. The top games available include Game King Video Poker at 99.16% RTP and Hotline at 97.04 RTP, but the highest RTP slot game is Mega Joker at 99% RTP. The payout speed at BetMGM is one to 7 days.

BetMGM Casino logo image

BetRivers Casino also stands out with an RTP of 97.61%, and anyone over 21 from the states of Michigan, New Jersey, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania can access it. It has the biggest-ever selection of games at over 1380 casino games, and it features the best jackpot slots. Its highest paying games include the much-popular Infinite Blackjack with an amazing 99.47% RTP, the highest RTP slot of Mega Joker at 99% RTP, and Ultimate Texas Hold’Em with an RTP of 99.47%.

BetRivers Casino logo image

Why are Casino Payouts Important?

So – the follow-up question remains: why is it important to know what a casino’s payouts are? First of all, casino payouts are essentially part of the reason why gamblers go to these casinos and why they don’t frequent others. You should also remember that different states have different laws that regulate how much a casino is supposed to pay out so that players will have a fair shot at winning. Generally, the higher the percentage of casino payouts by state, the better.

That’s why, when comparing different RTPs, you should actually know the house edge. For example: if the payout for a particular game is 93%, then the house edge will automatically be 7%. Knowing this can therefore help players decide which casino can give them better odds of making a profit or at least getting their money back.

At the end of the day, all it boils down to is this: if you want to get the best chance of winning something, go to a state with a high payout percentage.

A Comparison of the Casino Payouts in Various States

As we all know, each US state has its own laws and rules regarding gambling and its different forms. In almost all states, for instance, some form of gambling is allowed, except for the states of Hawaii and Utah. In most states, only traditional or land-based casinos are allowed, and only tribal casinos are allowed in some. The only states where you can legally gamble online are New Jersey, Delaware, Michigan, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, as of May 2024. Most states also allow sports betting and horse racing. In truth, if you would like to find out what is legal or allowed in your state, you would have to go to your state’s gambling authority for the best and most updated info. But let’s take a closer look at each state’s casino payouts to give you a better idea:

State RTP
Arizona Minimum 80%
Arkansas 92.3%
Colorado 93.37%
Connecticut 91.62%
Delaware 87 to 95%
Florida Minimum 85%
Illinois 90.78%
Indiana 90.34%
Iowa 90.24%
Kansas Minimum 87%
Kentucky 91.5%
Louisiana 80 to 99.9%
Maine Minimum 89%
Maryland 87 to 95%
Massachusetts Minimum 80%
Michigan Minimum 75%
Mississippi 92%
Missouri 89.87%
Nevada 93.23%
New Jersey 90.82%
New Mexico Minimum 80%
New York 92.28%
North Carolina 83 to 98%
North Dakota 80 to 100%
Ohio 91.14%
Oregon 92.37%
Pennsylvania 89.96%
Rhode Island 91.82%
South Dakota 91%
West Virginia 80 to 95%
Wisconsin 80 to 100%

It is also worth noting that these percentages are only the average – you still have to factor in the RTP rate of the individual casino where you will be playing, and each casino may have higher (or lower) payouts as well.

The Casino Games with the Best Payouts

Another question most players have when they have finally signed up for a good casino platform is: what games pay out the most? Well, we’ve done the necessary research, and we have just the answer you’ve been looking for. In general, most online casinos have slot games, table games, and special or exclusive games, and we’ve found that it’s best to stick with these games so you will get the most value.

With slots, for example, you will always get a fair shot at winning because these slot machine payouts by state and they always use Random Number Generators. Some examples include Mega Joker (85 to 99% RTP), Blood Suckers (98% RTP), and Medusa Megaways (97.63% RTP). For progressive slots, you can go for games like Almighty Buffalo Megaways (96 to 97.01% RTP), Imperial Riches (96.88% RTP), and 88 Fortunes (96% RTP).

Video poker is another favorite, with Ultimate X Poker Triple Play taking the top spot with 99.29% RTP, followed by Joker Poker (98.65% RTP) and Jacks or Better (97.3% RTP). Scratch-off games are also quite popular, as are specialty games like Slingo Lightning (95%), Break the Bounty Luckytap (98.05%), and Lightning Box Keno (94%).

Highest payout casino games image

Land-Based versus Online Casinos: Which is Better?

There are two main kinds of casinos, and these are land-based casinos and online casinos. We are all very much familiar with land-based ones, from the casinos in Las Vegas to the tribal casinos elsewhere. But each type of casino has its pluses and minuses, and when it comes right down to it, it’s all a matter of preference and location, in most instances. But when we are talking about land-based versus online casinos in terms of payouts, it can be said that online casinos are more viable than land-based ones, and they can afford to offer bigger payouts for the simple reason that they don’t have to deal with overhead expenses, unlike land-based casinos. There’s also the fact that online casinos are accessible 24/7, and you can access them from the comfort of your home – you don’t have to go through the hassle of dressing up! Also, online casinos are often much more affordable than your average land-based one, and they offer a plethora of deals and bonuses that you wouldn’t find in an ordinary, on-site casino. In all respects, online casinos are where it’s at if you are seeking an affordable, convenient alternative to a land-based casino – and best of all, they come with even better payouts.

Our Final Verdict

When people talk about casino and slot payouts, you can proudly say that you’re no longer in the dark - and in fact, know more than the best of them. To get the best casino payouts, you simply have to weigh the above-mentioned factors and get to know your priorities and what works best for you. But we can say this for sure: knowing all about casino and slot payouts will help you decide where to play – and where to get the most out of your gameplay. So, the next time you are wondering which game to try out, just check out the game’s RTP – and find out the payout rate of the casino as well. With this knowledge, you can maximize your time and emerge triumphant with each game you try.

FAQ

What is a casino payout percentage?

A casino payout percentage is the percentage that a casino game can give back or return to its players, hence the term RTP (Return-to-Player) rate. The RTP rate is calculated over a large number of sample rounds. The higher the RTP, the better it is for players.

What is the best slot for slot payouts?

There are a number of great slots with high payouts, depending on the casino platform and the developer, but the best slot with the highest payouts has to be Mega Joker with a maximum RTP rate of 99%.

What is the average rate of casino payouts?

The answer to this can vary depending on the state and the casino operator. Land-based casinos, for example, have more overhead expenses than online casinos, so they offer lower RTPs for their casino games compared to their online counterparts. In online casinos, on the other hand, you can expect RTPs of 94 to 97%.

Which online casino offers the easiest and quickest payout?

The payouts can also vary per casino, but in general, we have found that Caesars Palace Online Casino, BetMGM, and BetRivers offer the easiest payout process with cash at the casino cage and quick payment methods as well.

Author
Author: Wia Van Cauwenberghe
Updated: 1 year ago
Author: Wia Van Cauwenberghe
Editor | Writer
Updated: 1 year ago

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