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!

Show more

No Legal Gambling Offers Available in Ohio as of August 2025

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.

Latest Casino News

Caesars Unveils Signature American Roulette as First In-House Game
August 8th, 20254 mins

Caesars Unveils Signature American Roulette as First In-House Game

Caesars Entertainment has launched its very own Signature American Roulette, a proprietary online casino game offering fully developed in-house. The game is now available to players in New Jersey through Caesars Palace Online Casino, Horseshoe Online Casino, and Caesars Sportsbook & Casino.

Caesars Entertainment, Inc. has unveiled its latest proprietary online casino title, Signature American Roulette, now live in New Jersey across its popular digital platforms: Caesars Palace Online Casino, Horseshoe Online Casino, and Caesars Sportsbook & Casino. The release marks the third in-house developed game by the company's digital division and further demonstrates Caesars' continued investment in expanding its entire suite of custom iGaming content.

Developed by Empire Creative, Signature American Roulette follows the successful launches of Signature Blackjack Surrender in June and Caesars Palace Signature Multihand Blackjack Surrender in May. This new addition highlights the company's strategy to offer unique, engaging, and immersive digital gaming experiences that closely mirror the thrill of a live casino floor.

Tailored for a next-level iGaming experience

"This newest addition to the Signature series of table games is a standout for our online casino players," said Matthew Sunderland, Caesars Digital's Senior Vice President and Chief iGaming Officer. "Bringing Signature American Roulette to our platforms perfectly complements our suite of Caesars-branded table games and further strengthens the robust collection of digital offerings that bring the energy of the casino floor to players' mobile devices."

The game is designed with advanced customization features such as player-selectable speed and wheel spin direction, an intuitive favorite betting system, and seamless portrait or landscape play. Picture-in-picture win evaluations further enhance the user experience, bringing the dynamic energy of a physical roulette table directly to a player's device.

Senior Director of Game Products and Head of Studio at Caesars Digital, Scott Krell, emphasized the company's player-first development approach. "Every detail is crafted to boost engagement. With seamless play in portrait or landscape modes and picture-in-picture win evaluations, we're bringing the thrill of the casino straight to players' fingertips."

Currently available in New Jersey, with broader rollout expected in the future

Players 21 and older in New Jersey can now enjoy Signature American Roulette via Caesars Palace Online Casino, Caesars Sportsbook & Casino, or Horseshoe Online Casino apps on iOS and Android, or through their desktop versions. While the game is initially exclusive to the New Jersey market, Caesars' other proprietary titles are already available in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ontario, and West Virginia - suggesting a wider rollout of Signature American Roulette may follow.

In addition to proprietary games, these platforms offer a mix of classic table games and exclusive content from leading iGaming providers. All platforms integrate with the Caesars Rewards program, allowing US players to earn credits redeemable for experiences at over 50 Caesars destinations all over North America.

Commitment to Responsible Gaming remains strong

Alongside product innovation, Caesars continues to be a recognized industry leader when it comes to Responsible Gaming. The company introduced its Project 21 initiative back in 1989, becoming the first commercial casino operator to proactively address issues with problem gambling. That commitment remains active across all Caesars digital platforms and physical properties.

In 2024, Caesars Sportsbook earned the RG Check accreditation from the Responsible Gambling Council in Ontario. The company was also honored with the National Council on Problem Gambling's award for Corporate Social Responsibility later that year.

Caesars enforces a strict 21+ gaming policy and actively promotes educational tools and support resources for players. More information is available at caesars.com/corporate.

Caesars Entertainment is the largest casino and entertainment company in the United States, operating renowned brands such as Caesars, Harrah's, Eldorado, and Horseshoe. With roots dating back to 1937 in Reno, Nevada, the company now offers a diverse portfolio that includes world-class resorts, digital and mobile gaming, and entertainment experiences - anchored by its industry-leading Caesars Rewards program.

Kitty Glitter Grand Slot Launches Online at Caesars
August 7th, 20254 mins

Kitty Glitter Grand Slot Launches Online at Caesars

Caesars has launched the widely popular slot game Kitty Glitter Grand in all Caesars online and land-based platforms, which includes its properties in Atlantic City. The slot title, developed by IGT, is now live at Horseshoe Online Casino, Caesars Palace Online Casino, and Caesars Sportsbook & Casino in the states of New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Alongside this, it is also available in Caesars Rewards properties in Atlantic City, including Harrah's and Caesars.

Caesars Entertainment has rolled out the latest edition of the beloved slot franchise Kitty Glitter Grand - and this time, it's making a double splash. In partnership with global gaming giant IGT, Caesars announced that the newest version of Kitty Glitter Grand is now live not only across its digital platforms but also at its iconic Atlantic City resorts.

This marks a first for IGT, which has never before released a game simultaneously across both online and land-based channels in the United States. The exclusive launch further deepens the collaboration between Caesars and IGT, delivering a fan-favorite slot experience to a wider and more digitally engaged audience.

Available online and on-site

Players can now access Kitty Glitter Grand through Caesars' online gaming platforms, including Horseshoe Online Casino, Caesars Palace Online Casino, and Caesars Sportsbook & Casino. The launch is live in five US jurisdictions - New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, as well as Ontario in Canada.

Meanwhile, in-person players can enjoy the game at Caesars Rewards properties in Atlantic City, including Harrah's, Caesars, and Tropicana (in the short-term). This is the first-ever simultaneous launch of an IGT game title both online and in casinos, said Matthew Sunderland, Senior Vice President at Caesars Digital. "The popularity of Kitty Glitter Grand speaks for itself across gaming floors at our Caesars Rewards destinations, which is why we couldn't be happier that our players will be the first to enjoy the newest title in this renowned brand's history."

A fan-favorite gets a fresh twist

Kitty Glitter Grand builds upon more than two decades of popularity among slot enthusiasts. Known for its vibrant cat theme, glittering visuals, and lighthearted gameplay, the slot game has long been a staple on casino floors.

This latest version features new enhancements designed to elevate the player experience. One of the standout additions is a Wheel Bonus feature that offers more opportunities to win. The beloved free spins mode - where collecting diamonds turns symbols of cats into wilds - is still intact, allowing players to unlock up to 225 free spins and chase larger jackpots.

Flexible betting options continue to appeal to both casual and high-stakes players, striking a balance between smaller, frequent wins and the potential for bigger payouts. According to Caesars, the new edition maintains the signature features that made Kitty Glitter iconic, while adding fresh layers of engagement such as random wilds and more dynamic bonus rounds.

VIP event planned in Atlantic City

To mark the high-profile launch, Caesars will host a VIP event in August at Caesars Atlantic City. Select Caesars Rewards members will be invited to celebrate the debut of the exclusive slot title with a firsthand experience and additional perks.

IGT Chief Executive Officer Nick Khin praised the partnership, stating, "We're thrilled to partner with Caesars on the exclusive launch of Kitty Glitter Grand, a title that builds on one of IGT's most iconic brands. This first-of-its-kind simultaneous launch across online and land-based channels in the US reflects our commitment to innovation and delivering engaging content that resonates with players wherever they choose to play."

The move signals Caesars' wider strategy of driving exclusive, first-to-market content in the increasingly competitive iGaming space. By offering digital versions of proven land-based successes, Caesars aims to appeal to loyal slot fans while drawing in newer online players seeking novel experiences.

Gambling Industry Leaders Demand Resolution in 1-800-GAMBLER Hotline Dispute
August 7th, 20254 mins

Gambling Industry Leaders Demand Resolution in 1-800-GAMBLER Hotline Dispute

The American Gaming Association and the Responsible Online Gaming Association have released a public statement calling for a swift resolution to the 1-800-GAMBLER dispute between the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey and the National Council on Problem Gambling. The dispute springs from the ownership and licensure of the hotline number - but the AGA and the ROGA, among others, have asked for a joint resolution between the NCPG and the CCGNJ for the hotline number so as not to disrupt its operations.

Two of the most influential organizations in the US gaming sector - the American Gaming Association and the Responsible Online Gaming Association - are urging for an immediate resolution to the legal standoff threatening the national gambling helpline, 1-800-GAMBLER.

In a joint statement, AGA and ROGA emphasized their shared concern over the ongoing dispute between the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, which owns the hotline number, and the National Council on Problem Gambling, which licenses it for national use. The trade groups warned that any disruption to the hotline's operations could have severe consequences.

"Any disruption to the 1-800-GAMBLER operations - or worse, a degradation of the helpline's capacity to deliver timely, culturally competent, and clinically appropriate referrals - would significantly endanger the ability for individuals or friends and family members of individuals who may be experiencing problems to learn more and access care," the groups said. "A lapse in service risks causing widespread consumer confusion, undermining years of education and awareness efforts by operators, regulators, and advocates alike."

Temporary legal protections in place - for now

Currently, the hotline remains operational under a temporary restraining order declared by a court from New Jersey. This order was sought by the NCPG after a breakdown in negotiations with CCGNJ over renewing a licensing agreement.

Under the previous arrangement, NCPG paid CCGNJ $150,000 annually to license the number for national use. That original three-year contract expired in May. Although the NCPG attempted to exercise a three-year renewal clause, they were met with silence and an eventual impasse. Following failed attempts at arbitration, NCPG turned to the courts to prevent any service interruption, ensuring that 1-800-GAMBLER would continue to operate nationwide until a formal resolution is reached. A court date has been set for September 3, but CCGNJ has not yet publicly explained its decision not to renew the contract.

1-800-GAMBLER: A model of public-private collaboration

AGA and ROGA praised the longstanding collaboration behind 1-800-GAMBLER, calling it a national success story in public-private partnership. The hotline's expansion and impact have been made possible through joint efforts among gambling operators, regulators, and nonprofit organizations like the NCPG.

"1-800-GAMBLER stands as a hallmark of successful public-private partnership," the statement read. "The helpline's growing national reach is the result of years of collaboration. This cooperation ensures that regardless of jurisdiction, consumers can expect consistent, confidential support."

High-profile backers have also bolstered the hotline's presence. The National Football League, for example, has made multi-million dollar donations to help promote awareness of the resource across the country. The hotline has become an essential tool in fulfilling regulatory and corporate responsibility mandates, ensuring that individuals who struggle with gambling issues have immediate access to support.

Widespread recognition and growing importance

The latest research from the NCPG shows just how ingrained the 1-800-GAMBLER hotline has become in the public consciousness. According to the survey, one in three adults is aware of the number, and 80% of respondents were able to correctly infer that it serves as a resource for those facing gambling-related problems.

With legal gambling expanding rapidly across the US, industry stakeholders argue that preserving this awareness and functionality is critical. The hotline, they say, must remain a consistent and reliable tool for problem gambling prevention and intervention.

See More casino News

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

Are you sure?

This will delete all chat history, and I will not remember what we were talking about.

Todays Hot Deals