Author:
Jens Pfaff
Last Updated:
29/07/2022
Table of Content
The truth about RTPs
Slot machine payouts by state are determined by the Return To Player figure; more commonly known as RTP. When playing any slot online, you’ll notice that each game has an RTP shown as a percentage. It will usually be in the 90s and can be a useful way to assess how generous a game may be. However, the biggest mistake is to assume that this figure will tell you exactly what you are going to win. It’s a good indicator, in a general respect, but not so accurate on an individual player level.
RTPs are calculated according to how each game works. The payouts for regular symbols during the base game, bonuses, jackpots and other features all contribute to the calculation. These potential prizes are run over hundreds of thousands of spins with a Random Number Generator (RNG) deciding when each one lands. The payouts divided by the cost of producing the spins multiplied by 100 gives you the RTP percentage.
RTP example
Let’s imagine a machine pays out $450 over a predetermined length of time and $500 was spent in the process. 450 divided by 500 = 0.9. Take 0.9 and multiply it by 100 and you have a 90% RTP.
It’s useful to remember that the above result was produced during testing and gives a theoretical payout figure. It can only be theoretical as the RNG will pick different wins all the time and no two slot sessions will ever be the same—it’s mathematically impossible. So don’t expect to get $90 back every time you spend $100 on a slot with a 90% RTP. This figure shows us that the house has a 10% edge on that game in the long run but you won’t be spinning the reels long enough to see this play out.
Volatility / variance
Another indicator that may be more useful for a player considering the best online casino payouts in NJ, for example, is the game variance or volatility as it is sometimes known. This offers a clue as to how often you’ll see prizes come your way. If you like big prizes and are happy to wait and let your bankroll take a bit of a hammering in the process, then go for high variance. But if small and regular payouts are more appealing, then keep to low variance games.
Online versus offline slot payouts in the USA
Given that the US is such a vast space split into separate governing areas, it’s no surprise that there are many different variables surrounding this subject. Gambling taxes by state and RTPs are just 2 of the things that can vary as you cross each state border.
Land-based RTP
It’s hard to know exactly what the RTP is at a brick-and-mortar casino. Not only can these casino payouts by state differ from place to place but they don’t necessarily have to share this information with the customers.
In-person gambling incurs a lot of overheads. Casinos need to cover their huge costs for providing so much more than just the tables and machines that we enjoy. Staff, buildings, events and hospitality all need to receive a share of the spoils. As a result, the house edge is usually much greater on the casino floor.
Online RTP
US online casinos, on the other hand, present these details very clearly. And if you can’t get the exact info you’re after, then a quick search online will bring up accurate results. The RTP for a particular game is usually quite steady from site to site. And here at GamblingGuy, we always find out these key details and highlight them when we review any individual slot titles.
For the best long-term potential, it’s always sound advice to stick to online slots and other games.
Where to enjoy online casinos in the USA
Online gambling in the US is by no means a simple subject. Sports betting has its own rule book as do casinos, lotteries and poker. Federal laws have come and gone over the years. And now, it’s up to the individual states to decide how to approach the subject.
Unfortunately, most of the states are still undecided about how to incorporate online casinos into their legislation. At present, there are only 6 states where it is legally possible to play online slots and table games. But there is plenty of noise coming from other states that are looking to bring their gambling laws up to date in 2022. We expect to see loads more areas opening up and making sports betting, poker and casino games legal online in the coming months.
Michigan
Michigan allows for all forms of gambling and some of the best casino payouts in Michigan are found online. The Great Lakes State was a little late to the party when state-wide rules were permitted but that hasn’t affected the amazing choice available. Big-name brands and smaller start-ups alike have taken the opportunity to set up camp and provide an exciting online gaming experience here.
Pennsylvania
Online gambling is not only legal in the Keystone State, but extremely popular too. Poker, sports betting and casinos are all available for the lucky locals to explore and enjoy. Pennsylvania’s online payouts are in keeping with the other states with legalized gambling offering some of the best action around.
West Virginia
West Virginia was eagerly out of the gates when it was handed the option to make online gambling legal. It may have been a little-known gambling destination when laws first changed but it is quickly becoming a popular zone to access all of the latest forms of online entertainment. Online casino payouts in WV, along with all remote gambling laws, are controlled by the West Virginia Lottery Interactive Wagering Act.
Delaware
Delaware helped paved the way for the expanding online casino scene that we are witnessing in the United States. It all happened in 2012 as it began to legalize a range of different online gambling games. They are also an important part of a compact with Nevada and New Jersey that completely changed the landscape of online poker as well. You’ll find some of the most attractive potential casino payouts in Delaware with a great range of slots and other games available at top sites.
New Jersey
The Garden State was the first to legalize online casinos in 2013. The iGaming landscape is now bigger and brighter than ever in this area with huge brands available such as MGM and FanDuel both present. If you live in New Jersey and want to access some fantastic online games, then there is nothing stopping you anymore.
Connecticut
Online casino and poker did not arrive in Connecticut until 2021. In a state that was mainly home to tribal casinos in the past, it may take some time to broaden the options here. New developments are now closely entwined with tribal roots to bring viable options that keep everybody happy. Mohegan Sun (a FanDuel partner) and DraftKings are behind the 2 sites currently available with top casino payouts in Connecticut.
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Best RTP slots
As you know, online slots have their own individual RTP. Every game is different and has slightly different prizes on offer. So the return to player can vary greatly but it usually sits somewhere between 90% and 99%. The average comes in at around 96%.
On the casino floor, it’s possible that these payouts may be a lot lower but while enjoying online action, you can get your hands on the very best payout around. Let’s take a look at a few of the top slots available at online casinos in the US with a decent RTP.
88 Fortunes 96% – Bally
This Asian-style slot from Bally has a fantastic 243 ways to win. It’s a standard 5 reel setup that you can play for just 88 cents. It works across all mobile devices too so you can pick up the action where you left off wherever you may be. It’s a medium variance game with a free spins feature and an awesome progressive jackpot.
Blood Suckers, 98% RTP – NetEnt
Blood Suckers was so good the first time around that it spawned a sequel! There is a fairly basic 5-reel, 3-row grid with 25 paylines. And it’s a real budget spinner starting at just 25 cents per spin. It has one of the best Pennsylvania casino payout percentages at 98% and has very low volatility with a win frequency of 44.9%. So you’ll see plenty of action taking place while you are trying to fend off those bloodsuckers with your hard-earned coins. There is a free spins feature that has a 3x multiplier and the game also makes use of a vampire bite to produce wilds that substitute for other symbols across the board.
Gonzo’s Quest 96% – NetEnt
Gonzo’s Quest is one of the most iconic online slots available. The intrepid Spanish explorer makes his way through the dangerous South American jungle as he attempts to fill up your 20 paylines with a ton of hard-hitting symbols. There is a unique avalanche feature and successive wins can add up to a massive 5x multiplier. Free falls can get you 15x and there’s a top prize of 37,500x. Gonzo has also made his way across to the Megaways series too. You can enjoy over 200 ways to win a prize on the latest updated version.
Starburst 96.01% – NetEnt
Perhaps one of the only games that may rival Gonzo’s Quest for popularity is this other NetEnt classic. Starburst takes place across a celestial backdrop where seeing that wild star symbol land on your reels really is the best thing that can happen to you, ever! It expands across the reels and creates a stack of wilds that can produce big prizes.
Get the most from online casino gaming in the USA
Choosing games with a decent return to player is just one of the aspects of online gaming that you need to look out for. There are plenty of other things to consider so let’s take a look at our top 5 tips to help you get the very best experience while on your online gaming journey through the US.
Our final thoughts on the best RTP games
While RTP may not be an exact science, it is still a useful figure to have available. The best payout figures give you a great idea about the house edge and can allow you a quick glance at just how much potential a title may well have in store.
Always consider game volatility for the slots in your state as it will affect your balance along the way. And never lose sight of responsible gaming at all times. Now you have everything you need to find the perfect games, it’s time to pick a site and check out its inventory.
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