Casino games may seem like games of pure chance, but the house always has a mathematical advantage built into every wheel spin and card deal. The tool that casinos use to maintain this advantage are payout percentages, also known as payout rates. Understanding what these percentages mean and how they impact your chances of winning can give players at Playzilla better insight into the games they play.
What Are Payout Percentages?
Payout percentages refer to the percentage of total bets that are paid out as winnings over time. If a slot machine has a payout percentage of 95%, it means that for every $100 wagered on that slot, $95 will be paid back to players as winnings while the casino keeps $5. This 5% is the house edge – the mathematical advantage ensuring the casino can turn a profit.
The higher the payout percentage, the lower the house edge and the better the odds are for the player. But even games with the highest payout percentages still contain house edges that ensure the casino maintains its advantage long term.
Payout Rates by Casino Game Type
Payout rates can vary widely between different casino games:
- Slots – Slot machines tend to have payout percentages ranging from 90% to 98%, with higher variance slots usually near the lower end and lower variance slots toward the top. For example, a slot may advertise a 95% payout rate, meaning it pays back 95 cents for every $1 wagered. This also represents a 5% house edge.
- Table Games – Table games like blackjack, craps and baccarat have higher payout rates around 98% to 99%, as they rely more on skill than pure chance. A 99% payout on a table game means the house edge is just 1%.
- Poker – As a game of skill against other players rather than against the house, poker has one of the highest payout rates. In poker rooms, the casino generates revenue by taking a rake (a percentage fee) from each pot. Payouts approach 100% as players compete against each other for the remaining pool of funds.
As you can see, small differences in payout percentages translate into significant impacts on game odds and the house edge. Understanding payout rates can help players determine which casino games provide the best chances to win.
What Impacts Payout Rates?
Several factors impact the payout rates for various games:
- Slot Variance – Higher variance slots with bigger but less frequent payouts have lower overall payout percentages than lower variance games that pay out smaller amounts more consistently.
- Bet Sizes – Generally speaking, larger bet sizes are associated with slightly better payout rates at both slots and table games.
- Game Rules – Small rule variations can also shift the odds in a casino’s favor. For example, certain blackjack rule sets benefit players more than others.
- Location – Land-based casinos tend to offer somewhat lower payouts on slots than online casinos, largely due to higher operating expenses.
Understanding the factors above allows savvy gamblers to seek the best payout percentages by game type, bet size and casino.
Can Players Influence Payout Rates?
While payout rates are fixed mathematically over millions of bets, players do have some ability to recognize when short term winning or losing streaks occur. Here are some ways players can influence their own outcomes despite the odds:
- Play higher payout percentage games – Choosing table games over slots provides an inherent boost
- Bet more per spin/hand – Higher bets tend to have marginally better payout rates
- Quit while you’re ahead – Ride winning streaks and withdraw
- Take a break after big losses – Avoid chasing losses during losing streaks
- Always gamble responsibly – Set betting limits and stick to them
While payout percentages ensure the house always wins in the very long run, players have some control over optimizing their chances during a short-term gambling session.
Bottom Line
Casino payout percentages explain how much of total betting dollars casinos pay back to players as winnings. Though the house maintains its mathematical edge over millions of bets, knowing which games offer the highest payout rates provides useful insight for players seeking to maximize their chances against the inherent casino odds.
Armed with an understanding of payout rates by game type, bet size, rules and more, players can recognize where the odds shift most in their favor and capitalize during short-term winning streaks. So while the house may always win, educated gamblers have an opportunity to celebrate more wins along the way.
