Yes, Online Slots are Luck-based But You Are More Likely to Win on Some Than Others

It is pretty clear to most people by now that online slot machines, just like their land-based brothers, are entirely luck-based. There is no skill element when it comes to playing online slots and that cannot really be argued with.

However, that doesn’t mean to say that all online slots are equal - quite the opposite, in fact.

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All Online Slot Machines Have an RTP - But What Does That Mean?

Whilst it is accurate to state that slot machines are luck-based, that doesn’t mean to say that you are just as likely to win playing one slot machine as you are playing another. Or in other words, you will have a greater chance of winning playing certain slot machines over playing others.

All online slot machines have an RTP which stands for Return to Player. Every RTP comes as a percentage. For example, if a slot machine has an RTP of 96%, this means that on average, the player will receive £96 in return for every £100 put into the machine.

According to online slots review website SlotsHawk, which regular writes about the RTP of different online slot machines, a savvy player/gambler will play certain slot machines over others due to the characteristics and inner working of some slots, they told us:

“The basic assumption about online slot machines is that they are entirely luck-based. Whilst this is true, that does not mean to say that all online slot machines are created equally - they are absolutely not.

“An online slots RTP can range from a high of above 98% all the way to below 90%. Although luck will play a factor in every online slot machine, a smarter player who is only concerned about getting the best value for money as possible will play the slot with an RTP which is as close to 100% as possible.”

Return To Player is Not the Only Factor Involved

RTP is not the only metric which can determine the playability of a slot or not. In fact, there are several components of online slot machines which will determine its playability.

Modern online slots are usually packed full of different slot features. These can range from sticky wild symbols which will increase your chances of hitting wins, to cascading reels which can pave the way for numerous wins from a single spin.

In addition, every slot machine has a maximum payout amount. This amount will also vary from slot to slot as the SlotsHawk writers informed StreakForTheCash:

“Another factor which is a characteristic of any slot machine is its maximum potential payout.

“These can range from 100 times the bet up to huge amounts which can trigger wins of up to 300,000 times the bet.

“However, players should not pay too much attention to max payouts because the absolute max is very rarely triggered.”

The Variance Factor

Another mechanism which separates some slot machines from others is the variance level. Sometimes known as volatility, variance can come in three different forms; low, medium and high.

We once again asked SlotsHawk to explain to us exactly what variance in online slot machines means and they stated:

“To put it as simply as possible, low variance slot machines will award more winning spins at the expense of lower payouts. Whilst high variance slot machines will do the opposite, less winning spins but with higher payouts when winning spins do trigger.

“Medium variance slot machines will land in-between low and high.”

Summing Up

So, there you have it. Online slot machines in 2026 and beyond will each come with different mechanisms and features which ensure that none are made equally. Some of them will trigger more payouts than others whilst others are more likely to lose you more money over a certain number of spins.

Therefore, it is important to learn the ins and outs of a slot machine that you are thinking of playing before you actually play it. This will increase the likelihood of actually winning money whilst playing. You can also compare and contrast a number of different slot machines and then play the one which has the most suitable characteristics for your gameplay.

I (AKA CatBurg) have a lifelong passion for sports, especially football and basketball. I enjoy the thrill and excitement of sports betting and everything in between. My teams are (Packers #GoPackGo) and who I am betting on!