How to Calculate Slot Machine Payouts

Named for the coin slot into which you insert money to play, slot machines are a fixture at almost any casino you visit. The amount of money you win from playing--if you win at all--depends both on the number of coins you play and the combination of images that appears when the slot machine's spinning wheels stop. Along with the legend on the side of the machine, you can use these numbers to calculate your slot machine payout.

Instructions

1. Make a mental note of how many coins you insert before you play. Your ultimate payout will depend on this number and if you need to contest a purported error, you'll need to know for sure how many coins you played.

2. Determine the base payout for the orientation of images on your slot machine's wheels once you've spun. You can locate this information somewhere on the front of the slot machine. Identify the picture that matches the sequence that resulted when you played. An example might be that if you score three cherries, you get four times payout.

3. Calculate your payout amount by multiplying the payout times the number of coins you inserted. If you inserted five quarters--in other words, $1.25--and spun three cherries, you would calculate your payout as follows: 1.25 x 4 = $5.00.

References

• Slot Details: Slot Machines FAQ

Resources

• Help Guide: Gambling Addiction and Problem Gambling