Inside the mechanics of slots

Understand what moves the reels.

Slot systems, return-to-player figures and the design choices behind a game. Explained without the sales pitch.

Explore the subject

RTP, in context

Hypothetical RTP (%)Stake per play (£)Number of hypothetical plays

Illustrative arithmetic only. RTP cannot predict a short session; every stake may be lost. Values are not a recommendation to play.

3 articles

Numbers

A return percentage describes a game over many plays; it cannot promise the outcome of a short session.

Mechanics

The distance between symbols on a screen is not a measure of how close the next play is to winning.

Reading games

Clear rules explain the relationship between symbols, outcomes and changes of state.