How Slot Game Payouts Compare

When you spin the reels, payout behavior comes down to a few core design choices: return-to-player (RTP), volatility, payline or ways mechanics, and special features like bonus buys or progressive jackpots. RTP sets the theoretical long-term percentage the game returns to players, while volatility controls how often you see wins and how big they tend to be. Payline-based slots pay differently than “ways” or cluster mechanics because they change how many winning combinations appear on each spin.

Those mechanics, plus coin sizes and max-bet settings, shape both the rhythm of play and your bankroll strategy. That’s why two five-reel video slots can feel worlds apart even if they look similar on the surface.

How two real games illustrate payout design choices

Let’s compare two titles available at many US-friendly casinos to see these mechanics in action.

Black Bull (Pragmatic Play) uses 20 paylines, coin sizes from $0.01 to $0.50, up to 10 coins per line, and a max bet of $100. It offers up to 15 free spins and includes “Money Collection” and a buy free spins feature. Those fixed paylines and higher coin-per-line options let you push for big line wins, and the buy feature can spike variance sharply when used. Read our full Black Bull review here.

Deep Descent (Relax Gaming) has an “up to 3,125 ways” mechanic, a single 1-coin-per-line denomination at $0.01, and a $50 max bet. Its features—collection rounds, wild respins, and a progression feature—create many small-to-medium win opportunities across a lot of symbol combinations. With many ways to win, this design typically produces more frequent, smaller wins compared with 20-payline designs, though feature-led swings can still deliver big payouts. Read more about Deep Descent here.

Comparatively, Black Bull’s higher coin-per-line ceiling and buyable bonus tend to produce higher variance sessions when you bet big, while Deep Descent’s many ways and collection mechanics usually smooth out short-term volatility. Which one “pays more” depends on your definition—frequency of wins versus size of wins—and on your bet level and feature usage.

How bonuses, coin types, and wagering rules change your real take-home

Promotions and bonus mechanics affect effective payouts just as much as game design. Some casinos separate play-only currency from redeemable value. For example, certain sign-up and purchase promotions credit “Gold Coins” (GC) for fun play and “Sweepstakes Coins” (SC) that are redeemable after meeting playthrough rules. SC typically require a playthrough—often 1x—before you can redeem, and there may be minimum redemption thresholds (for instance, 10 SC = $10 for gift cards, or 75 SC = $75 for cash). In some sweepstakes models, 1 SC equals $1 USD.

Scratchful Casino lists a “150% Extra Coins” welcome bonus, accepts USD, and supports American Express, MasterCard, Skrill, and Visa. Support options include FAQ, live chat, and email at support@scratchfulcasino.com. Always check the full promotion terms, because bonus currency contributions can vary by game type—slots often contribute 100%, while table games and live casino might only contribute 10–20% toward wagering requirements. See the casino overview here.

If a bonus looks generous, read the fine print: excluded states, minimum deposit rules, expiry dates, and verification requirements all matter. Some popular promotional offers exclude multiple states—examples include Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, Washington, Louisiana, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Maryland, West Virginia, and Connecticut—so confirm eligibility before you register or deposit.

Practical tips to choose slots that suit your payout goals

Check the game’s RTP and volatility in the info screen before you play; RTP gives a long-term baseline, and volatility tells you how that RTP is likely to be delivered in sessions.
Match volatility to your bankroll: low volatility for longer play and steadier wins, high volatility if you’re chasing larger, less frequent payouts.
Pay attention to coin size, coins-per-line, and max bet limits—these determine your actual risk per spin and whether you can unlock top payouts on certain machines.
Use free spins and non-wagering bonuses where possible, but avoid pushing into large bonus buys unless your bankroll can handle sharp variance.
Verify payment and verification policies so withdrawals aren’t delayed by missing documents.

Where to check RTP, support, and payout policies fast

Most casinos list RTP in the game’s “info” or “help” menu, and reputable operators publish payment methods, currency, and support channels. If you need help, contact live chat or email support—Scratchful Casino offers both and has an FAQ to explain common payout and bonus questions. Always confirm identity-verification requirements early; many platforms require photo ID, proof of address, and source-of-funds documents before processing cash redemptions.

Play responsibly, set deposit and time limits, and use self-exclusion tools if you need a break. Payout patterns are a feature of game design, not a promise of winnings, so focus your decisions on RTP, volatility, and terms that match your bankroll and play style.