Key takeaways
- Loose: higher return.
- Tight: lower return.
- You cannot tell by playing.
- The figure is published.
In shortA loose slot machine has a higher RTP and a tight one a lower RTP. You cannot tell which you are on from a session; read the published figure.
Where the words come from
Casino-floor slang for machines thought to pay more or less freely.
How to actually tell
| Where | How |
|---|---|
| Online slot | The help or information screen |
| Pub or arcade machine | A label on the machine |
| Same slot, two casinos | Compare the help screens; versions differ |
Seven slots, loosest first
| Slot | Developer | RTP | Volatility | Max win | Layout |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Bass Bonanza | Pragmatic Play | 96.71% | High | 2,100x | 5 reels, 3 rows |
| Gates of Olympus | Pragmatic Play | 96.50% | High | 5,000x | 6 reels, 5 rows |
| Book of Dead | Play'n GO | 96.21% | High | 5,000x | 5 reels, 3 rows |
| Fishin' Frenzy | Blueprint Gaming | 96.12% | Medium to high | 5,000x | 5 reels, 3 rows |
| Starburst | NetEnt | 96.09% | Low | 500x | 5 reels, 3 rows |
| Fluffy Favourites | Eyecon | 95.39% | High | 5,000x | 5 reels, 3 rows |
Why a session cannot tell you
Over a few hundred spins, chance swamps a two-point difference in RTP.
Elsewhere on the site: Jackpots, Starburst slot machine, Slot machines in Britain and The bell symbol.
Keep reading: Reels and symbols, Fluffy Favourites slot machine, Hold and win and Can you trick a slot machine?.
Next: how the random number generator works, or the bankroll guide.
Slot figures are developers' published defaults, each confirmed against two sources; the version at your casino can differ. UK land-based stake and prize limits and online rule dates were checked against Gambling Commission and licensing authority sources on 6 October 2026. History follows commonly cited accounts. Offer terms dated 5 October 2026. How we check. 18+. Free help: 0808 8020 133 or safer gambling.
Frequently asked questions
What is a loose slot?
One with a higher RTP.
How do I find loose slots?
Read the RTP.
Can casinos tighten a machine?
They choose among tested versions.
Which of your seven is loosest?
Big Bass Bonanza, by default.