Key takeaways
- Online minimums are often 10p.
- 'Penny' is per line, not per spin.
- Speed matters as much as stake.
- Low stakes suit volatile machines.
In shortMost online slots can be played from about 10p a spin. A 'penny slot' usually means a penny per line, so ten lines cost 10p.
What a small stake costs
| Stake | Staked | Average cost at 96% |
|---|---|---|
| 10p | £60 | £2.40 |
| 20p | £120 | £4.80 |
| 50p | £300 | £12 |
Penny per line
A penny on each of 25 lines is 25p a spin. Read the total bet, not the line bet.
Low stakes and volatility
A small stake is the right way to play a volatile machine: it buys enough spins to give the feature a chance.
Elsewhere on the site: Video slot machines, Book of Dead slot machine, The history of online slots and The BAR symbol.
The slowest way to play
A low stake, a low-volatility machine and unhurried spins is the cheapest hour a slot machine offers. Starburst at 10p, at ten spins a minute, costs about £2.35 an hour on average.
Keep reading: Paylines and ways to win, Coral Casino slot machines, Cash collect and Slot machine near misses.
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 the minimum stake online?
Often 10p.
What is a penny slot?
A penny per line.
Are low stakes worth it?
They buy time.
Does stake change the odds?
No.