If you’ve ever played an online slot, you may have noticed a setting that lets you change the denomination of your bet. It is natural to wonder whether spinning for 10p instead of £1 makes any real difference to what you could win.
Some believe switching denominations changes payouts or the way the game behaves, while others think it only affects how quickly a balance moves. With so much mixed advice, it can be hard to know what actually matters.
This guide explains how denominations work, what they do and do not influence, and the key points to understand before you choose a stake. If you want clear answers without the myths, you are in the right place.
When you play an online slot, “denomination” is simply the value of each spin. You might choose 10p, 50p, £1 or higher, depending on what the game allows and what suits your budget.
Changing the denomination means selecting the amount you want to wager per spin before you start playing. Most slots show this with a plus or minus control or a menu. Some display values in pence, others in pounds. A 20p denomination means each spin costs 20p. If you select £2, each spin deducts £2 from your balance.
Denomination does not alter how the slot itself works or the order of results. It only sets the stake, which in turn affects the size of any prizes and how quickly your balance may rise or fall.
Switching denomination changes your stake, not the game’s behaviour. Whether you choose 20p or £2, the slot runs on the same system and determines outcomes in the same way for every player.
Every spin is produced by a Random Number Generator, a piece of software that ensures results are unpredictable and independent. It does not take your chosen stake into account when deciding the outcome.
What you will notice is the paytable scales with your bet. If you raise your denomination, the displayed win amounts rise in step, but the underlying odds do not shift. In a few games, certain features may only be available from a specific bet level, and this will be stated in the rules.
In short, denomination shapes the size of your wins and losses, not the likelihood of a result. With that foundation set, it helps to look at payout percentages next.
Every slot lists a payout percentage, often called Return to Player, or RTP. It is shown as a percentage, such as 96%, and refers to long-term performance. For example, a 95% RTP indicates that over a very large number of spins, the game is designed to return £95 for every £100 wagered across all players.
Choosing 20p, £1 or £2 per spin does not change the RTP. The payout percentage is set by the game developer and stays the same across stakes. You can usually find it in the paytable or help section, where it must be clearly shown.
So, the denomination you select does not move you closer to or further from the quoted RTP. That figure applies regardless of stake. If you are wondering whether betting more means bigger cash amounts, the next section clears that up.
A higher denomination increases the cash value of what you might win, because prizes scale with your stake. If a symbol combination pays 10 times your bet, a £1 spin pays £10, while a 50p spin pays £5. The maths is identical, only the cash figures change.
What does not change is the game’s payout structure. The frequency of wins, the RTP and the way features work remain constant across denominations. Rules and payout rates are set before games go live and are displayed in the information section so players know what to expect.
If the cash values rise when you increase your stake, it is because the game is multiplying the same prize formula by a larger bet. With that in mind, some players ask whether changing denomination can reset a game. It cannot.
Adjusting the denomination tells the game how much to wager per spin. It does not restart the software or clear any previous activity. The random number generator continues to produce independent outcomes, and the slot has no memory of earlier results that could be altered by a stake change.
What you will see update is the paytable and the on-screen prize amounts, which scale with your new stake. Reels, features and background processes carry on exactly as before. There is no hidden reset and no fresh start created by changing the denomination.
The house edge is the long-term margin a casino expects to keep on a game. It is linked to RTP. For example, an RTP of 96% implies a 4% house edge. These figures are configured by the provider and do not move with your stake.
Switching from 20p to £2 per spin does not alter the house edge. Everyone plays to the same percentage. You can view this information in the game’s help or paytable, which explains how the slot is intended to perform over time.
With the core maths covered, it is worth looking at how bonuses fit into the picture.
Bonus rounds are usually triggered by specific symbols or combinations, and changing denomination does not make them appear more or less often. What does change is the size of any prizes once a bonus triggers, because those are tied to your current bet.
A few titles include features that only become available at certain bet levels, and this will be made clear in the rules. For example, a jackpot side feature or an enhanced mode may require a minimum stake. The way you unlock the bonus will be stated up front, so there are no surprises.
In most games, denomination affects the value of any prizes you see in a feature, not your chance of triggering one.
Switching denominations is a personal choice and a practical way to pace your session. Some players adjust their stake to make their balance last longer or to see how prize values look at different levels. Others prefer to keep things steady with a single denomination. Either approach is fine, because the game’s mechanics do not change.
What matters is understanding that changing stake will not influence outcomes. It only adjusts the size of potential prizes. Checking the paytable before you play shows how wins scale, so you can pick a level that suits you.
If you ever feel your gambling is getting out of hand, support is available at BeGambleAware.org.
A wide range of slot games is available to browse at Dream Jackpot. The site makes it easy to sort by new releases or popular picks, and you can filter by themes and features to find something that fits your taste.
You will find recognised providers offering classic fruit machines alongside modern video slots. Each game page highlights key details, including payout information, features and available bet levels, so you can make an informed choice before you start playing.
Payments are secure and simple to manage, and help is on hand if you need it. All games meet UK standards for fairness and testing, and information about RTP is plainly shown in the game menus.
If you want to see how denominations affect the cash values on screen, explore our slots and try a stake that suits your budget. Denominations change the size of prizes, not the underlying odds, so choose a comfortable level and enjoy your time on site with that in mind.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to these slot games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.