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Cost of Play Calculator

Work out how much you would stake in a session and what it costs on average, so you can set a budget that works for you.

Cost of play calculator

Online slots in Great Britain allow at most 24 spins a minute (2.5 seconds each).
Shown in each game's information or help screen.
Spins or hands
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Total staked
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Average paid back
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Average cost of the session
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Average cost per hour
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This is the theoretical average over a very large number of plays. In a single session you could lose your whole budget or win; set a limit you're comfortable losing before you start.

For illustration only. Returns depend on the operator's settlement rules, so always check your bet slip and the offer terms.

Why stakes add up quickly

A 50p stake doesn't sound like much, but at 10 spins a minute that's £300 of bets in an hour. At 96% RTP, the average cost of that hour is £12. At 92% RTP it's £24. RTP makes a real difference over a long session, which is why we show it on our slot guides.

How the calculator works

  • Total staked = stake × spins per minute × minutes.
  • Average cost = total staked × (100% − RTP).

The result is the theoretical average over a very large number of plays. Any one session can be very different: you might lose your whole budget, or win. The average is still a useful guide to what gambling costs over time.

UK slot rules that affect your play

  • Minimum spin speed: online slots in Great Britain must take at least 2.5 seconds per spin, so the most you can play is 24 spins a minute.
  • No autoplay or turbo spins on online slots, and no sounds or animations that celebrate a "win" smaller than your stake.
  • Stake limits: online slots are limited to £5 a spin for adults aged 25 and over, and £2 a spin for 18 to 24-year-olds.

Set limits before you play

All UK-licensed operators let you set deposit limits, time reminders and cooling-off periods. Decide your budget and time limit before you start, and stop when you reach them. If gambling stops being fun, free confidential support is available from GamCare and the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133.

Keep it fun

Set a budget before you play, never chase losses and take regular breaks. Gambling should never be a way to make money. Free, confidential help is available from GamCare or the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133.

PlayOffers editorial team · Updated 3 Oct 2026

Frequently asked questions

What does RTP mean?

Return to player is the percentage of all money staked on a game that it pays back over a very large number of plays. A 96% RTP slot pays back £96 for every £100 staked on average, so its average cost is £4 per £100.

Is RTP the same at every casino?

Not always. Many slots come in several RTP settings, and casinos choose which one to run. Check the game's information screen for the RTP at the casino you play at.

Can I win back my losses by playing longer?

No. The longer you play, the closer your results tend to get to the average cost. Chasing losses is a common warning sign of problem gambling. If that sounds familiar, talk to GamCare or the National Gambling Helpline.