Are Payouts Getting Worse? Jemma McColgan Takes Us Through the Changes in the Industry

Wed, May 13, 2026
by CapperTek

In an industry where trust, transparency, and player experience define long‑term success, few topics spark more debate than payouts at U.S. online casinos. With players increasingly focused on fast withdrawals and high RTP games, the question of whether payouts are holding steady or quietly slipping has become central to how Americans choose where to play. A changing industry means players need to be on top of the important information so that they can make informed choices.

To cut through the noise, we spoke with Casino.org's Jemma McColgan, a leading online casino expert with over a decade of industry experience. In this conversation, we'll explore how payouts work, what players should expect in 2026, and whether concerns about declining returns are founded.

To start, could you explain what is meant by the term 'payout'?

"That's a great question. There's sometimes confusion over this, as the term is often used interchangeably. Most of the time, when players are looking for casinos and games with the best payouts, what they're talking about is value for money. Most bettors would look at the latest trends to check their team's performance. Casino players want that same level of insight, to be sure they stand a chance at winning and that the casino isn't going to swallow up all their funds with no reward.

Typically, a casino's payout refers to how much a player might win from a gaming session. It's impossible to know exactly how much that will be, but understanding how RTPs work can give players a healthy advantage. This information helps players to gauge potential winnings, see how far their bankroll will go, and make informed decisions about where to play."

What impact do RTPs have on online casino games?

"RTP, or Return to Player, is the percentage of wagered money that a slot is programmed to pay back to players over time. A slot with an RTP of 97%, for instance, will keep $3 out of every $100 fed into the game. You'll sometimes see the house edge referred to, too. This is basically the same figure flipped. If a game has a house edge of 4%, then the casino expects to keep $4 out of every $100 bet.

As a rule of thumb, the higher the RTP, the better. RTP doesn't apply to just your play session; it's calculated over millions of spins. You could hit the jackpot or end up on a losing streak. But understanding RTP is a useful tool that can help you boost your chances and get the most fun out of your bankroll.

If we're talking about RTP, we also need to talk about volatility. This determines how the RTP is delivered. In a low volatility slot, a player can expect to win small amounts frequently. This is great for those who like to game casually and don't have a large bankroll. On the other hand, a high volatility slot can offer massive wins but usually requires playing longer to pay off."

What are online casino payouts like at the moment? Are they getting worse?

"There's no evidence to suggest that payouts are getting worse. Right now, payouts at US platforms continue to look healthy, typically offering RTPs above 96%. Some standout casinos go even higher, posting returns close to 98%. Looking at value for money more generally, I'd say that the consumer does have to do a little digging to find the best deals.

Payout quality varies from operator to operator, but the broader trend doesn't signal a decline. Instead, many platforms are raising their standards to meet player demand and maintain their competitive edge. The best online casinos go far beyond offering high RTPs. A rounded casino experience should offer fast and reliable withdrawals, regular bonuses, attentive customer service, and a top-notch gaming portfolio. Many top-rated casinos are prioritizing quick processing times, low fees, and transparent limits."

How can players make sure they get the best value out of the games they play?

"When looking at RTP, it really depends on the type of game. Video poker offerings tend to have the highest RTPs, averaging out at around 99.73%. Other table games rank highly here, too. Online blackjack has an average RTP of 99.6%, while Baccarat comes in at 98.94%. Craps is another good choice, with an average RTP of 99.5%.

In comparison, slots and roulette actually yield a significantly lower average RTP. That's why, for players who want to get the most out of their playtime, it's worth picking out a title with higher-than-average returns. The very highest RTPs you can find in slots are 99%, and are a bit of a rarity. Look out for Playtech's 'Ugga Bugga', Relax Gaming's 'Book of 99', and NetEnt's 'Mega Joker' if you want to try a slot with the highest potential payout."

How can players find the highest payout online casinos?

"The best thing players can do is check out reviews and guides, and find out what other casino fans and experts think. Players are inundated with choices, making it difficult to sift through and evaluate all the options available. Casino.org does the hard work for players, so that they can make informed choices, get the best bang for their buck, and spend more time playing the games they love.

Our reviews are honest, detailed, and to the point. Consumers must be able to trust what they read online, which is why our experts thoroughly test every aspect of a casino before writing a review. By doing this, we're able to match players with a safe online casino that is the best choice for them. While one player might want to play the very latest slots, another will be more concerned with live table games. I'm sure players reading this will be interested in finding the highest payout at an online casino."

What are your top online casino picks for payouts at the moment?

"The answer to this question does change from month to month, as platforms update their portfolios and bonuses. At Casino.org, we calculate the average payout rate at the top US online casinos, so that our readers can make clear side-by-side comparisons. To qualify as one of the highest-paying online casinos, a casino's RTP must be above the average rate of 96%.

At the moment, BetMGM is top of the list when it comes to average RTP, at 98.73%. It only has a narrow lead on Crown Coins Casino, whose figure stands at 97.96%. Both sites promise to pay out in less than three days. Another good choice is Stake.us, which boasts instant payouts and an RTP of 96.5%."