Expected Loss Calculator
What a session costs on average.
How much will I lose on slots?
Nobody can say what you will win or lose in one session, but averages can tell you what play typically costs. The expected loss calculator uses RTP, stake and speed to show the average cost of an hour of slots, so you can decide whether the price of the entertainment suits you.
The formula
The calculator uses stake × spins per hour × hours × (1 − RTP). Many players spin around 600 times an hour, though it varies with the game, autoplay and how quickly you click. Enter your stake, your speed, your hours and the RTP.
Worked examples
- £1 stake, 600 spins an hour, 2 hours, 96% RTP: £1,200 staked, expected loss £48, or £24 an hour.
- £0.20 stake, 600 spins an hour, 1 hour, 96% RTP: £120 staked, expected loss £4.80.
The first player put ten times the money through the game in an hour and the average cost rose in proportion. Stake is the lever that moves the cost most. A smaller stake or a slower pace lowers the hourly price, and a higher RTP lowers it a little.
Reading the result
This is an average, not a forecast. You may lose more or less, and short sessions are very uneven. High-volatility games swing more, so your actual result can be far from the figure. Use it as a price tag: if you would not pay that much to be entertained for an hour, lower the stake or choose another activity.
Pair this with the session calculator to see how long a budget lasts, and the bankroll calculator for a sensible budget. For lower-cost play, browse low-stakes slots or small-bankroll slots. Tools such as deposit limits and timeouts are explained on our responsible gambling page. 18+ only.
Questions people ask
How much will I lose on slots per hour?
On average, stake × spins per hour × (1 − RTP). At £1 a spin, 600 spins an hour and 96% RTP, that is £24 an hour. Real results vary widely, so treat it as the typical price of play, not a limit. Change the stake or speed in the calculator and you will see the figure move up or down in proportion.
How many spins per hour is normal?
Around 600 is a common estimate, but it changes with the game’s speed, animations and autoplay settings. Slower play lowers the hourly cost at the same stake. Try several speeds in the calculator. The calculator uses about 600 an hour as a typical figure, but you can enter your own pace for a closer estimate.
How do I lose less money on slots?
Lower your stake, shorten your sessions, and choose a game with a higher RTP. Set a budget before you start and stop when it is gone. None of these guarantees a result, but they reduce the average cost. See responsible gambling.
Is expected loss the same as what I will lose?
No. It is the long-run average. In one session you could lose everything or finish ahead. The more you play, the closer results tend to get to the average. Think of it as the usual price of the entertainment, and set a limit you are comfortable with before you start.
Does volatility change expected loss?
Not the average, but it changes the swings around it. Two slots with the same RTP cost the same on average, yet high volatility ones deliver more extreme sessions. See high volatility slots. That is why the expected loss figure alone does not tell you how a session will feel, or how quickly a budget could go.