If you’ve ever opened a slot game and seen settings like “Bet Level” and “Coin Value”, you might have been unsure what they mean. This guide explains these terms in simple language. Whether you're brand new to slot games, or just exploring how different features work, this blog can help you better understand how your total bet is calculated.
Slot machines might appear straightforward, but some games include additional settings that affect your bet size. These options don’t impact the actual outcome of a spin – slot games use a Random Number Generator (RNG), which means every result is entirely random. There’s no way to influence or predict the outcome of a spin. However, knowing what these settings mean can help you make clearer choices about how much you're spending per spin.
Not all slots use bet levels or coin values – modern games often display the total bet in pounds and let you adjust it directly. But if you do come across these older-style settings, understanding them can help you know exactly what you’re wagering.
What Is Bet Level On Slots?
In slot games that use this feature, the bet level is the number of coins you are wagering on each payline. A payline is an invisible line that runs across the reels, where combinations of matching symbols must land for a win, according to the game’s paytable. Some slots have a small number of paylines – others might have 20, 25, or more.
The bet level usually ranges from 1 to 5, or sometimes up to 10, depending on the game. If your game has 25 paylines and you choose a bet level of 1, you’re placing one coin per line – a total of 25 coins for that spin. If you increase the bet level to 4, you're betting 4 coins per payline, making your total 100 coins.
This setting doesn’t affect which symbols may appear. It simply increases the total number of coins you’re wagering, which means any potential payouts you receive are multiplied based on the higher number of coins you’ve staked.
As an example, imagine a slot game where the coin value is set to £0.02 and the game has 25 paylines. At bet level 2, you’d be betting 2 coins per line. That’s 50 coins total – multiplied by £0.02, this makes a £1.00 total stake for that spin.
The higher the bet level, the more money you’re wagering per spin. It’s important to only play with amounts that feel comfortable for your budget.
What Is Coin Value On Slots?
The coin value refers to how much each coin is worth in real money. It’s the base unit that determines the size of your overall bet.
If you set your coin value to £0.01 and choose to bet 50 coins, your total bet is £0.50. If you increase the coin value to £0.10, those same 50 coins now represent a £5.00 bet.
Some slot games allow you to adjust the coin value using “+” and “–” buttons. Others offer a fixed coin value. When the game does allow you to change it, you’ll often see a range of options, such as £0.01, £0.02, £0.05, £0.10, or £0.50.
This feature gives you flexibility in how much you want to spend per spin. It doesn’t change the chances of winning or losing – only the value of your stake and, by extension, any potential payout if you do land a winning combination.
Before playing, it may be helpful to check the game’s rules or paytable. This can usually be found within the slot game and will show how coin value and bet level affect the total stake and potential prizes.
Difference Between Bet Level & Coin Value
Bet level and coin value work together to determine the total amount you are betting per spin. They are separate settings, but both influence your overall stake.
Let’s look at a practical example using a fictional slot:
-
The game has 20 paylines.
-
You choose a bet level of 3 (which means 3 coins per line).
-
You set the coin value to £0.05.
To calculate your total bet:
20 paylines × 3 coins = 60 coins
60 coins × £0.05 = £3.00 total bet per spin
So, in this example, each spin costs £3.00.
The main difference is this:
-
Coin value defines how much each coin is worth in pounds.
-
Bet level tells you how many coins you’re placing on each line.
Understanding these terms can be useful for managing your stake. It can also help you choose slot games that fit your preferences. For example, some players may prefer games with flexible settings, while others may favour games with a fixed total bet displayed upfront.
In the UK, online slots are regulated by the Gambling Commission. Many new games now make it easier to understand your stake by showing a single “Total Bet” figure in pounds. Still, older or more traditional games might continue to use coin-based systems, especially those created by international developers.
There’s no “best” combination of bet level and coin value. What’s right for you depends on your personal budget and what kind of experience you’re looking for. Some players prefer smaller stakes for potentially longer sessions. Others may choose higher stakes for the chance of larger payouts.
If you choose to play online slots, knowing how bet level and coin value work can help you better understand your total wager. These features don’t influence the outcome of the game – every spin is random, and there’s no way to predict or change the result. Winnings are not guaranteed and should not be expected.
If you do choose to gamble, remember it should be done for entertainment. It's important to set personal limits, take breaks, and use safer gambling tools offered by licensed UK gambling sites – such as deposit limits, reality checks, or self-exclusion.
Support is also available through organisations like GamCare and BeGambleAware.
*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.