If you’ve visited a high-street betting shop in the UK, you may have seen electronic machines where people play digital games. These are commonly known as bookies slots. They’re officially called Fixed Odds Betting Terminals, or FOBTs for short.
This guide will explain what bookies slots are, how they work, how random they really are, and what to look out for when playing them. Whether you're completely new to gambling, or just want a clearer understanding, this guide can help you make more informed decisions.
Bookies Slots (Otherwise Known as FOBTs)
Bookies slots are electronic gaming machines found in betting shops. You might have heard them referred to as FOBTs, which stands for Fixed Odds Betting Terminals. These machines offer different types of games, such as slots and digital versions of casino games like roulette or blackjack.
Many people in the UK prefer bookies slots because they’re easy to access. Betting shops are found on most high streets, which means you probably won’t need to travel far to find one. Some players enjoy the convenience of walking in, playing for a short time, and leaving when they’re ready.
FOBTs have a maximum stake limit. Since April 2019, you can stake no more than £2 per spin on these machines. This change was introduced to try and help reduce the risks linked to problem gambling. While the £2 cap applies to all FOBT games, many betting shops now offer slots and lower-stake games that fall under different rules.
Every game you see on a bookies slot may have different features, rules, and potential payout structures. So, it may be useful to check the game’s help section or ask staff if you're unsure about how it works.
How Random Are Bookies Slots?
When playing bookies slots, you might wonder how fair the games are. The outcome of each game on these machines is powered by something called a Random Number Generator, or RNG. This is a software programme that ensures each result is completely random and independent of any previous plays.
This means that whether you win or lose is based entirely on chance. There’s no pattern, and the machine doesn't know who you are, or how long you've been playing. One spin has the same odds as the next.
To ensure fairness, these machines are tested and audited by independent organisations. They check that the RNG is working correctly and that the games meet the standards set by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).
There is no strategy that can influence the outcome of a spin. All bookies slots are games of chance. Any potential winnings are not based on skill, and results can’t be predicted. It's important to play with this in mind.
How To Find RTP Of Bookies Slots
RTP stands for Return to Player. It’s a theoretical percentage that shows the average amount a game might return to players over a long period. For example, a slot with an RTP of 95% may return £95 for every £100 staked, but this is calculated over many thousands of simulated spins and doesn’t reflect what you might, or might not receive.
You can usually find the RTP in the game’s information menu. Some machines show it on-screen, while others include it in the help section. If it's not visible, you might be able to find it on the bookmaker’s website or ask a staff member.
Different games have different RTPs. Slot games often have RTPs ranging between 85% and 97%, depending on the game. A higher RTP means the game may potentially have a slightly better return over time, but this doesn’t mean you’ll win more in a single session. It's still a game of chance, and outcomes can vary.
Knowing the RTP might help you understand how the game is designed, but it shouldn’t be seen as a prediction of your personal results.
Do Bookies Slots Have Facial Recognition?
Some betting shops have started exploring the use of facial recognition technology. The idea is to help stop any banned players—such as those who have self-excluded
or been excluded due to problem gambling—from accessing the machines.
Facial recognition systems can scan faces and compare them with a secure database of banned players. If a match is found, the system may alert staff so they can step in.
However, this technology is still being trialled and is not yet standard in all betting shops. Accuracy can vary, and there are discussions around privacy and how data is stored. It's also important to know that this type of monitoring must follow UK data protection laws and must be clearly explained to customers.
The aim of using facial recognition is to support safer gambling environments, but it is just one of many tools used to help reduce harm.
Play Bookies Slots Online
If you prefer not to visit a physical betting shop, you can play similar types of games online. Wizard Slots online casino is a UK-licensed site that offers over 2,500 slot and table games.
Wizard Slots online casino is regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, which means it must follow strict rules to ensure fairness, transparency, and player safety. Games use the same type of Random Number Generator as physical machines, so outcomes are still based on chance.
Online games often show their RTP and rules clearly. You’ll also find safer gambling tools like deposit limits, time reminders, and self-exclusion options.
It may be a good idea to read each game’s instructions before you start playing. That way, you can understand how the game works, what features it includes, and what stakes are available.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these 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.