If you’ve ever played slots in a casino or online, you might have come across the phrase “Malfunction Voids All Pays And Plays.” It usually appears in small print, often at the bottom of the screen or in the paytable.
At first glance, this might look like just another legal phrase, but it’s actually an important part of how slots are managed and how your experience as a player is protected.
In this blog post, we’ll explain what that statement really means, why it matters to players in the UK, and what your options are if you’re ever affected by a malfunction. Read on to learn more.
What Does "Malfunction Voids All Pays And Plays" Mean?
Picture this: you’re spinning the reels, something suddenly glitches—maybe an error appears, the screen freezes, or you see a payout that doesn’t quite add up. When this happens, the phrase “Malfunction Voids All Pays 
And Plays” comes into effect.
A malfunction means the game isn’t working as intended. The outcome can’t be treated as valid, and any displayed wins during that error aren’t honoured. That’s why casinos, across both physical venues and online platforms, rely on this rule to make sure only fair, accurate results count.
It’s important to know that in most cases, if your stake was used during a malfunction, the casino will refund your wager. This way, even though you won’t be paid for any disrupted win, you won’t lose your money unfairly either.
Can Casinos Refuse To Pay You?
You might wonder if this rule gives casinos the power to refuse payouts at their discretion. In reality, casinos only refuse to pay when their systems haven’t worked correctly.
By sticking to the “Malfunction Voids All Pays And Plays” rule, casinos ensure that results are genuinely fair. It works both ways—protecting both the player and the casino whenever a technical or mechanical error takes place.
It’s not just digital games this applies to. Any time game fairness comes into question due to a fault, the results are voided to make sure everyone is treated fairly.
What Happens If A Casino Doesn't Pay?
So, what happens if you find yourself in a situation where you’re expecting a payout, but the casino doesn’t pay?
If you’re playing at a licensed casino, particularly one regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), there are clear standards in place. Reputable operators have a strong interest in handling payouts fairly. Not doing so can damage their reputation, trigger investigations, or even put their licence at risk.
There have even been cases where casinos have gone out of their way to ensure players received what they were owed. One well-known example involved a visitor to Las Vegas who won a large jackpot but wasn’t notified due to a technical error. After the issue was identified, the casino worked with gaming officials to track the player down and deliver the winnings, long after the initial spin.
If you ever believe a payout has been wrongly withheld, and it isn’t due to a known issue like a malfunction, you have options. You can raise a formal complaint with the UKGC or go through an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) service, which the Commission recommends for resolving such matters. Legal action is also available if needed, though most cases are resolved before it reaches that point.
That’s why the phrase “Malfunction Voids All Pays and Plays” is shown clearly—it’s not just fine print. It outlines what to expect if a technical issue affects your game, so you know where you stand if something doesn’t go as planned.
**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.