Best Time to Play Online Slots

4th September 2025 Fruity king

Is There a Best Time to Play Online Slots?

Working out the most profitable time to play online slots could yield long-term returns. But is there really a best time to play slots? Are they hotter at the weekend than they are during the week? 

Here, we explain how slots work, focusing on the key role of random number generator technology in outcomes. We then explain what to consider when deciding which games to play and when to play them, before revealing whether the time of your playing session can influence your chances of winning.

If you want to give our exciting slots a go, you’ll need to sign up with Fruity King today, following these simple steps:

1. Register for your account by clicking the orange REGISTER button
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Understanding How Slots Work 

Online slot machines are powered by random number generator (RNG) technology. RNGs ensure that the outcome of every single slot spin is random. A small computer chip generates numbers every millisecond, which are then matched to the symbols on the reels. 

Each time you or another player hits the spin button, the computer picks a number, which links to an outcome based on the slot’s rules. The RNG is tested and audited by independent companies like eCogra and iTechLabs to ensure its transparency and correct functioning. 

So, if you play a slot game at a legit online casino like Fruity King, you have a random yet fair chance of winning each time you spin the reels. RNG technology does not influence the best time to play slots; you stand the same chance of landing a 5,000x max win at 4am as you do at 6.35pm. There’s no way to know when a slot is about to pay.

What About Jackpot Slots? 

Jackpot slots are the only type of slot machine that might be influenced by when you play them. However, your chances of winning don’t necessarily increase by playing at a specific time, only the amount you can win. 

For example, the longer a progressive jackpot prize remains active, the higher it becomes. So on Monday it might be at £10,000, but on Friday, it could have climbed to £500,000. You don’t have a better chance of winning the jackpot on Friday, but you do have a chance of winning more than you would have if you played on Monday. 

Must-drop jackpots are also worth mentioning. Some studios offer games with jackpots that must be won by a specific time or when the amount reaches a pre-determined amount. Playing the game in this short window gives you a fair chance of winning the jackpot, but your odds don’t necessarily improve, as many others will be playing at the same time. 

Again, there isn’t a best time to play slots online to land the biggest jackpots, but keeping an eye on progressive prizes and must-drop jackpots can help you play for the biggest wins, if this is a strategy you wish to pursue.

Myth vs. Reality

To help you easily spot the myths about slot game payouts, we show them here, and reveal the reality!

Myth	Reality
Slot games pay more at night	RNGs randomise every spin result, 24/7
Slots pay more after a lean spell	Each spin is independent with no recall of previous results
The jackpots are higher on weekends	Jackpots grow as people play, not on certain days
Casinos lower payouts during busy hours	Payout percentages are fixed

Factors That Influence Slot Payouts 

So, if your time of play doesn’t influence your chances of winning, which factors affect slot payouts? 

Return to Player (RTP) 

The key to a slot’s long-term payouts is its theoretical return to player (RTP) percentage. This figure indicates how much, over time, the game pays out. The higher the RTP, the more the game returns to players. 

At online casinos, the average RTP for slots is 96%. For every £100 wagered, you can expect approximately £96 to be paid out, and £4 to be retained as the house edge. So, choosing games with higher RTPs means the casino keeps less over time, maximising your potential returns as you play.

Volatility

Slot volatility, or variance, is also worth considering. Low-volatility slots deliver smaller payouts frequently, while high-volatility games are characterised by higher-value, more infrequent payouts. Medium-volatility slots are somewhere in between. 

This is important when considering how long you play slots for. If you play a high-volatility game for just five minutes, you might only see a few wins. However, if you play a low-volatility game for the same time, you may land ten or more payouts. 

So, rather than worrying about the best time to play slots, consider its volatility and prepare for the frequency of payouts you can expect. If you opt for high-volatility gameplay, it makes sense to extend your playing session, as more patience is required. 

Max Win 

You can also check the slot’s max win cap, which is often given as a multiplier. Many of the top slots at Fruity King have max wins ranging from 5,000x to 10,000x your bet.

If you’re searching for big payouts, play jackpot slots with progressive prizes, or classic and video slots with max wins that can multiply your base stake significantly. Again, the time you play these games won’t affect your chances of landing the max payout. 

The Verdict: Is There a Best Time to Play Slots Online?

The bottom line is that there is no best time to play slots online to maximise your chances of winning, due to the built-in RNG technology in these games. If you’re burning the midnight oil, you’re just as likely to land a 1,000x win if you’re an early riser spinning those reels with your morning coffee at 6am.  

So, rather than focusing on your time of play, follow these simple steps to maximise your winning chances when playing slots: 

• Always start with the game’s RTP. Shoot for 96% or higher when playing slots for above-average slot payouts. 
• Volatility is also key when considering your potential payouts. Play low-volatility games if you want small, infrequent wins. Opt for high-volatility games if you’re playing for the big bucks and have enough funds to sustain a longer playing session.
• Adjust your bankroll and gamble within your means. Visit our Play Safe Hub for tools and tips relating to responsible gambling. 
• Specifically for jackpot slots, consider must-win jackpot cut-offs and play before the prize must be won. Your odds don’t necessarily improve, but you still have a fair chance of winning the prize.

Play Slots Today at Fruity King 

Fruity King is home to over 1,000 juicy UK slots from top studios like Pragmatic Play, NetEnt, and Playtech. No matter the time of day or night, create a Fruity King account today, claim a welcome bonus (terms and conditions apply) and enjoy a fair chance of winning.