Branded Slots: Are They Worth Playing?

Branded slots are often the most eye-catching in a casino and a favorite among gamblers. But are they worth putting your hard-earned money into?

While branded slots can sometimes have the same win-rate as the rest of the machines on the casino floor, this isn’t always the case. Read on to discover why branded slots may not be worth playing.

What Are Branded Slots?

Branded slots are slot machines that are themed after a movie, TV show, or famous character. Some examples include The Hangover, Ghostbusters, and Friends—just to name a few.

Banded slots can also be branded after a famous person. Examples include Cher, Britney Spears, and Justin Bieber—all of whom have had their own slot machines in Las Vegas casinos over the years.

Why Are Slots Branded?

If you’ve ever been to a large casino, you know how quickly one can get overwhelmed when it comes to choosing a machine to play—especially in the slots section, since all of these machines perform similar actions. Branded slots are meant to be eye-catching and attention-drawing, helping gamers to find a starting point for their gambling.

Not only that, but branded slots can sometimes draw in individuals who don’t usually play slots. For example, you might usually be more of a table games person, but when you spot a Big Bang Theory themed machine, you can’t help but try gambling a $20 bill on your favorite show.

Are Branded Slots Different Than Regular Slots?

Generally, branded slot machines work the same way as non-branded slot machines. The pictures on the machine are different, obviously, and some have custom sounds attached to certain actions, but overall, if you know how to play slots, you shouldn’t struggle to play a branded machine.

It goes deeper than just basic gameplay even. While you’ll have a whole new soundtrack for your gaming, you’ll probably notice that bonus indicators, rounds, and even progression is similar through all the branded the games.

Do Branded Slots Pay the Same as Non-Branded Slots?

It may surprise you to find out that the win rates on branded slot machines are often lower than surrounding machines—and for a good reason. Some of these branded machines carry large licensing fees, meaning the casino has to pay more money to feature them on the floor.

That being said, this isn’t always the case, and there are many casinos where the pay rates are the same for both branded and non-branded slot machines. There often isn’t a way to know for certain. However, if you are gaming on a branded slot machine and wonder why you keep losing, it could be the reason why.

In fact, it’s because of these large licensing fees that branded slot machines are becoming less popular in some of the smaller casinos—they just can’t foot the bill for something that brings so little benefit to their customers.

However, if you are dead set on looking for your favorite characters on a slot machine, scour the bigger-name casinos on the Las Vegas strip, such as the MGM Grand, Cosmopolitan, or the Aria, and we are sure you’ll find what you’re looking for.

Should You Play Branded Slots?

Based on our research for this article, there isn’t really a clear answer. On one hand, if you want to have the best odds, you should probably steer clear of branded slot machines no matter where you play.

But in the same breath, when you do play those slot machines, you are directly supporting the individuals behind that brand. For example, if you love Doctor Who, playing a slot machine with the brand on it means some of the money you spend is going back to these creators.

Of course, most individuals or brands wealthy enough to have slot machines in Las Vegas don’t “need” your money, but if you want to continue seeing items with that brand, it might be worth playing a few spins. (For example, Friends stopped playing on TV almost two decades ago, but the large market for purchasing Friends-based merch, even slot machines, has kept the brand alive.)

What Are the Best Branded Slots?

In general, the best branded games are the ones you feel a kinship with. Love Game of Thrones? Then you’ll probably get a kick out of the Game of Thrones slot machines. That being said, there are a few brands that have worked to stand out with their game design, and they are as follows:

1. Narcos

Narcos creators went above and beyond with the gameplay on their branded slots! While the general mechanics are the same, the graphics are insane. Although you might pay a bit more to play, the animations are so good you’ll feel like you’re in the TV show.

2. Rick and Morty

A show known for its hilarity and unpredictability, it’s no surprise that the slot machines would run the same way. While we haven’t seen Rick and Morty slot machines as often as some others on this list, when you find one, you’re in luck!

Not only are there 117,649 ways to win on the Rick and Morty slot machine, but the bonus rounds for these machines are definitely unique. Just don’t be surprised when you click the wrong button and lost everything.

3. Squid Games

Last on our list of branded slot machines to seek out is the Squid Game-themed machine. As you can imagine, gameplay on this machine does follow the TV show, but slots style. While much of the basic game is the same, the bonus rounds are where the creativity shines through.

Not only is there a “red light, green light” bonus round, but you’ll also have a chance to try your hand at a honeycomb bonus. Although this music isn’t our favorite to game to, clips from the show are integrated into the game, making it a fun and immersive experience.

Overall, as long as you pick a slot machine theme you love, we are sure you will enjoy playing on branded machines even if you win a bit less!