Online slot games come in all shapes and styles, from classic fruit machines to games inspired by mythology, adventure, and popular culture. While every slot looks different, they use RTP and volatility to determine how payouts work.
Understanding these terms can help you choose the right game for your playing style. Let’s take a look at this concept in depth.
What is RTP and what can it tell us?
Return to Player (RTP) is one of the key elements to determine a slot’s long-term performance. It represents a portion of the overall revenue a slot machine generates that is expected to be paid back to players in the form of wins over time.
For example, if a slot machine had an RTP of 96%, this is to indicate that for every R100 you bet on that game over an extended period of play, the players are expected to win back an average of R96.00. The remaining 4% of each bet goes to the casino, as the house edge.
The RTP is not to assure each player a 96% win return, as this number only becomes apparent after millions of spins are simulated and analysed.
However, this is certainly not an indicative value and does not in any way guarantee a certain outcome for any individual playing sessions, but it is a long-term guide on how generous and efficient a particular slot is.
RTP Calculations
Game developers work out a slot’s RTP by using powerful computers to simulate millions, and sometimes even billions, of spins. These simulations test every possible outcome, including winning symbol combinations, free spins, bonus rounds, multipliers, jackpots, and special symbols like Wilds and Scatters.
Once all the results have been analysed, developers calculate how much the game pays back compared to the total amount wagered. Independent testing companies then check these results to make sure the slot game is fair and that its RTP matches the percentage advertised to players.
Why Is RTP important?
A slot’s RTP tells you, at a glance, how the machine is theoretically programmed to perform. This knowledge will help you to select games for maximum value.
Two slots might have the same RTP value but feel completely different in gameplay, for this you will need to consider slot volatility. For example, if Sweet Bonanza and Big Bass Splash have the same RTP of 97%, Sweet Bonanza will have slightly better returns for longer play sessions.
- Plan your bankroll strategy. If you know your game has a higher RTP, you might feel confident in allocating a bigger budget to your session, as this game offers you higher chances of winning.
- Adjust your expectations. Playing on a slot machine requires the belief that winning is possible. RTP helps you realise the randomness of the game and manage expectations.
- Get better deals from online casino bonuses where you’ll be offered bonuses for games with high RTP, as these games are less profitable to them and the player’s loss.
- Choose games in a casino where the operator can offer variable RTPs. It’s worth double-checking if your favourite games offers different RTP versions at different casinos.
Slot Volatility
As you’ve seen, RTP shows how much you’ll win on a slot game in theory. However, it doesn’t determine how often or when you’ll be able to win. For that, you need to look into slot volatility.
It shows us the frequency of wins and the average value of payouts for a slot game. The games can generally be put into three categories based on volatility:
- Low Volatility – frequent wins, low amounts
- High Volatility – wins are not frequent, but you get high amounts
- Medium Volatility – a balanced approach between the two;
For instance, low volatility games tend to pay out smaller amounts quite often, giving you a better experience as you spin the reels more. It keeps your balance from falling too drastically while potentially offering prolonged gaming.
High volatility slot games, conversely, don’t pay as frequently, but when they do, they can result in a much more significant jackpot. Such wins can often only occur during bonus rounds or free spins.
Most games with progressive jackpots usually fall into the high volatility category. A medium volatility slot offers a balance and gives you an even chance of frequent, small wins, with some possibility of a larger win from a bonus round or free spins feature.
How do RTP and volatility work?
One of the biggest misunderstandings among slot players is believing that RTP and volatility are the same thing. They are actually two different features.
Imagine two slot games (Sweet Bonanza and Big Bass Splash) with exactly the same RTP of 96%. Let’s say Sweet Bonanza is low volatility. It may pay R10, R20, or R50 quite regularly. Big Bass Splash is high volatility. You could go many spins without winning but eventually land a bonus round worth more.
Both games could return the same amount over millions of spins, but the player experience is completely different. This is why looking at both RTP and volatility gives you a much better idea of what to expect.
Choosing the right slot
There’s no perfect slot that suits everyone, but your ideal depends on the sort of experience you want to have. If you’re looking for some relaxing time at the slot machine, then go for a high RTP, low volatility game instead.
For some people, trying out slots with higher volatility (bigger risk) for potentially massive payouts can be exciting. If you love playing different styles of games when you feel like it, try varying your RTP level to see how you prefer to play.
Tips for playing Slot Games
Before spinning the reels, you need to remember to set up a budget for yourself. Go for games with an RTP which suits your preferences. Before playing, make sure you understand the level of volatility involved.
Every spin is totally random, and past results don’t influence future ones. Above all, play for fun and any winnings should be seen as a bonus. Take regular breaks to help you enjoy yourself more while playing games. The most important one is to know when to stop gaming.
Bet on slot games
When it comes to understanding slot games, there aren’t too many other factors as crucial as knowing what an RTP means for a given game or what the term “volatility” implies in relation to slot gameplay.
In short, the RTP tells us the percentage of funds we’re expected to win back from a slot after spinning its reels after some time. Volatility then describes how those payouts would be distributed, whether they should be small but regular or large but rare.
It’s worth remembering that neither RTP nor volatility can ever guarantee the results of the very next spin on a particular title because all results are random and unpredictable. But having some knowledge of these concepts can go a long way to helping you pick out games matching your budget, style, and expectations.
Ready to put your knowledge into practice? Explore a wide range of exciting slot games at playTSOGO, compare different RTPs and volatility levels, and find the games that match the way you love to play.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does a higher RTP mean larger wins?
Not necessarily. A higher RTP does not guarantee that you will win during your playing session. RTP is based on millions of spins, so individual results can vary, and every spin is completely random.
What is a good RTP for a slot game?
A good RTP is generally 96% or higher. Slots with a higher RTP are expected to return more money to players over the long term, although every spin is still random.
What is the difference between RTP and volatility?
RTP shows how much a slot is expected to pay back over time, while volatility explains how those payouts happen. Low volatility slots usually pay smaller wins more often, while high volatility slots offer fewer wins but the chance of bigger payouts.
Are high-volatility slots better than low-volatility slots?
Neither is better; it just depends on your playing style. If you enjoy regular, smaller wins, low-volatility slots may suit you. If you prefer chasing larger payouts and don’t mind longer losing streaks, high-volatility slots could be a better choice.
Can I see a slot game’s RTP before I play?
Yes, playTSOGO displays their RTP in the game’s information, help section, and paytable. Checking the RTP before you play can help you choose a game that matches your preferences and budget.
