In many, if not all, online casino platforms, you will find that slot machines are the most popular games preferred by novice and experienced punters across the board. These titles are simple for many players to play and offer the exciting potential to reel in brilliant wins. There are many factors that contribute to how players do in slot machines. While luck is a big factor that contributes to the eventual outcome of the game, there are other pertinent factors that you can control to swing the outcome of the game in your favor. Two of the most important factors are the Return to Player (RTP) percentage and the volatility of the games.
These constructs will determine how frequently and how much a game might pay you out, making them fundamental to help you strategize. For example, at platforms like nvcasino, you’ll find a range of titles with different RTP and volatility levels, catering to players with diverse risk appetites and play styles.
The Concept of RTP
There are very many punters out there who have no idea that a concept like RTP even exists, and they go on with their playing lives unbothered. While that’s all well and good, learning about this concept puts you in a better position to reel in potentially big wins. RTP, or Return to Player in full, is a concept used by slot titles to tell players about the average payout of specific titles. This payout is often expressed as a percentage.
For example, if a slot has an RTP of 96%, then it means that for every dollar you wager on the game, you can expect to receive 96 cents over the long haul. This isn’t to be interpreted literally, but it means that over a long period of time, all players playing that game will receive 96 cents to the dollar as a payout for the game. There might be some deviations here and there, and some players will receive more or less than the quoted 96 cents.
The average RTP for most slots out there is 95%, but modern games feature RTPs in the range of more than 96% in a bid to remain competitive in a very demanding market. There are titles with impressive payout rates to the tune of 99%.
You can check the RTP of a game by looking at the game’s page. If the casino you are using hasn’t displayed this information on their page, then you can check on the game’s help files. If you still don’t get this info from the help file, then you can skim through various online reviews of the game to find the stat you need.
Slot Volatility
Now that you are well acquainted with return-to-player percentages, you may be wondering what volatility entails. Otherwise called variance, this concept helps punters to know the frequency with which payouts in a particular game will occur. Volatility is typically divided into three distinct categories as follows:
- Low variance games: With these games, you can expect frequent payouts, albeit on a smaller size. These titles are ideal for gamers who prefer a steady stream of wins even though the amounts are relatively modest. These games are also ideal for risk-averse punters.
- Medium variance games: As their names suggest, these games strike a fine balance between the frequency and the size of the payouts that you’ll receive. These titles provide a mix of smaller and larger wins, making them attractive to many gamers from all risk categories. As such, casual and experienced punters alike find lots of joy in such kinds of games.
- High variance games: While the payouts you’ll receive from these games are high in size, the handsome rewards come with a huge caveat: infrequency. This is why these titles are great for players looking to take huge risks. And like all aspects of life, the bigger the risk, the higher the reward.
Impact of RTP and Volatility on Gameplay
Both concepts that we have looked into have a profound impact on the gameplay, shaping the overall experiences of punters. For instance, players seeking longer and extended gameplay sessions should automatically be drawn to games with higher RTPs. By choosing games with known return-to-player percentages, gamers also have a good foundation to make more informed choices on their budgets and potential returns.
For players looking to simply blow off some steam with a fun, low-risk experience, then high RTP and low variance slots are the way to go. For players accustomed to adrenaline-pumping thrills, then going for high volatility spinners with moderate RTP can help them maximize their winnings. Understanding these concepts is also vital in bank management, allowing the players to make decisions from an informed point of view.
Choose a Game That Suits Your Style!
Ultimately, RTPs and volatility are meant to empower you as the player to evaluate your personal risk tolerance, goals, and play style, helping you to become a better player. With added perspective, you have a chance of being a better player and scoring better wins.
