RTP vs. Volatility: Which is the More Important Element When Picking a Slot Game?
Online slot games have many different angles of approach to potential players. For many people scrolling through the vast libraries of game tiles, it’s the themes that catch the eye. Right now, it’s the ancient Egyptian and Greek mythologies and their characters that boast the most appeal, based on how highly these slots rank when combined with world-class developers.
From here, there might be a progressive jackpot, fixed jackpots, five reels and three rows, six reels and as many as 15 rows, ten paylines, or even over 100,000 paylines. There are many variables, but most seasoned slot players tend to seek out at least one of the core programmed mechanics, which are the return to player (RTP) percentage and the volatility rating. These are the right ratings to find before spinning, but which is more important?
Volatility Influences the Gameplay
Anyone could go online and preview all the different types of slots and find some that payout more than others in their experience, but when going back, the opposite occurs. Every single online slot if governed by its random number generator, ensuring randomized results and fairness for all. While this doesn’t impede this approach, volatility does alter how the game pays out.
Volatility in slot games refers to the risk level and payout pattern of a game. It determines how often and how much a game is likely to pay out over time. While all slot outcomes are governed by a random number generator to ensure fairness and unpredictability, volatility shapes the overall experience of winning or losing.
Low volatility slots like Da Vinci Diamonds, Starburst, and Reel King will play very differently, on average, to 88 Fortunes, Towers of Olympus, and Jack in a Pot, which are high volatility slots. In low volatility games, the idea is that payouts are more numerous but in smaller quantities to the scarcer mechanic of high volatility slots, which tend to pay out more when they do go.
Of course, there’s also medium volatility, which tries to find a middle ground between low and high volatility as interpreted by the developer against the volatility range of their collection. It’s important to know what volatility rating is in play so that you can size your bets accordingly to make your bankroll more likely to work to the game. As an example, with high volatility slots, spinners would generally bet smaller sums to be there when it eventually drops.
To figure out the volatility of a slot game, try these simple steps:
- Check the Game Info: Most slots include volatility details in the information or help section. Look for terms like low, medium, or high volatility.
- Read the Description: Game descriptions often hint at volatility, with phrases like “frequent small wins” for low volatility or “big wins possible” for high volatility.
- Play a Few Rounds: If no info is available, test the game. Frequent small wins usually mean low volatility, while rare big wins suggest high volatility.
- Look for Reviews: Slot review sites often rate games and mention their volatility.
- Check the Paytable: Games with smaller maximum payouts and more frequent wins tend to be low volatility, while those with big jackpots are usually high volatility.
- Ask Customer Support: If you’re unsure, casino support teams can often provide this information.
This will help you choose a game that fits your playing style and goals.
RTP is Mostly Standardized
The term “casino” comes from the Italian word for “house,” which is also “casino.” This connection gives rise to the phrase “the house always wins.” The reason the house always wins is due to the built-in advantage, known as the house edge. This ensures that every casino game is designed so that, even if all possible bets were placed, the casino would still have at least one outcome that guarantees a win for them. This system is how casinos maintain profitability over time.
In slot games, the house edge is represented by the Return to Player (RTP) percentage. RTP shows the proportion of all bets on a slot game that will eventually be returned to players over time. While RTP was once the most important factor for players to consider, volatility has since gained more attention.
These days, most online slots have an RTP of at least 92%, especially in regulated markets. Generally, the higher the RTP, the better for players, though most modern slots already have relatively high RTPs by default.
Given that many players are active on the same slot at any time and that effective bankroll management is crucial, players often find that volatility—how frequently and how much a game pays out—is more significant for shaping their gameplay experience than RTP.
To find the RTP (Return to Player) of a slot game:
- Check the Game Info: Look in the game’s help or info section—it’s often listed there.
- Read the Description: Many online casinos include the RTP in the game’s description.
- Search Reviews: Slot review sites often share the RTP for popular games.
- Check the Casino Site: Some casinos have a section listing the RTP for their games.
- Ask Support: If you can’t find it, contact the casino’s customer support.
- Search Online: Look up the game’s name and “RTP” to find it on developer or trusted sites.
An RTP of 96% or higher is usually a good choice.
Does this apply to all slot machines?
While the discussion of RTP (Return to Player) and volatility is most commonly associated with online slots, the concepts apply to physical slot machines as well. However, there are a few key differences to keep in mind:
- Online Slots:
- RTP and volatility are often readily available in the game information or casino’s description.
- Online slots typically provide higher RTP percentages compared to physical machines due to lower operational costs.
- Physical Slot Machines:
- RTP and volatility are usually not displayed on the machine itself, so players often don’t know this information unless the casino or manufacturer provides it.
- Physical slots often have slightly lower RTPs due to higher overhead costs in maintaining land-based casinos.
Conclusion
When choosing a slot game, understanding both RTP and volatility is key to tailoring your experience. RTP gives you an idea of the long-term payout potential, while volatility affects the frequency and size of winnings during gameplay. While both are important, volatility often has a greater impact on your short-term strategy and enjoyment. By knowing how these factors work, you can pick games that suit your goals, whether it’s frequent smaller wins or the thrill of chasing bigger payouts.