When a player boots up to play a slot machine, you are faced with beautiful animations, and the hope of a big win. Yet, behind the beautiful exterior runs a cold, calculating algorithm. Two critical mathematical concepts dictate exactly how the game pays out: the Return to Player and Volatility (also known as Variance). Learning what these terms mean is the most important step for proper bankroll management and maximize your casino experience.
Understanding the Return Rate
RTP, which stands for Return to Player is a statistical percentage which tells you how much of the total bets a particular video slot will pay back to the gambling public over an extremely long period of time. For example, if the game's return rate is 96 percent, it implies that on average, for each $100 bet, the machine returns 96 dollars in prizes. The remaining 4% represents the casino's profit margin. You must understand that this math is based over an infinite timeframe, so it does not guarantee what happens today.
What is Slot Volatility?
Although RTP explains how much a slot pays back, game volatility dictates the behavior of the payouts. Volatility is essentially the risk factor of the slot machine. A game with low variance will hit winning combinations constantly, but the actual cash value will generally be quite small. This style is ideal for casual players who want steady action. In complete contrast, a high volatility slot might go through long, brutal dry spells where you lose constantly. But when it finally pays out, the payout can be life-changing.
Find the paytable stats; a decent return rate for internet slots is around 96 percent. High volatility games require a massive bankroll to get through the dry runs. Mega Moolah and similar games usually have extremely high volatility and slightly lower base game RTPs. If you want to clear a casino bonus, stick to low variance slots to avoid busting out early.
The Ultimate Comparison: Comparing Slot Types
To help you decide, we have created a chart that summarizes the behavior of low, medium, and high risk slots and the ideal gambler should choose them.
Risk FactorHit FrequencyTarget Audience Minimal RiskConstant tiny payoutsThose wanting a long session Medium VolatilityFairly steady but can surpriseStandard gamblers High VolatilityLong dry spells, lots of dead spins, but huge potential jackpotsHigh rollers, risk-takers, jackpot chasers
To summarize, the best slot does not exist. The best choice depends entirely on your personal goals and your budget. For a casual session with lots of flashing lights and small wins, find a low variance slot. If your goal is huge multiplier wins and you accept the risk, brace yourself for high variance. Understanding the mechanics is key; do your research first!