RTP & Volatility on Slot Mashines
In the past, casino operators used to set the algorithms for their slots. Today, slots are configured by software developers in accordance with generally accepted regulations. Thus the risk of fraud at an online casino is reduced to zero.
At the same time, each machine has its own RTP and volatility parameters that determine the profit of the casino and the possible benefit to its customers in the long and short term. When choosing a slot, these are the parameters to pay attention to, as they affect the result the most.
What is RTP
They say the house always wins. Like any other business, gambling sites are created with the purpose of turning a profit.
RTP goes for return to a player and is measured as a percentage. It determines how much money out of the total amount of investments the machine will return to users. In most cases, this parameter equals 94-97%. For example, the RTP of a slot is 95%. If a player invests $10,000 he receives $9,500 in the form of payments and $500 becomes the casino’s profit.
Accordingly, the higher the RTP, the better the situation is for users. RTP can be really viewed only in terms of larger amounts, no less than $10,000. Winnings are distributed unevenly. If gamblers spend $100 on spins, it doesn’t mean that they will receive $95. They can even hit the jackpot, but the money he will receive will still be obtained from other players.
To lay out mechanics of slots, it is necessary to consider their second key feature which is volatility. Now this one introduces randomness into the gameplay, an element that is so necessary to create an atmosphere of healthy excitement.
The Connection Between the Terms
The theoretical return on funds is slightly different from volatility. In the first case, it is an indicator, expressed as a percentage and reflecting the possible benefit of the players. The second is often indicated by degrees: low, medium, and high.
This parameter reflects the dispersion of a slot. Slots with low volatility offer smoother and more predictable gameplay and keep the bankroll at about the same level. With a high value, the games become more risky.
Users can test any slot before placing bets.
To put it simpler, RTP determines long-term profits, while dispersion determines how winnings are distributed among users. In slots with low volatility, payouts are frequent, but their size is approximately equal to the amount of the bet. As the dispersion increases, so do the risks. Spins bring profit less often but in larger amounts.
What to Choose
It depends on the user’s goal and the amount of theirs bankroll. Try searching the highest possible RTP. While choosing slots by volatility consider the following:
- With a small bankroll choose less risky machines. If there is enough money for less than 50 spins, it is important to keep the bankroll at about the same level.
- If the bankroll allows you to make more than 100 spins, and the main goal is to get a big win, you can choose slots with high volatility.
- Medium-dispersed slots allow you to achieve both to a certain extent.
Some slot machines have an option of switching RTP and volatility. This way users can independently set optimal game parameters for themselves. This feature was first introduced by Wazdan. Today it’s been adopted by many other big and small developers.
Top 5 Slots With Highest Returns
Unfortunately, most casinos don’t provide an option to search slots by their RTP level. Here are a few high-quality licensed slots with high returns.
| Name | Developer | RTP | Max Payout | Volatility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steam Tower | NetEnt | 97.04% | x2,000 | Average |
| Hotline | NetEnt | 97.04% | x2,500 | Average |
| Big Bad Wolf | Quickspin | 97.34% | x600 | High |
| Couch Potato | Microgaming | 97.43% | x1,500 | Average |
| White Rabbit | Big Time Gaming | 97.72% | x10,000 | High |
There are slots with higher performance. In particular, roulette, blackjack, and baccarat offer a high RTP level.
