- RTP and volatility are two stats in every slot machine's mathematical formulas that affect slot payouts.
- RTP describes the prize money returned per dollar wagered, averaged across all players over a very large number of spins.
- Volatility describes how frequently a slot pays and in what quantities, with either small frequent prizes or rare large prizes.
Many slot gamblers, including those who’ve been playing offline and online slots for years, might not understand what RTP and volatility mean. While these terms might not concern players who just want to spin the reels and have fun, they can dramatically affect the slot experience whether you play online or offline.
To learn about the role of RTP and volatility in slots, read on to discover everything players need to know about each of these slot elements and how they are connected.
Everything Players Need To Know About RTP
While players can still have a great time playing slots without ever knowing what RTP is, the principle is a critical element of the online slot experience.
What is RTP?
RTP, or return to player, is a term that’s used to indicate to slot gamblers what the average payout is for a particular slot. Slot RTP is shown as a percentage.
For example, a slot might have an RTP of 95%. This means that, on average, for every $100 that’s paid into the game, the game will return $95. This doesn’t mean a player will receive $95 back, but that over a long period of time, an average of $95 will be paid out to all players for every $100 spent. While some slot players will receive more and others will receive less, it’ll average out to 95% in the long run. This is why some players may prefer higher-RTP slots, as they offer a higher theoretical return over the long term.
The average RTP for slots is approximately 96%, although this varies quite dramatically from slot to slot. For example, slots with the best odds have an RTP as high as 99%, while slots with the worst odds can have an RTP of 90% or lower. Another factor to keep in mind is a type of slot machine called jackpot slots, which offer a jackpot prize. Jackpot slots sometimes take the jackpot payout into account for their RTP, which means that the RTP can be much lower without the jackpot prize factored in.
How Is RTP Calculated?
Actual RTP is calculated by dividing the total amount won by players by the total amount wagered on the game, then multiplying the result by 100. However, this may differ from the game’s official RTP, which is part of the slot’s mathematical model and is independently tested. This is for two reasons.
First, RTP isn’t a number you can apply to a short period or a small number of games. It’s typically calculated over tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands, of games.
Second, the observed RTP may vary because of the game’s volatility during any particular session. Learn more about volatility below.
How to Check the RTP of an Online Slot
When playing at an online casino, the RTP is typically available on the game’s page. If the casino doesn’t display the slot RTP before starting play, check the slot’s help files in the game itself, located in the same section as the slot paytable. If no RTP is listed under the game’s help files, check online reviews or the game developer’s website for relevant information.
Everything Players Need To Know About Volatility
Volatility is another important element that can influence a player’s enjoyment of online slots. Here’s everything you need to know about volatility and how it affects the slot gaming experience.
What is Volatility?
Slot volatility, also known as variance, is the frequency and size of payouts that players can expect from a slot. Volatility is typically divided into three categories:
- Low: Low volatility means a game offers more frequent but smaller payouts.
- Medium: Medium volatility means that a game offers a mix of smaller, more frequent payouts and larger, less frequent payouts.
- High: High volatility means a game offers less frequent but larger payouts.
Volatility reflects the mathematical distribution of a slot’s possible payouts, although its effects become clearer across large numbers of spins. For example, even when playing a low-volatility slot for multiple spins, a player may hit a bad run of luck and not land a single winning combination during a session.
Choosing slot volatility shouldn’t be taken lightly, as volatility will have an immediate effect on the outcome of a play session.
How is Slot Volatility Calculated?
Slot volatility is determined from the mathematical distribution of the game’s possible outcomes. Game providers may then simplify this information into consumer-facing categories such as low, medium, or high volatility to make it easier for players to understand how the game works.
How to Check Slot Volatility of an Online Slot
Just like RTP, slot volatility is often displayed on the game page at an online casino or in the game’s help files. If the information isn’t included in either location, players can search online reviews or the game developer’s site to confirm the volatility.
How Are RTP and Volatility Connected in Online Slots?
Ultimately, both RTP and volatility can affect the enjoyment of playing an online slot, so be careful to research RTP, volatility, paylines, and other key factors before wagering any money. The most important thing to remember about RTP vs. volatility is that RTP helps players understand long-term payout potential, while volatility helps players understand short-term outcomes. Players should consider how slot tips and strategies can help them manage their slot bankroll and how they play when they take this and other elements of a slot’s gameplay into account.
