What’s the best way to finish ahead with slots, and what do RTP and volatility mean? Read on to increase your hopes of turning a profit by spinning reels.
Maximizing the Chance of Profit
Players have their own styles, some preferring to dream big, others seeking with a clinical eye to maximise their chance of finishing ahead. There are plenty of tips to consider when starting out in the exciting world of slots, but for those who have their eye on the prize of coming out on top, and picking games based on that, here’s a look at RTP and volatility. Below, we’ll explain what these terms mean and how to use them to your advantage when selecting slots.
Looking at Volatility
Volatility can range from high to low, with plenty in between, and indicate how far from the average (RTP, see below) a game can vary during a gaming session. This is very much a double-edged sword. High volatility slots can see a player win a lot quickly, or suffer through a prolonged barren spell. The reverse is true of low volatility slots, whereby you’re far less likely to rack up multiple big wins in a session, but the upside is you’ll finish nearer the average result most of the time and a big loss is correspondingly less likely.
A good way to test out both the mechanics and the theme of a slot game is to use no deposit casino bonuses, as such offers enable players to play for real cash prizes without needing to deposit anything. These are commonly available as welcome bonuses, and some sites offer them for existing players too, making it the most prudent way to play as there’s literally no chance of incurring a loss.
Focus on RTP
The primary focus for a player taking a laser-like approach to finishing ahead is the RTP (return to player). This is the average result a player can expect from a slot. A game with a 96% RTP will, after wagering $10, average a return of $9.60. Most games have an RTP of 94-96%.
There is a balance to be struck between RTP and jackpots, though. Some games offer the best of both worlds but most of the time you’ll have to pick between winning a life-changing sum of cash or having the best shot of finishing ahead in a given gaming session. Whether a high chance of a small profit is better than a tiny chance of an immense profit is a player’s judgement call.
If RTP and RTP alone is your goal then the very best include games such as 1429 Uncharted Seas by Thunderkick, which has an incredible 98.5% RTP, and the 98% offered by NetEnt’s Blood Suckers. An alternative with a still good RTP of 96.29% and a medium-high level of volatility is the mythological slot Platinum Lightning.
That covers all you need to know about volatility and RTP. Whether you like low or high volatility is a judgement call, but the higher the RTP the better.