RTP and volatility are like the building blocks of how online slots payout structure. If you've claimed a casino bonus, knowing how return to player (RTP) percentages or game volatility work can really help you meet the wagering requirements and win real money. In this beginner’s guide, we'll explain how you can use RTP and volatility to improve your betting strategy.
RTP (Return to Player) measures how much of a slot machine's total bets return to you on average as winnings. In general, online slots return around 94% and 99%, with the average hovering around 96%.
So, if a game has a 96% RTP, the casino profits on the remaining 4%. This means that for every $100 wagered in a game with a 96% RTP, the casino keeps $4, and the rest is refunded to players as winnings.
Here's the thing: RTP percentage is computed over a near-infinite number of spins. This means that it will never tell you how much you may anticipate winning during a gaming session.
Consider the following example:
Since you're aware that RTP plays a big role in how games work, you can use this understanding to make smarter choices. Always look for new slot games with a higher return for an increased chance of winning real money. And remember, the higher the RTP, the better!
The RTP percentage can be found across all online casino games; however, volatility is exclusive to slots. This refers to how often the game pays out winnings.
There are three types of volatility that you will come across:
This is not to say that you can't hit the jackpot on low-volatility slots. However, the difference in the win amount is noticeable when compared to high-volatile slots.
RTP and volatility rate are merely indicators of particular game mechanics.
RTP shows how much of the bet amount is returned to the player.
Volatility impacts how funds are returned with regard to individual wins and winning quantities.
There is no direct relationship between RTP and volatility. This means that a game with a high volatility can have a low RTP and vice versa.
Bear in mind that there is risk involved when playing online casino games. So, your betting budget should always be considered, regardless of the game's RTP.
When playing at a minimum deposit casino, you always want to make as much cash as possible and as quickly as possible.
To do this, you can choose games that suit your budget and strategy by considering the RTP and volatility of slot machines.
If you have a bigger bankroll to begin with, you can choose high-volatile games right away.
The secret is to be patient and realize that you will most likely lose a large amount of money before striking a big win.
Here are a few tips and tricks:
Here's a summary of the differences between high and low volatility:
People play slots with a low return to player (RTP) primarily because these games frequently include amazing jackpots and intriguing mechanics with a variety of themes.
For some players, it's not just about the money; it's about the entertainment value they get from different slots.
Still, it’s important to keep in mind that the longer you play these games, the less likely you are to make a regular profit if the big win fails to strike.
High RTP games, like those available in the live casino, are your best bet if you want to keep playing in the long run.
As long as you keep to rational gaming strategies and stay within your budget, they should deliver a great percentage of winning bets.
Short-term wins can then be leveraged to play more volatile games with bigger payoff possibilities.
Low volatility slots are perfect for extending your gaming experience. Naturally, the goal is to win big, which means you'll need to choose a game with high-paying features and bonus rounds.
Still, low volatility slots are ideal for wagering bonuses, despite the fact that base wins are likely to be rather low.
High volatility slots frequently call for patience merely because the game style requires it. However, if and when you hit a profitable spin, it might be time to switch games or cash out before going through another round of losing bets.
It would be best if you always chose low-volatility slots when trying to convert bonus funds into real money.
The logic is simple; multiple wins boost your chances of keeping your bonus balance afloat for longer while progressively fulfilling the wagering requirements.
For this reason, pay attention to meeting the bonus terms and choosing a game with a good RTP and volatility rather than spending all your cash to try and chase a big win.
We recommend that you use your no deposit bonus on a low-volatility slot. Once you have fulfilled the wagering requirements, you can start playing with real money without thinking about win limits or other bonus terms and conditions.
If you play a high-volatility game, you will most likely run out of bonus funds before scoring a big victory.
Still, if you win the jackpot, you will outweigh the playthrough requirements and receive extra credits. That is, however, a risk you should aim to avoid.
Finally, the casino's win limit restricts the amount you can withdraw at once. So it makes no difference if you win big when playing to meet wagering requirements.
Now that you have a grasp of how RTP and volatility work, you can use this knowledge to start a gaming strategy and increase your chances of winning real money.
Here are a few things you should keep in mind when finding the perfect strategy for your gameplay:
All casino bonuses include terms and conditions that must be followed, with wagering requirements being among the most important. You must meet these requirements in order to convert the bonus into real money.
A game with a high RTP, generally anything over 96%, is recommended since it offers the best possibility of winning over a constant number of game rounds. Similarly, selecting a slot with a low-medium volatility is a solid alternative in this regard.
If you can obtain returns on a high number of spins, you should be able to generate a moderate string of wins that will allow you to meet the wagering requirement goal.
To learn more about how to wager your bonus effectively, read our extensive wagering requirements guide.
Some players believe that getting in and out of the casino as quickly as possible gives them the best chance of going away with a profit. In essence, they want to hit a lucky streak of spins quickly and withdraw their winnings right away.
As a hypothetical scenario, let's say you could set aside a $20 pool, hoping to transform this into a big win, perhaps by triggering an exciting bonus round or winning a large jackpot.
Regardless of the RTP, your best chance here is to choose a highly volatile game. This means you could claim 50 free spins and play them at $0.50 each in the hopes of landing a big win in a short period of time.
However, you must be willing to accept that by following a strategy like the one above, you are taking a risk and could potentially lose all of it.
How can you be assured that a casino game pays out its promised RTP rate? We understand this may be on your mind, which is why we only feature reputable and trustworthy online casinos. If you choose to play at one of our real money online casinos, you will be assured of fairness and transparency at all times.
RTP and volatility are important factors in defining your playing experience.
RTP sets the foundation for your expected returns and represents the house edge, whilst volatility indicates the likelihood and amount of future payouts.
However, it's vital to keep in mind that these variables are also determined by your budget, gameplay preferences, and even plain luck.
Recognizing the relationship between your own unique approach and RTP/volatility can empower you to approach casino games with a more strategic perspective.
Games with an RTP close to 100% should be your first choice. Classic table games are excellent, but when it comes to slots, we'd avoid anything less than 95% as it's a bit stingy – especially if you plan on playing for a long time. Titles from NetEnt or Microgaming are good and a popular choice amongst slot enthusiasts.
We recommend looking at a game's RTP first and then evaluating whether or not you enjoy the game's volatility. Find a game with at least a 96% RTP and play it to check how frequently it pays out.
If the payouts are too little for you, choose a game with higher volatility but expect to win less frequently - and the other way around.
Olivia King is our Senior Editor as well as our webmaster. She is in charge of ensuring that we are providing you with the best no deposit bonuses in the market, regardless of your location or personal preferences.
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