Last Updated on March 24, 2023 by Faisal Khan
RTP (Return to Player) and volatility make up the core of a slot game engine. In other words, these factors show how much you could potentially win at any given game. For example, the RTP percentage showcases what percentage of the total wagered amount is returned to players as winnings. At the same time, volatility illustrates how often a slot pays out prizes and the average size of those wins.
When you understand how these aspects influence gameplay, you may select Joocasino games suitable for your bankroll and wager size. Using this knowledge daily, you can also improve your probability of winning at the casino.
What Is RTP?
All games for entertainment and money-making have an RTP (return to player) percentage, which is the game’s theoretical payout percentage calculated over billions of game rounds. The theoretical RTP percentage is the ratio of money returned to customers in winnings divided by money put into the game. The lower the theoretical RTP percentage, the greater the house edge. For instance, if a video slot machine has a theoretical RTP of 94 percent, $94 in earnings is given back to players while the casino keeps a $6 profit. Only a good casino review that covers games will mention that component.
However, the RTP is only theoretical and based on many game rounds. Therefore, over time players may see a different result that deviates quite a bit from the original RTP. Of course, the more game rounds played, the closer it will be to the actual RTP. However, their results can vary significantly for any player.
What Is Volatility?
Volatility is another crucial element of a game’s payout structure, but it is distinct from the RTP percentage. To put it simply, volatility is the hit rate of the game along with its maximum ‘exposure’ (the max possible win on the game). The possibility of significant wins is usually balanced with the lower number of wins or dead spins.
Games with low volatility typically have a higher hit rate and lower exposure. That means that the player can expect to land smaller wins more frequently. Although a low volatility slot may not be able to pay out large prizes, the higher hit rate balances the experience. The majority of online slots are in the middle range when it comes to volatility.
The Link Between RTP and Volatility
The RTP is a metric that indicates how much of the betting sum is returned to the player. There is no direct link between RTP and volatility. That implies that a high-volatile game can have low RTP, while a low-volatility game may have a high RTP. At the same time, volatility reflects how funds are paid out in terms of individual wins and the size of the winning amount.
What is most important for the player’s experience?
Though RTP and volatility are critical factors in a slot’s payout structure, the player experience should be prioritized above all else. And though one might assume slots with higher RTPs would result in more wins for players, other variables, such as volatility, also play into this. In comparison, many gamers are prepared to sacrifice some RTP in favor of greater slot volatility. Even if it means having more “dead spins” and risk, players who want to win the most fantastic prizes will prefer the slots with the highest maximum exposure. But, again, the theater’s experience and budget determine much.
Volatility is the most crucial factor for a player’s experience while playing any given game. That is because the math model dictates the gameplay, which players directly experience through slight variations in RTP. Players won’t notice these variations during regular play sessions since it would take billions of spins to see the theoretical payout percentage come close to reality.
The RTP predicts a game’s profitability over time. On the other hand, high volatility in a slot can cause the player to win big on each spin, regardless of the RTP.
How do RTP and Volatility Affect Bonus Wagering?
If you want to win big when wagering a bonus, follow these steps:
- Always pick low-volatile slots if you’re wagering a no-deposit bonus.
- Instead of focusing on winning big, concentrate on fulfilling the wagering criteria. As a result, you won’t be restricted by wagering restrictions or win limits when playing with real money.
- If you want a more realistic chance of not depleting your bonus funds too quickly, low-volatility slots are the way to go. These give you more small wins, which add up over time and help you clear the playthrough requirements without going bankrupt.
If you pick a high-volatile game, you’ll likely run out of bonus points before hitting a significant win. However, if you hit the jackpot, you’ll almost certainly surpass the wagering requirement and earn some extra funds that you can withdraw. That is a danger that you should try to avoid. However, it is one worth taking.
Ultimately, the casino’s win limit restricts how much you can withdraw at once. So whether you achieve great success when fulfilling the wagering criteria doesn’t make any difference.
Gaming enthusiasts should wager the no deposit bonus on a low-volatile slot for the best chance to meet playthrough requirements. Once those are met, you are free to play with real money without restrictions.