Expert slot players know the difference, and that’s why they are successful at what they do. There’s more to slots than pretty visuals and big jackpots.
What Is RTP?
RTP stands for “Return to Player.” It shows what percentage of your wagers a slot returns over time. For example, a 96% RTP means that for every $100 you wager, the slot pays back $96 on average.
RTPs can vary by casino. Alice Wonderluck might be 97% at Wild Casino but only 96% at MYBookie. Always check the Help screen or ask live chat to confirm.
Calculating and Expressing RTP as a Percentage
Game developers simulate billions of spins to calculate RTP. It’s then expressed as a percentage, like 96% or 97.5%.
Why Does RTP Matter to You as a Player?
It helps you compare games and manage your bankroll. Higher RTP slots stretch your budget further over time.
What Is Hit Frequency?
Hit frequency refers to how often a slot game produces a win. A high hit frequency gives more small wins. A low hit frequency means fewer wins—but bigger ones.
Examples of Low vs High Hit Frequency
Low-hit-frequency games may only win once every 10+ spins. High-hit-frequency games like The Tipsy Tourist Beach Bonanza might win 40-50% of the time.
How Hit Frequency Affects Gameplay
Use high hit frequency slots for bonus play and wagering requirements. Use low-frequency ones when you’re aiming for big payouts with a strong bankroll.
What Is Slot Volatility?
Slot volatility shows the risk level of a game. High volatility means rare but large wins. Low volatility means frequent small wins.
Low, Medium, and High Volatility
Low: Frequent small wins.
Medium: Steady wins with occasional big ones.
High: Infrequent wins with large payouts.
| Category | Slot | RTP | Hit Frequency | Variance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatile slot with high RTP | Wild Clusters | 96.71% | Low | High |
| Medium variance, high RTP, high hit rate | All Mine Hold and Win | 96% | High | Medium |
| Low variance, high RTP, high hit frequency | Blood Suckers | 98% | High | Low |
How RTP, Hit Frequency, and Volatility Interact
A high RTP doesn’t mean frequent wins. A game may have high RTP, low hit frequency, and high volatility—delivering huge but rare payouts.
Low volatility + high hit frequency = consistent payouts. High volatility + low hit frequency = bigger wins, but fewer of them.
How to Pick the Right Slot
1. Playing Style
- For jackpots, go with high-volatility games like Mega Moolah.
2. Match Game Stats to Your Goals
- Low-volatility slots hit 30–40% of the time.
- High-volatility slots hit less than 15% but pay bigger.
3. Use RTP for Budget Control
Choose higher RTP slots for better long-term returns.
4. Do Higher RTP Slots Pay More?
Not always. Play in short bursts, switch casinos often, and limit your spins.
5. Adjust Bets According to Volatility
- High volatility: Lower bets, shorter sessions.
- Low volatility: Slightly higher bets, longer sessions.
- Low volatility + high hit frequency: Great for casual players.
- High volatility + low hit frequency: Best with a big bankroll.
Common Myths and Misunderstandings
- High RTP ≠ frequent wins: RTP is a long-term average, not short-term performance.
- Hit frequency ≠ RTP: You can win often with low RTP or rarely with high RTP.
- Volatility ≠ payout rate: High-volatility slots may pay big even with high RTPs.
How to Find RTP, Hit Frequency, and Volatility
- RTP: Where do I find the RTP of a slot machine? Click on the “i”, it’s the Paytable or Help Screen.
- Demo Mode: Playing slots in demo mode offers several advantages. I can assess volatility by observing the size and frequency of wins. This helps me gauge a game’s risk level. Demo play also lets me understand hit frequency, showing how often I land winning combinations. I can explore bonus rounds and special features without any financial risk.
- Volatility: Reviewers of online slot games include the game’s volatility in their reviews. I can determine the game’s volatility during a session by the number of winning spins I get.
