RTP & Volatility: A Technical Guide

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Ever wondered why some slots pay out small wins constantly while others feel like a desert mirage, rarely offering a sip of winnings but with the promise of a massive oasis? That, my friends, is the dance between RTP and volatility – two terms that can make or break your online casino experience.

Think of RTP as your long-term buddy. It’s the percentage of wagers a game is programmed to return to players over time. So, a slot with 96% RTP will theoretically pay out $96 for every $100 wagered. But don’t get too excited yet. That’s where volatility, the wild card, steps in. This bad boy dictates how those payouts are distributed – will it be frequent small wins or rare but massive jackpots?

Understanding this dynamic duo is your secret weapon. It helps you choose games that match your risk appetite and bankroll. In today’s guide, we’re going to go into the details of both concepts. We’ll talk about what lies behind the technical jargon, share some insider tips, and arm you with the knowledge you need to make smarter bets and hopefully, walk away with some sweet loot.

What is RTP (Really)?

In the simplest terms, RTP, or Return to Player, is the percentage of all wagered money a casino game is designed to pay back to players over time. So, if a slot has a 95% RTP, it theoretically means that for every $100 you wager, you can expect to get back $95 on average.

Remember that it happens “over time” and isn’t a guarantee that you will win at least $95 for every $100 wagered in every session on a 95% RTP game. As it’s calculated for the entire game, it’s a long-haul metric. You might win more or less in a particular session. For example, it’s not rare to have amazing wins on a 95% RTP game, something like $150 for every $100 wagered. But over time, if you play that game all the time, you can expect to only win close to $95 for every $100.

The house always has an edge. Otherwise, gambling operators will go out of business if they start making games with 100% or higher RTPs. The provider determines the RTP. It’s not based on testing by the casinos. Also, it’s purely a theoretical number.

But RTP is still a crucial piece of information. It gives you a general idea of how “generous” a game is designed to be. A higher RTP usually means a better chance of winning in the long run. So, if you’re in it for the long game and prefer a slow and steady approach, a slot with a higher RTP might be your jam.

Always check the RTP before you start spinning those reels. If you can’t find the RTP information of the game on the casino itself, Google it separately. A lot of websites have detailed reviews of slot games, and they will cover all features, including RTP. Many game providers also have dedicated pages with free demos for their games where they also advertise the game’s RTP.

High RTP: A game with an RTP of 96% or higher is generally considered to be a high-RTP game. Good examples include Pragmatic Play’s Sweet Bonanza (96.48%) and NetEnt’s Kings of Chicago (97.8%).
Low RTP: Anything below 96% is low RTP. Some examples include Yggdrasil’s Monkeys Go Bananas (94%), Zillion’s Wolf’s Moon (95%), and Relax Gaming’s Line Busters (94%). Any RTP lower than 94% is not recommended, particularly for beginners, unless there’s a potential to make big money (jackpots or insanely high multipliers).
Variable RTP: Some games have a variable RTP. This means you can set RTP in the game. Play ‘n GO’s Book of Dead (Rich Wilde and the Book of Dead) is a good example. The player can adjust how many lines they want to play – from just 1 to as many as 10. In total, there are 5 RTPs you can choose from: 84.18%, 87.25%, 91.25%, 94.25%, and 96.21%. Check the paytable of the game for full information if you’re playing a variable RTP game.

So, why would anyone play low-RTP games? Isn’t it safe to just stick to the 5 highest RTP games on an online casino and play them all the time? Well, as it turns out, some lower RTP games actually offer irresistible perks. Actually, it’s the other way around – because they have these perks, they cannot offer a higher base RTP to begin with. These perks include, you guessed it, the potential for higher wins.

Games linked to progressive jackpots, for example, tend to have lower RTPs. The reasoning is natural here. Because these games can pay out large sums of money on very rare occasions, they should pay out smaller sums of money consistently to balance the scales. As an aside, if these slots are part of a casino’s welcome bonus, the wagering is also significantly higher for them (like x200 vs. x30).

What are Low, Medium, and High Volatility?

Volatility is also called variance. It’s a measure of how unpredictable a slot game’s payout is. Depending on a bunch of factors, slot games can be more or less consistent. More consistent games have low volatility.

For example, the game Gates of Olympus (Pragmatic Play) has no fixed number of paylines and any combination of 8 or more symbols will be considered a winning line. The positions of the symbols on the reels don’t matter. This mechanic is called cluster play. Though it sounds easier to strike it big on paper, the catch is that the win values of all the symbols are comparatively lower. To have a bigger win, you always need to hit a multiplier, which is completely random. The highest multiplier is x500, which is not too big.

Long story short, Gates of Olympus is a highly volatile game. The experience (and total winnings) will differ significantly from session to session and player to player. The overall volatility of the game is a net sum of multiple properties that the game has.

That being said, high volatility doesn’t always equal bad. In fact, many seasoned players only go for high-volatility games. Sure, thrill plays a role here, but the chance to make it big is also higher on these slot games. It’s all about your risk appetite. Beginners are recommended to stick to high-RTP, low-volatility slots. As a bonus, this will help you understand all the features as well. So, when you finally play a high-volatility game like Gates of Olympus, you know what Buy Free Spins and Double Chance actually mean.

That’s the basic information. Now, let’s get a little technical about volatility. It’s a technical guide, after all.

The volatility of an online slot game determines how a game’s payouts are spread out over time. In other words, it’s the difference between hitting frequent small wins or scoring those rare, heart-pounding jackpots. There are three kinds of volatilities:

Low Volatility: If a game has low volatility, it will pay out smaller wins more frequently, keeping your bankroll ticking over nicely. If you’re a cautious player or have a limited budget, low-volatility slots might be your cup of tea. You can enjoy the game longer.
Medium Volatility: This is the middle ground, the Goldilocks zone. These games offer a balance between the frequency and size of payouts. They’re not as predictable as low-volatility games, but they won’t leave you hanging for ages like high-volatility ones either. If you’re looking for a bit of excitement without risking it all, medium volatility might be your sweet spot.
High Volatility: These are the daredevils, the thrill-seekers, the all-or-nothing kind of games. They don’t pay out as often, but when they do, it’s a biggie. Think massive jackpots that can change your life. If you’re feeling lucky and have a bigger budget to play with, high-volatility slots might be your ticket to fortune. Just be prepared for some dry spells along the way.

The right volatility to play depends entirely on your personal preferences and bankroll. If you’re a risk-taker with a healthy budget, go for high volatility and chase those life-changing wins. If you prefer a more relaxed, less risky experience, low volatility is the way to go. And if you’re somewhere in between, medium volatility offers a decent compromise.

High-volatility games are quite popular. From Pragmatic Play’s Big Bass Splash (96.71% RTP) and Blueprint Gaming’s Eye of Horus (96.31% RTP) to Stormcraft Studios’ Immortal Romance 2 (96.3%) and the aforementioned Book of Dead (variable RTP), these games make up the hottest titles on any major online casino.

That being said, medium and low-volatility games are also quite numerous. Starburst from NetEnt is a good example of a low-volatility game with a 96.06% RTP and Microgaming’s 9 Pots of Gold is an excellent example of a medium-volatility game with a 96.24% RTP.

RTP vs. Volatility: Finding the Perfect Balance

Mostly, the RTP and volatility work together. You have to consider both and compare that to your risk appetite. But they can also clash.

A high RTP doesn’t guarantee a smooth ride if the volatility is through the roof. You could be waiting ages for a win, and when it finally comes, it might not be enough to cover your losses. On the flip side, a low volatility game with a measly RTP won’t get you very far either. You might win often, but those wins will be so small that they won’t make a dent in your bankroll.

So, what’s the secret sauce? Finding the perfect balance. It’s like Goldilocks – not too hot, not too cold, but just right.

If you’re a risk-taker with a healthy bankroll, you might be drawn to high-volatility games with a decent RTP. These games offer the chance of those massive payouts that can make your dreams come true. But be prepared for some serious dry spells and potential heartbreak along the way.
If you’re more of a cautious player or have a limited budget, low-volatility games with a higher RTP might be your safe haven. These games won’t make you rich overnight, but they’ll keep you entertained with frequent small wins and less risk of losing it all.
And if you’re like most of us, somewhere in the middle, medium volatility games with a good RTP could be your sweet spot. They offer a decent balance between risk and reward, with a mix of smaller and larger payouts that can keep things interesting.

Does RTP Guarantee Wins?

Alright, let’s address the elephant in the room: does a high RTP mean you’re guaranteed to win? Well, if it were that simple, we’d all be sipping cocktails on a yacht in the Caribbean by now, wouldn’t we?

The truth is, RTP is not a magic wand that guarantees wins. It’s a theoretical number calculated over a massive number of spins, often millions. So, while a slot with 97% RTP might sound like a sure thing, it doesn’t mean you’ll walk away a winner every time.

In fact, in the short term, anything can happen. You could hit a cold streak and lose your entire bankroll, even on a high RTP game. That’s the nature of gambling – it’s unpredictable and always involves an element of risk.

Only use the RTP as a basic measure of the generosity of the game. It can give you a general idea of what to expect. So, if you are conflicted between two games that offer similar features and themes, you can definitely choose the higher RTP one for a better experience. Even 98% RTP doesn’t guarantee a sunny day.

Volatility, your bet size, and even pure luck all play a role in determining whether you win or lose.

Using RTP & Volatility to Your Advantage

Alright, savvy gamblers, it’s time to put your newfound knowledge to work! We’ve broken down RTP and volatility, but how do you actually use these tools to boost your chances of winning? Don’t worry, I’ve got your back.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to use both these metrics to your best advantage:

First things first, figure out what you want to achieve. Are you looking for small, frequent wins to keep things exciting, or are you chasing that life-changing jackpot? Do you have a massive bankroll to play with, or are you on a tighter budget? Your goals and bankroll will heavily influence which games you should choose.
Once you know what you want, it’s time to find games that match your vibe.
- If you’re a high roller chasing big wins, high-volatility games with a decent RTP are your go-to.
- If you prefer a more relaxed experience with smaller, more frequent wins, low-volatility games with a higher RTP are your best bet.
- For those who like a bit of both, medium volatility games with a good RTP offer a nice compromise. They provide a balance between risk and reward, with a mix of smaller and larger payouts.
Don’t just blindly jump into any game. Do your homework! Most online casinos list the RTP and volatility of their games, so take a few minutes to browse and compare. Look for games that fit your goals, bankroll, and playing style.
Remember, even with a high RTP, you can still lose. It’s the nature of the beast. If you’re on a losing streak, don’t chase your losses by betting more. Take a break, come back another day, or try another game.

After all, gambling is supposed to be fun. So, don’t get too hung up on RTP and volatility. Choose games you enjoy playing, set a budget, and stick to it. And remember, always gamble responsibly.

Slots, Table Games, Live Casino: RTP & Volatility Across Different Games

Now, it’s time to give you a breakdown of what RTP and volatility range you can expect across different game categories.

Slots

When it comes to RTP, slots generally fall in the 95-97% range, although some outliers can dip below 90% or soar above 98%. As for volatility, slots offer the entire spectrum – low, medium, and high. You’ll find games that cater to every taste, from penny slots that dish out small wins frequently to high-stakes machines with the potential for life-changing jackpots. It’s a slot jungle out there, so choose wisely!

Table Games

Blackjack, roulette, baccarat, poker – these classic table games have been around for centuries, and for good reason. RTP in table games tends to be higher than slots, often exceeding 98% or even 99% for games like blackjack with optimal strategy. Volatility, on the other hand, is generally lower than slots, meaning more frequent but smaller payouts. So, if you’re a strategic player who enjoys a slower, more calculated approach, table games might be your calling.

Live Casino

For a truly immersive experience, live casino games are the way to go. RTP and volatility in live casino games are similar to their virtual counterparts. The main difference is the social aspect and the thrill of playing against a live dealer. So, if you’re missing the atmosphere of a brick-and-mortar casino, live casino games are the next best thing.

Wrapping Up

Selecting games becomes a game in itself when you know it’s not just about luck but informed choices. The way RTP and volatility interact can shed a lot of light on how games pay players. And there, you have an edge over one who’s not aware and might end up making a worse decision.

So, hopefully, now you have better information to find games that align with your preferences and risk tolerance. RTP and volatility are both concepts much more important than flashy graphics and catchy themes. Knowledge being the most valuable chip you can have in online gambling, you’re now ready to find the perfect games!