The casino always takes back a portion - yes, it is true! Now, think of RTPs - the opposite of that. Simply put, it is a percentage value of what is left for you to take. However, in the nerdy sense, return-to-player % measures how much you get from a game after a total of one billion rounds. Yes, that much!
Now to volatility - this is simply a term used to describe the frequency of game payouts. Do you see the relation between these two yet? Well, you will discover more about how the two factors affect slot winnings. Shall we?
What is Volatility in Slot Machines?
Now, we have already spoken of volatility briefly - it is the expression of how frequently a slot pays. You must have considered why standard video slots produce frequent small wins and jackpot slots do not. Well, in the same way, random video slots will not get you those big wins in millions!
Based on frequency, you would have low and high volatility slots. Now, somewhere in the middle, there are those with a mix of low and high. These are the medium volatile slots. So now, there are three types - in most cases, you can try all of them on a single platform like PaddyPower.
You would expect that no casino or game operator would be interested in paying big frequently. So, the low volatility slots pay less. High pay big - a good example is the jackpot slots.
The Relationship Between RTP and Volatility
RTP and volatility are strongly related to one another. They both help decide what and when a casino slot machine would pay out. RTP tells you what you'll get. Volatility tells you when. But this doesn't mean luck gets thrown away.
Always remember - luck plays the most prominent role in slot gaming. Nonetheless, player experience vastly depends on both factors. Risktakers would love the highly volatile slots because of their vagueness and potential big wins. Casuals, on the other hand, will do better with low and medium-volatility games.
High RTP vs. High Volatility: Which is Better for Players?
Now, let us debate which is better - high RTP or high volatility. High RTP means high payout percentages. These are often within the range of 95% to 99%.
However, high volatility means less frequent payouts, which is peculiar to jackpot slots. For sure, a high RTP is better for all players, casual and high-rollers. Highly volatile slots are best for risk-takers.
How RTP and Volatility Influence Short and Long-Term Winnings
Everyone loves to win - however, some are less patient than others. RTP and volatility can bear down consequences on players' expectations. The casuals would expect short-term wins. However, risk-takers are essentially evaluating potential.
By looking at the current amount in a jackpot slot, you may imagine when the next win might be. This way, you are playing the long game. However, casuals are often interested in partly having fun and getting wins, too, on the side.
Realistically, players can leverage low and medium volatility slots for the short term. However, for long-term winnings, highly volatile slots surely bell the cat.
Selecting the Right Slot Game
The process of selecting a slot game should be based on personal preference. However, the scaling factors are the same for all. Whichever game you decide to go with must match your ambitions.
Frequently than never, it is always best to stick with slots with medium volatility. Also, consider games with decent payout percentages. Since the win potential in this slot category is mixed, you can navigate your tolerance levels more effectively.
But mind that the slot world is ever-evolving. For example, we recently saw a collaboration where wrestling meets slots in a new game. So, yes, the variations are multiple. You can learn more about them via the link.
Myths and Misconceptions
Many individuals often relate high RTPs to frequent wins. However, RTP only expresses how much a slot will pay over time rather than how frequently. In this regard, a high RTP slot with low volatility gets you tiny, frequent wins with good payouts.
Another misconception is that casinos can change RTPs and volatility to benefit them. As much as you may want to believe otherwise, a situation like this will never happen in a regulated environment. It is a gross violation of fair play practices.
Another one is that volatility only concerns high-rollers. Lest you have forgotten, volatility determines the frequency. Every player, including casuals, needs to manage expectations. Volatility helps to do that.
Conclusion
You should know by now that RTP and volatility have specific effects on slot winnings. However, you also learned of the major myths flying around these two. Now, you can manage your expectations for different slots. Also, you can make better slot-picking decisions with your current knowledge.
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