Understanding RTP And Volatility To Maximize Your Winnings
Return to player (RTP) percentages and volatility ratings combined provide insight into a casino slot's payout potential and risk level. NoDepositRewards.org has over 15 years of experience in delivering the most sought-after casino bonuses online and we know what it takes to convert bonus credit into real money you can withdraw. Learn how to use RTP and volatility to your advantage and win more slot games today!
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✖The Basics of Slot Game RTP
The Return To Player (RTP) game metric indicates the amount of money that a slot game is designed to return over the course of many thousands of spins. It basically expresses the theoretical return as a percentage.
For example, if a slot game has an RTP of 97%, it implies that on average you can expect to receive $97 back for every $100 you wager over an extended period of time.
The calculation of RTP is straightforward:
(Total amount paid out in winnings / Total amount wagered on a game) X 100 = RTP
The result of this calculation will give you a clear understanding of its generosity as it compares with other slot games and the odds of winning.
The importance of RTP cannot be underestimated. If you want to maximise your chances of winning on the slots, this metric will give you a pretty accurate picture of your winning potential and long-term profitability.
Knowing the RTP of a slot game is therefore an essential step towards maximising your enjoyment and success when playing online casino slots and winning real money you can cash out with a free online casino bonus.
Understanding Slot Game Volatility
Volatility, also known as variance, is another important slot game metric that impacts your long-term success and gaming experience. The best way to describe it is to think in terms of how risky a slot game is.
At its core, volatility refers to the level of uncertainty and, therefore, risk associated with a slot game nature. Understanding this metric will help you get a handle on its likely behaviour and what you can expect during gameplay.
It can be categorised as follows:
- Low volatility
Small but frequent wins, low risk. It is ideal for players who are risk-averse and who prefer steady and modest payouts. - Medium volatility
Strikes a balance between risk and reward. Will generally pay out more substantial amounts less frequently than low volatility slots. - High Volatility
Significantly riskier. Wins are much less frequent but tend to be more significant and substantial when you do win.
As you can see from the above, volatility describes how frequently you can expect to win and how big those wins might be. Therefore, your choice of volatility and slot game should align with your game preferences, risk tolerance and objectives.
Your slot game success and experience will be significantly more rewarding when you choose a slot game with a volatility level that meets your goals. For example, if your goal is to land a big jackpot, then you would want to play on a high volatility slot.
In this case, be prepared for long dry spells between wins that will require good bankroll management. On the other hand, if your aim is to convert a no deposit bonus into real cash, low volatility slots would be the better option.
Optimum RTP and volatility for bonuses
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RTP and Volatility: A Dynamic Combo
Online casino slots are a roller coaster into the unknown. We never know what to expect from one spin to the next. But what if we could get an idea of the twists and turns to expect before the ride begins?
Well, an understanding of how RTP and volatility work together can help you do just that. RTP tells you how much, on average, you can expect to win over time, while volatility will tell you how big those wins might be and how often you can expect them.
For instance, high RTP slots with low volatility are more likely to produce frequent but modest wins. This makes them ideal for making enough gains to make it through the wagering requirements of a no deposit casino bonus.
Conversely, high RTP slots with high velocity have more substantial payouts less frequently. This makes them the best choice for anyone looking to make substantial gains and, perhaps even, a life-changing mega win and is prepared to be more patient.
It’s all about finding the right balance to meet your needs, aims and preferences. Together, RTP and Volatility will define your experience and level of success when you base your game choices around these metrics.
How To Use RTP and Volatility to Your Advantage
To gain a long-term advantage in playing slots, it isn’t enough just to understand the concept of these two influential metrics. We must know how to use our knowledge of the two to boost our chances of winning more, more often.
Let's explore some strategies for leveraging RTP and volatility to your advantage:
RTP Optimization
The first step to gaining an advantage is also the most obvious one. If the emphasis is on winning money (as opposed to simply playing slots for enjoyment), search for the slots with the highest RTP.
Playing slots with a generous RTP means that more of your bets will return a win over time. When we talk about high RTP slots, we are referring to games with a return-to-player percentage of 95% or higher.
Here’s a general guide:
| RTP Percentage | Rating |
|---|---|
| 99% | As good as it gets! |
| 98% | Excellent |
| 97% | High |
| 96% | Great |
| 95% | Average |
| 94% | Below Average |
| 93% | Poor |
Think Longer-Term
You can increase your chances of coming out a net winner on the slots when you think more long-term as opposed to chasing quick wins. Smaller wins more consistently from high RTP slots can accumulate substantial profits over extended sessions.
This strategy is particularly true when playing slot games regularly on real money games. This approach, however, also works when we are attempting to play through the wagering requirements of a no deposit free spin bonus.
In both instances, we would ideally want to pick a slot option that produces enough modest wins frequently enough to make an overall profit within a defined period of time.
Strategic Betting
Adapting your playing style and bet size levels to the volatility of a slot is key to success in a slot game. If you are playing a high volatility slot, you need to be prepared for long spells without a win.
With this in mind, you should adjust bet sizes accordingly. If you are aiming for a big jackpot, then you will need to place the maximum bet on every spin. However, in terms of long-term gain, you should pace yourself in line with your bankroll.
Taking a strategic approach requires a degree of patience, which can pay off in the long term.
Strategic Slot Game Switching.
Greater adaptability in slot game selection will allow you to successfully navigate the ever-changing landscape of casino slots for a more enjoyable and potentially rewarding experience.
Before you lay down any serious money on a slot, try playing the game in free-play demo mode, or even better, with a no deposit bonus. Doing so provides the opportunity to get familiar with the game's features, mechanics and how it may perform.
When the game you are playing is not performing as expected, consider switching to one with a similar or higher RTP or volatility profile. Doing this may increase the odds and turn the tide in your favour.
No Deposit Online Casino Bonuses and Game Selection
Playing online casino slots with the intention of winning real money you can cash out from a no deposit bonus or no deposit free spins bonus requires a carefully considered strategy.
Balancing the allure of these bonuses with your game choices, particularly considering RTP and volatility, is essential. Selecting slots with the optimum RTP and volatility will help you meet the wagering requirement and make a profit.
Slot games with a high RTP provide better odds of turning your bonus into real money winnings. It is also recommended you avoid high volatility slots in bonus play.
This can lead to faster losses and this will eat through your bonus credit before the wagering requirements are met. Low-velocity, low-risk games have the greatest potential to get small wins consistent enough to meet the wagering requirements.
Managing your bankroll wisely in combination with RTP and Volatility game selection strategies will improve your winning chances and ensure you are not risking more than you can afford to lose.
Top 3 Slots with the Highest RTP in 2024
There are a few top software developers renowned for supplying online casino slots with a high RTP. Microgaming and Play‘N GO are two such studios but NetEnt has been the most prolific over the years.
Mega Joker - NetEnt - RTP 89.9%
Mega Joker is often considered one of the highest RTP slots available, with an RTP that can reach up to an impressive 99%. It features a classic fruit machine design with a progressive jackpot.
Jackpot 6000 - NetEnt - RTP 98.9%
Like Mega Joker, Jackpot 6000 boasts a classic slot machine feel and offers a high RTP of around 98.9%. It's known for its simplicity and potential for substantial wins.
Blood Suckers - NetEnt - RTP 98.0%
Blood Suckers is a vampire-themed slot game with an RTP of approximately 98%. It's recognized for its engaging bonus features and frequent payouts.
Top 3 Slots With Low Volatility in 2024
As with high RTP slots, NetEnt and Play’N GO are also up there with the best when it comes to supplying online casino slots with low Volatility. In this respect, Microgaming slots stand out as possibly the best provider of low volatility slots.
Avalon II - Microgaming - Low volatility
This sequel to the original Avalon slot is recognized for its low volatility. It features a medieval theme with various bonus rounds and offers a gaming experience with consistent, smaller wins.
Thunderstruck II - Microgaming - low to medium volatility
This popular slot is known for its immersive Norse mythology theme and features low to medium volatility. Players can expect a balanced mix of smaller and more frequent wins, making it a good choice for extended gameplay.
Immortal Romance - Microgaming - low to medium volatility
Immortal Romance offers an engaging vampire theme and a moderate level of volatility. It provides players with the chance to enjoy a steady stream of wins while still having the potential for larger payouts in the bonus features.
Responsible Gambling and Conclusion
Understating RTP, slot game volatility and the interplay between the two is integral to the level of success and enjoyment you will get from online casino slots.
Knowledge of RTP guides us towards games with a higher payout potential, by keeping the odds in our favour. Volatility, on the other hand, shapes our risk assessment. Slots offer plenty of thrills, but it's essential to approach it with caution and discipline.
Opt for games with a high RTP percentage with low volatility for long-term success and profitability. This is true for both real money games and bonus games. Always remember, that knowledge and discipline are your best allies in this game of chance.