What Does RTP Mean in Slots?
We’ll kick things off with RTP, arguably the most important stat relating to slots, aside from win frequencies and bonus triggers.
The RTP, or Return to Player, is the percentage of all wagers that a slot is expected to pay back to players over time.
For example, a slot with an RTP of 96% means that, theoretically, £96 will be returned for every £100 wagered across millions of spins.
However, since this is a long-term ballpark average, it doesn’t mean that every spin or session will actually reflect these percentages, since RNG algorithms make sure that every spin is completely random.
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Short-Term RTP Outcomes Vary Widely
RTP is calculated based on countless simulations – often millions of spins – meaning your results might be very different to that figure, especially during short play sessions. Every spin is random, so don’t expect to get all of your money back.
Game developers will set the RTP during the game’s creation. Then, it’s carefully tested for accuracy and audited by independent organisations like eCOGRA or iTechLabs to ensure fairness.
Adding on from this, some slots are released with multiple RTP versions (for example, 96%, 94%, 90%), and casino operators can then choose which one they offer.
This means the same game can perform differently depending on where you play it, so it’s always worth checking the paytable or info section before playing with real money.
As licensing bodies dictate, software providers must be upfront and clear about the RTP they offer on their games.
What is a Good RTP?
If you were taking an IRL exam, 80% out of 100% is pretty good, but that doesn’t really translate to the online slots world.
An RTP of anything below 90% is pretty poor, and as a result, most slot sites won’t even field games with RTPs lower than this.
To attract more players, most casinos will opt for games with published RTPs of 95%-99%.
Ugga Bugga
Playtech
Book of 99
Relax Gaming
Mega Joker
NetEnt
1429 Uncharted Seas
Thunderkick
Money Cart
Relax Gaming
Blood Suckers
NetEnt
Common Misconceptions About RTPs
It’s quite common for players to get tied up in knots about RTP, how it works, and what it means for their gameplay.
To make your life a little easier, we’ve addressed some of the most common RTP misconceptions and misunderstandings to help you get a clearer picture.
High RTP = More Frequent or Bigger Wins
While it’s true that higher RTP slots are theoretically designed to return a larger percentage of wagers over time, this average is calculated across a vast number of spins and does not reflect individual session results. A slot with a 98% RTP, like Money Cart 2, represents the theoretical average returned to players over millions of spins – you could win more than this, break even, or lose entirely during your session.
Low RTP Slots Aren’t Worth Playing
Spoiler alert: they can be, in the right situations. Players often dismiss slots with lower RTP percentages, assuming they offer poor value. While it’s true that lower RTP slots statistically return less to players over time, they can offer unique features that make them appealing in other ways, such as progressive jackpots, where a portion of each bet goes towards funding the jackpot, reducing regular returns.
RTP Applies to Individual Sessions
Some players believe that a slot with a 96% RTP will mean they win back £96 for every £100 they stake. As previously explained, that’s not the case at all, and the RTP reflects the long-term average performance of a slot across millions of spins – not individual sessions. Short-term results are entirely unpredictable, and the winnings you get back could be higher or lower than the stated RTP.
Hot & Cold Slots Are Real
It’s a common myth that players believe that slots can have “hot streaks” (where they win more) and “cold streaks” (where they don’t pay out for a while). However, RTP is a fixed percentage set by the game’s design and can’t change based on how recently the game paid out. “Hot” or “cold” slots come purely from randomness. Winning or losing streaks are natural and do not indicate a pattern.
Casinos Can Control RTPs on the Fly
Some players worry that casinos can manually alter a game’s RTP, but that’s impossible. The RTP is pre-set by developers during the design process and cannot be changed. However, some game studios may offer versions with different RTPs, which should be clearly stated in the game’s rules for max transparency. Studios like ELK Studios will usually only offer fixed RTPs – so what you see is what you get.
Slots with the Same RTP Play the Same
RTP is only one part of the equation, and slots with the same RTP will play completely differently, due to the volatility or variance (which we’ll get into later). This gauges how often and how much a slot will pay out. For example, a low volatility game with a 98% RTP may have smaller, more frequent payouts, while a high-volatility title with the same RTP may have longer dry spells between significant wins.
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Online RTP vs. Land-Based RTP
Land-based casinos will usually have lower RTPs than online casinos – usually between 70% and 90%. This is solely due to the fact that they’d go out of business if they catered to the same 96%+ RTP of online slots, due to their higher profit margins after business costs like staff and venue charges.
What Does Volatility Mean in Slots?
In basic English, volatility in slots reflects the game’s risk level and how it pays out.
Sometimes referred to as variance, knowing what volatility means should help you understand whether the gameplay is steady with smaller wins, or more unpredictable with more noticeable, dramatic swings either up or down.
A slot’s volatility basically decides how unpredictable your experience will be, with low volatility slots offering a smoother ride.
You might also come across the term hit frequency, which refers to how often a slot lands any kind of win.
This is slightly different from RTP and is more closely tied to volatility.
For example, low-volatility slots tend to have higher hit frequencies with smaller wins, while high-volatility games may go longer between wins but offer bigger potential payouts.
Types of Volatility in Slots
Slot games can be organised into a progressive spectrum of volatility: low, medium, high, and, from some developers like Nolimit City, extreme/insane.
These categories are designed to help you understand the ebbs and flows of playing them and decide the game’s overall pacing.
You may also find some games that fall between the cracks of each major category, such as low-medium or medium-high.
Below, we’ve detailed exactly what each volatility level means, and some examples of slots that fit into each category.
Low Volatility Slots
Low-volatility slots are all about frequent wins and steady gameplay. As a result, you’ll notice smaller payouts that keep the gameplay flow moving nicely.
Because the wins tend to come often – but in smaller amounts – the pace feels smoother and more relaxed, without the big highs or lows.
These games are perfectly suited to those who are after low-risk, easy-going experiences with simple action.
Medium Volatility Slots
Next up, medium-volatility slots strike a fine balance between consistent outcomes and moderate unpredictability.
To quote Hannah Montana, they’re considered to be the best of both worlds, falling into that sweet spot between frequent smaller wins and the thrill of chasing big payouts.
The main point of medium volatility slots is that they offer a balanced experience, with the pacing alternating between regular activity and occasional pauses.
Bonus features will trigger less often but tend to produce more significant results, making them ideal for players who want a well-rounded experience.
High Volatility Slots
High volatility slots are probably the most common variance level, offering the chance for bigger wins but with the likelihood of increased dry spells with no wins.
Paytables typically highlight rare, high-value combinations, while bonus features, be they multipliers, cascading reels, or jackpots, will activate less often, meaning more wait times between successful outcomes.
The pacing of high-volatility games includes longer, less active periods followed by the rare big result. This gameplay is defined by bigger swings and extended lulls, reflecting the higher level of variance.
As such, we recommend high volatility slots to risk-taking thrill-seekers or patient players with bigger budgets who can weather the storm of dry spells and extended lulls.
Extreme/Insane Volatility Slots
Extreme volatility slots were first introduced alongside the Tombstone slot in 2019, followed by insane volatility with Mental in 2021.
Both of these volatility levels are pretty much exclusive to Nolimit City, as a step above regular high-volatility games.
These titles have incredibly high max win potentials, but you can expect barren spells and a fast-depleting bankroll before seeing any significant results.
Bonus features are hard to trigger naturally, with the likelihood of getting very minimal returns per spin or even per bonus feature. In fact, most wins are likely going to be lower than your initial bet.
Extreme/insane volatility slots are aimed more at experienced players who are chasing the thrill of bagging a life-changing win.
How RTP and Volatility Work Hand-in-Hand
On paper, opting for a high RTP, high-volatility slot might seem like a great idea for bagging big wins in the long term, but actually, significant payouts will probably be few and far between.
On the flip side of the coin, a low RTP slot with low volatility might be more likely to provide frequent wins, but they’ll be more modest, likely only barely covering the cost of each spin.
If you’re wanting to maximise your playtime and get more bang for your buck, a high RTP slot with low volatility is probably your best bet.
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Keep in Mind That Opposites Attract
High RTP slots tend to have a lower volatility with smaller, more frequent wins and less risk involved, while high volatility slots usually have a lower RTP and a “go big or go home” attitude with bigger payouts that are less frequent.
RTP and Volatility in Other Casino Games
Volatility isn’t solely limited to slots. They also apply to other popular casino games:
- Roulette: Usually has an RTP of about 94%. Bets on single numbers in straight bets are considered high volatility since the outcome is so rare. Even-money bets like red/black are low volatility, with 1:1 odds.
- Blackjack: Usually has an RTP of around 99% and a low volatility if players follow a basic strategy. However, side bets and high-stakes bets introduce an extra element of risk.
- Baccarat: Usually has an RTP of around 98%, with the Banker bet offering the highest RTP. It’s considered very low volatility.
Common FAQs About RTP and Volatility in Slots
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What is RTP in slots?
The RTP (Return to Player) is the percentage of total wagers a slot is expected to pay back to players over time. -
What is volatility in slots?
Volatility generally refers to a slot’s risk level and payout style. Low-volatility slots pay smaller wins more often, while high-volatility slots offer bigger wins less frequently. -
Where can I find RTP information?
RTP information is usually listed in the game’s paytable or rules, as well as on the developer’s site. Sites like ours will also list the publicly disclosed RTPs on each review. -
What is a good RTP on a slot machine?
Anything above 96% is generally classed as a good RTP percentage, giving you a higher chance of netting returns on your spins. -
Can RTP change depending on the casino?
Yes and no. Some slots are created with multiple RTP versions, and the casino can choose which one to offer, but they can’t manually change the RTP of a game themselves. That means the same game may have slightly different returns depending on where you play. -
What does 96% RTP mean?
A slot with a 96% RTP will theoretically return £96 for every £100 wagered, though that doesn’t mean you’ll get exactly that amount in any given session. -
Does a higher RTP guarantee better winnings?
No. A higher RTP means better theoretical returns over time, but short-term results can vary massively due to randomness. -
How can I check a slot’s volatility?
It should be displayed in the game’s info screen or provider’s details. Most slots will have a volatility rating out of five or clearly list it as low, medium, or high. -
Are high volatility slots better?
Not necessarily – it comes down to your own risk appetite, preferences, and bankroll. High-volatility slots offer bigger potential wins but come with longer dry spells. The “better” option depends on whether you prefer steady gameplay or bigger risk and reward. -
Should I play low or high volatility slots?
Again, it depends on what you’re looking for, as well as your own preferences. Low volatility slots are better for smaller budgets, where you can potentially extend your session. High volatility slots reward patience and are better suited for those with a planned-out budget.
Our Take on RTP and Volatility in Slots
RTP and volatility may seem like two sides of the same coin, but they each shape a completely different part of a slot’s behaviour and your own experience with it.
Understanding both of these factors and how they come into play is crucial to making more informed decisions on picking games that best align with your bankroll, risk tolerance, and overall play style.
To sum up: RTP gives an idea of the long-term returns, while volatility shapes how that return is delivered during your individual session – and you can’t have one without the other.
By understanding how these two integral elements work together, you’ll have a much clearer picture of what to expect before you even press the spin button.
Most slots, by law, must display their RTP and volatility in the game’s information/rule section, but you can also check out our reviews for accurate information.
