Choosing the right slot game can be difficult. Your priorities when selecting a game have a big impact on the type of game you pick. Some players may pick based on the rewards, such as the slot bonus rounds. On the other hand, others will pick based on the gameplay experiences which will depend on the theme, the graphics, and the music.
Finding the right slot game is not about spinning the reels; you need to find a game that matches your play style. There are thousands of online slot sites to choose from, but narrowing down the game is much harder. To help you in the right direction, we have put together a guide on how to pick the right game, step-by-step.
1: Understand The RTP and The Slot Volatility
We have spoken about slot volatility and the differences between them in a previous blog post, but you must understand these before picking a slot game. First, volatility.
Slots are divided into low, medium, and high volatility. When you see this mentioned, it is talking about the amount and the frequency of payouts.
- Low volatility – Slots that produce frequent but small payouts.
- Medium volatility – Balances between high and low – payouts are moderate and occur on an average time scale.
- High volatility – Payouts are not given often, but are large.
Volatility determines playing style, because risk takers will want slots that pay more and will be more willing to risk their bankroll. However, players who are more casual and play it safe will be more likely to want payouts that are smaller and steadier, so they can slowly build their bankroll.
Consider your playing preference, and then you can find a slot with the volatility to suit you.
RTP: A Summary
The return to player (RTP) is the percentage of winnings that is returned to a player over time, based on how much they wagered. Like volatility, RTP is divided into high and low, which can be explained by the following.
- High RTP – A high RTP is self-explanatory, and it means that a player will have a high amount of their prize returned to them. A high RTP slot is between 97%-99%. Just remember: a high RTP slot is best for longer stretches of gameplay, because the payout over time will be higher.
- Low RTP – Low RTP slots have a percentage between 88 and 93%. The games will usually have bonus features enabled, like a progressive jackpot or multiplier to slowly build your bankroll, but this is not a guarantee.
2: Consider Which Bonus Features Slot Games Have
Bonus features are as important as the volatility and RTP. While bonus features do add excitement to slots, their goal is to add versatility to gameplay. We’ve broken down popular bonus features in a previous post, but some of the most common include free spins and progressive multipliers.
If you have an affinity for a specific bonus feature, then try to find a slot that incorporates it. One advantage of free spins, for example, is that they give you another chance to spin the reels without spending. If you’re on a tight budget, a slot with this enabled in the bonus rounds is perfect.
Another important category of bonus features is slots with specific mechanics. We have plenty of these recommendations on our site, but examples include slots with cascading reels or Megaways. Players who are familiar with niche slot mechanics may base their selection on one feature entirely.
3: Consider: Do You Care About Themes?
As previously mentioned, some players care about the theme of the slots more than features. Consider this when deciding on a slot: Do you care about themes? Do you notice trends in your gaming patterns? Are you drawn to Vegas slots? If the answer is yes, then it’s clear you pick games based on themes rather than features.
With that being said, it is important to stick with what you know in regard to themes. And if you want to play a new slot, familiarise yourself with it first. Check out the game provider’s website, read about it, or watch some gameplay videos.
Additionally, it is great to know about the slots’ graphics and sounds. Slots with dramatic music and creative graphics are far more engaging than slots with minimal symbols and boring animations.
4: Examine Your Budget
Budgeting is key when it comes to playing slots. Setting a budget before choosing a slot will allow you to narrow down the slot to play and the one you can afford. The slot that is right for you will match your bankroll. A pro tip in deciding to find a slot based on your bankroll is to find a slot with a broad betting range. Slots with low wagering requirements mean you play while remaining responsible.
However, make sure you check the betting requirements before playing any slot. Decide on a spending amount (both a minimum and maximum amount), and stick to it. If you are realistic about your budget, your bankroll will be sustainable, allowing you to play again and for longer periods of time.
5: Try Slot Demos Before Playing
Fortunately, many slots provide free demonstrations so you can try before you wager. Not only is this a great way to get a feel of a slot, but it also lets you test things like the game mechanics, the volatility, and the bonus features. It is important to have a baseline knowledge of these things before you play a slot, as well as knowing if you enjoy the game.
Particularly, trying a slot is important if you are on a set budget. You do not want to lose money because you have committed to play a game.
Choosing A Slot: The Takeaways.
- Try the game before using a free demo.
- Do not choose games out of your budget.
- Consider your priority order for a slot.
- Look into the bonus features.
- Have a solid understanding of RTP and slot volatility.
