If you have played online slots for any length of time, then you have probably heard the term RTP. It may seem like a technical slot term, but once you understand it, it can be an important factor in your game selection.
A slot machine’s RTP is programmed to give back a percentage of the money that players spend on it. It is important to understand what this means and how it’s calculated.
Payback percentage
The payback percentage is the average amount of money a slot machine will return to a player over time, compared to the amount they wagered. This can be calculated by the formula Amount Returned to Player / Amount Wagered by Player, or RTP.
Unlike video poker games, which use fixed pay schedules, slots use Random Number Generators (RNG) to determine the outcome of each spin. This means that you may hit a jackpot or win a small amount, but the overall average will be in line with RTP.
Despite popular misconceptions, payback percentages are not changed on the fly by casino officials, or even on the slot machine itself. They are governed by a program that the casino purchases for the particular game.
Bonus rounds
Bonus rounds are a great way to spice up your slot playing experience and add some extra fun. They can come in the form of free spins, multipliers, or other special features.
These rounds can be triggered when you land certain symbols on the reels. These symbols may be scatters, wilds or other bonus icons.
The size of the bonus round varies and is determined by the number of triggering scatters or bonus icons on the payline. Some slots also have the option for these features to retrigger, which can make them much more lucrative.
RTP is a vital part of slot play, and it helps to understand how it works. It’s a mathematically calculated percentage that takes into account millions of spins — or hands of cards – over a period of time.
Scatter symbols
Scatter symbols are a great way to trigger free spins and bonus games in RTP slot machines. Unlike other symbols that require you to line up a payline in order to win, scatters only need to appear anywhere on the reels to activate fun bonuses.
They are one of the highest paying symbols in a slot and often feature a specific image that is unique to the game’s theme. For example, if you’re playing a pirate-themed slot machine, the scatter symbols might be a swashbuckling ship, gold bar or a treasure chest.
These special symbols can be a key to unlocking bonus features in slot machines, although they’re not always as easy to find as wild symbols. Usually, you’ll need a certain number of them to activate a bonus game, which is outlined in the paytable. However, it’s always a good idea to check the paytable and game rules before you play a slot. This will help you get the most out of your time playing!
Volatility
Volatility is one of the most important factors in determining the odds of winning in slots. It determines how frequently a slot pays out and how large the win multipliers are.
A high volatility slot game is riskier with less frequent but larger wins, while a low volatility game has smaller but more frequent wins. Depending on your bankroll and betting strategy, you can choose between these two types of slots to maximize your chances of winning.
Whether you’re playing at online casinos or physical locations, RTP and volatility are two of the most important factors to consider when choosing a slot. Understanding how these factors impact your gameplay and how you can leverage them to improve your bankroll will help you find the right slots for you.
While game developers don’t generally provide a rating for volatility, you can get an idea of what to expect by reading reviews and user forums. However, a gambling experience is highly subjective, so there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question.
