RTP revaluation risks - when it is not the main thing

RTP (Return to Player) is one of the most important metrics that helps players assess slot profitability. It determines what percentage of all bets the slot returns to players in the form of winnings in the long run. For example, if the slot has an RTP of 96%, it means that out of every $100 bet on the game, the slot in theory will return $96.

However, despite the importance of this indicator, many players make the mistake of focusing only on RTP when choosing a game. This can lead to an overestimation of the significance of RTP and ignoring other important factors that also affect the performance of the game. In this article, we will understand why RTP is not always the main indicator when choosing an online slot and what other aspects need to be taken into account.

Why is RTP not always the main thing?

1. RTP revaluation risks:
  • RTP is a theoretical metric that reflects the long-term return to play. In the short term, however, the results may be very different from the theory. A 96% RTP slot does not guarantee that you will receive 96% of your bet over the course of the game. You can win a lot more or a lot less, depending on random factors like the random number generator (RNG).

Players who focus only on RTP risk leaving out important aspects of the game, such as volatility or the mechanics of bonus features, that can change the overall winning picture.

2. Effect of volatility on outcome:
  • Volatility is a measure of how common and how large the winnings will be. It is important to understand that in games with high volatility, winnings will be less frequent, but they will be large, and in games with low volatility, payouts will be frequent, but smaller. If you choose a slot exclusively by RTP, you can get into a game with high volatility, where the likelihood of receiving large winnings is extremely small, and vice versa.

Example: If a slot has high RTP but high volatility, winnings will come less frequently and in the long run the game may not live up to your expectations. In this case, it is important to choose a slot with the right volatility for you.

3. Mechanics and bonus features:
  • It is recommended to consider not only RTP, but also bonus feature mechanisms such as free spins, multipliers, amazing bonus rounds and other slot features that can significantly affect your result. These features can increase your chances of winning, as well as add fun to gameplay.

For example, a slot with RTP 94%, but with interesting bonus rounds and the ability to activate multipliers, may be more profitable than a slot with RTP 96% if the bonus functions provide the player with additional opportunities for large winnings.

4. Game psychology and session duration:
  • RTP does not always reflect the emotional component of the game. A high RTP game can be boring and monotonous if there are no interesting bonus features or game feeds. It is important to choose slots that satisfy your preference for atmosphere and game mechanics, as lengthy sessions with repetitive play can lead to fatigue and inability to control the bankroll.

It should also be borne in mind that RTP may vary depending on the size of the bet and the level of the game. For example, some dynamic RTP slots may return a higher percentage to the player if the player plays high stakes or performs certain actions in the game.

How to avoid re-evaluating RTP and choose the right slot?

1. Consider slot volatility:
  • Before choosing a slot, it's important to understand how volatility affects your chances of winning. If you prefer frequent wins and don't want to take risks, opt for low-volatility slots. For those who are willing to take risks for large payments, games with high volatility are suitable.

2. Don't forget about bonus features:
  • Bonus games, free spins, multipliers and other extras are what make the slot not only profitable but fun. Check what bonus features are in the slot and how they might affect your return.

3. Choose games with interesting gameplay:
  • RTP is important, but if you don't like the game or it's too monotonous, you could lose interest, leading to futile and tedious sessions. Look for games you're really interested in to enjoy the process, not just potential winnings.

4. Try demos of games:
  • Before playing for real money, always try the demo versions of the slots to evaluate not only RTP, but also the mechanics of the bonus functions. This will help you choose the best games to match your preferences.

Conclusion

Revaluing RTP can be a mistake if you ignore other important factors such as volatility, bonus features and game mechanics. RTP is an important metric, but all aspects of the game must be considered to select a slot, including the frequency of winnings and the atmosphere of the game. Choose slots that suit your style of play and enjoy fun gaming sessions!