Difference between RTP, volatility and variance
When you start playing online slots, you come across terms like RTP, volatility and variance. These metrics play a key role in how a slot works and how beneficial your gaming experience can be. Understanding the difference between the two will help you make more informed choices and improve your chances of success. In this article, we will analyze what RTP, volatility and variance are, how they affect your game, and how to use this knowledge to choose the most profitable games.
What is RTP?
RTP (Return to Player) is a percentage that shows how much money the slot will give players in the long run. For example, a 96% RTP slot would, on average, return $96 out of every $100 bet on it. However, it is worth remembering that RTP is a long-term indicator, and it may not have a significant impact on individual gaming sessions.
How it works: If the slot has an RTP of 96%, it means that with a lot of bets over time, the slot will give players 96% of all bets. The remaining 4% remains in casinos as a profit.
How it affects the game: The higher the RTP, the more likely you are to get more money back over a long distance. High RTP slots are often considered more advantageous for players, as they provide more payoff.
What is volatility?
Slot volatility (or variance) describes the risk and frequency of winnings. It's a characteristic of how often a slot can produce big wins and how majestic they can be. Volatility can be low, medium or high, and this indicator is important for choosing a game strategy.
1. Low volatility are slots that more often give small winnings. These winnings will come regularly, but their size will be small. Such slots are suitable for players who prefer stability and often win, but in smaller amounts.
2. Average volatility - In these slots, winnings are less common, but their sizes are usually higher than in low-volatility slots. It's an appropriate choice for players looking for a balance between risk and reward.
3. High volatility - High-volatility slots usually yield big wins, but they're not as common. It's a choice for players willing to take risks for big payouts.
How it affects the game: If you want to play a slot that regularly produces small winnings, opt for a low-volatility slot. If your goal is to get a big win, but you're willing to wait, you should choose high-volatility slots.
What is variance?
Variance is a term that is closely related to volatility, but with little difference. The variance reflects how variable the wins are in a particular slot. It's essentially a measure of how much the wins will deviate from the average.
High variance means that the slot can give very large winnings or practically not give them at all in separate sessions.
Low variance means that slot wins will be more predictable and stable, but they will be much smaller in size.
We are talking about the frequency and size of payments: volatility is more related to the frequency of winnings, and variance - to the size of these winnings and their variability.
How are RTP, volatility and variance related?
1. RTP and volatility:
2. RTP and variance:
3. Volatility and variance:
How to choose slots with high RTP, volatility and variance?
1. For frequent small winnings:
2. For large but rare winnings:
3. Combined approach:
Examples of popular high RTP slots:
1. Mega Joker (NetEnt) — RTP 99%:
2. Blood Suckers (NetEnt) — RTP 98%:
3. Jackpot 6000 (NetEnt) — RTP 98. 9%:
Conclusion
RTP, volatility and variance are key characteristics to consider when choosing an online slot. Understanding these metrics helps you pick the game that's right for you - whether it's consistent small winnings or the chance of a big jackpot. Choose slots with high RTP and suitable volatility to increase your chances of winning and improve your gaming experience.
What is RTP?
RTP (Return to Player) is a percentage that shows how much money the slot will give players in the long run. For example, a 96% RTP slot would, on average, return $96 out of every $100 bet on it. However, it is worth remembering that RTP is a long-term indicator, and it may not have a significant impact on individual gaming sessions.
How it works: If the slot has an RTP of 96%, it means that with a lot of bets over time, the slot will give players 96% of all bets. The remaining 4% remains in casinos as a profit.
How it affects the game: The higher the RTP, the more likely you are to get more money back over a long distance. High RTP slots are often considered more advantageous for players, as they provide more payoff.
What is volatility?
Slot volatility (or variance) describes the risk and frequency of winnings. It's a characteristic of how often a slot can produce big wins and how majestic they can be. Volatility can be low, medium or high, and this indicator is important for choosing a game strategy.
1. Low volatility are slots that more often give small winnings. These winnings will come regularly, but their size will be small. Such slots are suitable for players who prefer stability and often win, but in smaller amounts.
2. Average volatility - In these slots, winnings are less common, but their sizes are usually higher than in low-volatility slots. It's an appropriate choice for players looking for a balance between risk and reward.
3. High volatility - High-volatility slots usually yield big wins, but they're not as common. It's a choice for players willing to take risks for big payouts.
How it affects the game: If you want to play a slot that regularly produces small winnings, opt for a low-volatility slot. If your goal is to get a big win, but you're willing to wait, you should choose high-volatility slots.
What is variance?
Variance is a term that is closely related to volatility, but with little difference. The variance reflects how variable the wins are in a particular slot. It's essentially a measure of how much the wins will deviate from the average.
High variance means that the slot can give very large winnings or practically not give them at all in separate sessions.
Low variance means that slot wins will be more predictable and stable, but they will be much smaller in size.
We are talking about the frequency and size of payments: volatility is more related to the frequency of winnings, and variance - to the size of these winnings and their variability.
How are RTP, volatility and variance related?
1. RTP and volatility:
- Although RTP mainly depends on theoretical returns, volatility has a more direct impact on winning rates. A high RTP slot can be either high or low volatility. But if a slot has high volatility, winnings can be rare and large, even if its RTP is high.
2. RTP and variance:
- RTP and variance are also related. In high variance slots, large wins may not be frequent, but they are offset by high theoretical return, which affects RTP. In low variance slots, payouts are smaller but regular, and this will also affect RTP.
3. Volatility and variance:
- While the two measures are similar, variance says more about the magnitude of winnings and volatility says more about how often they occur. For example, in a slot with high variance and high volatility, you may face several big wins, but also long periods without wins.
How to choose slots with high RTP, volatility and variance?
1. For frequent small winnings:
- If you want stability and frequent small wins, choose slots with low volatility and variance, but with high RTP (at least 96%).
2. For large but rare winnings:
- If your goal is big wins (like jackpots), opt for slots with high volatility and variance but good RTP to increase your chances of long-term returns.
3. Combined approach:
- For players who want a balance between risk and benefit, you can look for slots with average volatility and variance, with RTP above 96%. This will provide enough winnings and a chance for larger payouts.
Examples of popular high RTP slots:
1. Mega Joker (NetEnt) — RTP 99%:
- One of the highest RTPs among slots, with low volatility and stable small payouts.
2. Blood Suckers (NetEnt) — RTP 98%:
- A popular slot with high returns and low volatility, perfect for consistent wins.
3. Jackpot 6000 (NetEnt) — RTP 98. 9%:
- A classic slot with high returns but low volatility, providing regular small wins.
Conclusion
RTP, volatility and variance are key characteristics to consider when choosing an online slot. Understanding these metrics helps you pick the game that's right for you - whether it's consistent small winnings or the chance of a big jackpot. Choose slots with high RTP and suitable volatility to increase your chances of winning and improve your gaming experience.
