Ask gamblers, and probably 8 out of 10 will tell you they prefer playing online slots over other casino games.
This might be somewhat surprising, considering slot games are not the ones with the highest return to player rate; that would be table games like Blackjack or Roulette.
However, online slots have benefits unmatched by other games, such as high frequency, massive jackpots, various themes, and a low to an average learning curve.
While all this is true, there are still factors to look out for when choosing slot machines on the Internet, which allow you to maximise your chance win. Let’s have a look!
Online casinos can adjust a slot’s RTP rate
The first thing you should double-check is how much the online slot returns to its players on average. In gamblers’ terms, this percentage is referred to as RTP, which stands for Return to Player.
Think about it like that; a slot game that states an RTP rate of 97.54% pays out, over time, 97.54 pence of every £1 wagered. The rest, 3.46 pence, is the so-called house edge.
Now, what’s important to keep in mind is that online casinos have some control over that RTP rate. A slot developer, like Big Time Gaming or NetEnt, usually suggests a specific RTP for each game they release. On the other hand, operators can decrease or increase that rate within a particular range.
It means that while BTG releases their game Danger High Voltage with a 96.22% RTP, an online casino might choose to launch that game on their platform with a return to player rate of only 95%.
For that reason, it’s crucial always to double-check the RTP rate of any slot game and see whether it matches the suggested payout rate as set out by the software developer.
It’s a complex topic, and you can find more relevant information at Online Slots Pilot, whether it’s on RTP or other slot-related topics.
Risk versus return
The second factor to consider when picking an online slot is the risk you’re willing to take and the potential return.
These days, slot machines have a feature called volatility, usually stated as low, medium, or high. Low volatility slots payout frequently but amounts on the lower site. It means you will quite often win a few pounds here and there. High volatility online slots do the opposite; those machines payout less frequently, but it can be a big chunk of money if they do.
Why is this important to know?
If you choose a slot with lower variance, you can be sure always to win some money back. You lose some, you win some, and you walk away somewhat even in the end. It’s the perfect game if you want to have some fun while not eyeing any jackpots.
High variance slots are the top choice if you want to win big! They don’t pay out often, but if they do, it might be raining cash. However, there is a big BUT.
Since these games don’t return money regularly, you might find yourself not winning anything for quite a while yet making regular deposits. For that reason, you should only opt-in for high volatility slots if you have a healthy bankroll. Otherwise, you’re account might be dry sooner than you expected.
Of course, there are plenty of other factors to consider when choosing an online slot, but if you made an educated choice on RTP and variance, you’ve already given yourself a maximized chance to win some money.