It is no secret that slots largely represent games of chance. Thanks to built-in software, such as random number generators, it is not possible for the player (or the casino for that matter) to influence the outcome of any given round. While the house always has a slight edge, the odds are not overly bent in favour of the provider.
However, we also need to remember that a handful of technical terms can still have a massive influence on gameplay, and even impact the chances of securing a victory. Let’s examine two concepts that many players have seen before to fully understand why slots represent just as much of a science as an art form.
Return to Player
Imagine that you have recently logged into your LV BET account to keep abreast of the latest slots titles. After coming across a handful of new additions, you decide to perform independent research. The chances are high that you will come across a term known as return to player (RTP) within any third-party review. What exactly is the RTP of a game? This acronym is used to define how much a player can expect to win over an extended period of time. An example will help to clarify things.
We will now assume that you choose to wager a total of €100 over a period of a few weeks. IF you continue playing the same game, and this title has an RTP of 98%, you can expect to lose approximately 2% of your total bets (or €2). However, keep in mind that this is a longitudinal statistic. It does not necessarily reflect short-term trends. Most players search for games with a higher return-to-player percentage for obvious reasons.
Volatility and Variance
Contrary to popular belief, these next two terms signify the same concept. The vast majority of slots games can be classified into one of three categories:
Low volatility
Medium volatility
High volatility
What are the differences here? Volatility (or variance) is used to describe the frequency, and size, of payouts over a period of time. Games associated with high levels of volatility will not offer frequent payouts, but the winnings tend to be quite substantial. Low- to medium-volatility alternatives provide regular rewards, and these are incrementally smaller. Here is a quick summary of how volatility and RTP differ.
RTP represents the percentage that a player can win
Volatility involves the size of the payouts themselves
While both are related, each is used to illustrate a slightly different principle. Having said this, understanding how both work is key if you hope to select the most appropriate slots game to match your unique playing style. If you do not mind risk, high-volatility titles could be the most appropriate. Conservative players might instead prefer games offering low to medium levels.
The good news is that online casinos now provide a wealth of options to players from all walks of life. Whether you enjoy a casual session of slots, or winning is on your mind, the concepts mentioned above should never be ignored.
