If you’ve ever played online slots, you’ve probably seen the term RTP thrown around. But what does it actually mean? You’re in the right place—this guide from Oddschecker will help you understand RTP, volatility, and how both impact your chances of winning.
💡 What Are RTP and Volatility in Online Slots?
RTP stands for Return to Player. It’s a percentage that shows how much money a slot is expected to pay back to players over time. Volatility (also called variance) tells you how often and how much a slot pays out.
Understanding these two things can help you pick the right slots to play and manage your bankroll more smartly.
In this guide, you’ll find:
- Real examples of high and low RTP games
- A simple explanation of volatility
- And tips to help you make better slot choices
🎯 RTP & RNG: The Engines Behind Slot Machines
There are two key systems behind every slot:
- RTP tells you the average payout percentage.
- RNG (Random Number Generator) ensures every spin is completely random.
✅ What is RTP?
RTP is shown as a percentage, like 96%. That means if you bet $100, the game is expected to pay back $96 over time. Keep in mind—this is an average over thousands of spins, not a promise for each session.
🎲 What is RNG?
RNG makes sure every spin is completely random. It prevents any predictable outcomes or cheating. No one—not even the casino—can change the results of an RNG system.
Together, RTP and RNG keep games fair while giving players an idea of what to expect.
📈 How Does RTP Work in Practice?
Let’s say a game collects $110,000 in bets and pays out $100,000 in wins. That would give the game a 90.9% RTP.
But you can’t really know RTP just by playing a few rounds. It’s calculated based on long-term gameplay. Still, most slot providers publish RTP rates, so you’ll usually find it listed in the game’s info.
As a rule of thumb, games with RTP of 96% or higher are considered good.
Want to try before you spend real money? Many social casinos let you test games for free!
⚖️ High RTP vs. Low RTP Slots – What’s the Difference?
Knowing a game’s RTP helps you choose slots that fit your style. Here’s a quick comparison:
🔼 High RTP Slots
Pros:
- More frequent payouts
- Better chance at long-term wins
- Good for preserving your bankroll
Cons:
- Smaller wins
- Big bonus features might be limited
- Harder to find slots with RTP above 97%
Also Read: What’s the Best Time to Play Online Slots?
🔽 Low RTP Slots
Pros:
- Potential for bigger jackpots
- Often packed with exciting bonus rounds
Cons:
- Wins are less frequent
- Can quickly eat up your bankroll
- Long-term returns are usually lower
Try both types with free spins to see what works best for your play style.
🔍 What Is Volatility in Slots?
Volatility shows how often and how big the wins are.
- Low Volatility: Frequent but small wins. Great for casual or budget players.
- Medium Volatility: A balance between small and big wins.
- High Volatility: Bigger wins, but they happen less often. Better for experienced players with more patience (and a bigger bankroll).
Example: A game with 96% RTP and high volatility may go many spins without a win—but when it does hit, it could pay out big.
🧠 RTP vs. Volatility – What’s the Real Difference?
RTP tells you the average percentage of money returned to players. Volatility tells you how often and how much you can expect to win.
They work hand in hand:
- A high RTP + low volatility = more frequent, smaller wins
- A low RTP + high volatility = rare but larger payouts
Try different games at no-deposit casinos to find your perfect match!
Also Read: Can Bankroll Management Improve Your Slot Success?
🎮 Best High RTP Slots You Should Try
These are some of the most generous slot games out there:
| Slot | RTP | Developer |
|---|---|---|
| Immortal Romance | 96.86% | Games Global |
| Sweet Bonanza | 96.51% | Pragmatic Play |
| Reactoonz | 96.51% | Play’n Go |
| Divine Fortune | 96.59% | NetEnt |
Immortal Romance is a great example of a game that combines high RTP with high volatility—rare, but awesome when it hits!
🧨 Popular Low RTP Slots (Still Worth a Spin)
Low RTP doesn’t always mean bad—some come with huge bonuses and jackpots.
| Slot | RTP | Developer |
|---|---|---|
| Wanted Dead Or A Wild | 94.55% | Hacksaw Gaming |
| Da Vinci Diamonds | 94.93% | IGT |
| Double Diamond | 95.44% | IGT |
| Buffalo Blitz | 95.96% | Playtech |
For example, Wanted Dead Or A Wild has exciting wild multipliers and free spins to balance its lower RTP.
🧭 How to Choose the Right RTP & Volatility Slot
Here are some smart steps:
✅ Compare RTP and Volatility
Use 96% RTP as your benchmark. Then decide whether you prefer:
- Frequent, smaller wins (high RTP + low volatility)
- Big, rare payouts (low RTP + high volatility)
🎮 Play Demo Versions
Test out games in free demo mode. It helps you understand the game’s behavior without spending real money.
🎁 Check Bonuses and Jackpots
Read the game’s paytable to see:
- Symbol values
- Bonus rounds
- Jackpot triggers
Some low RTP slots make up for it with amazing bonus features.
💰 Know Your Bankroll
If you’re on a tight budget, stick with high RTP and low-medium volatility games. If you’re willing to take bigger risks, explore progressive jackpots or high volatility slots.
Also Read: Do New Slot Games Offer Better Odds?
🔚 Final Thoughts
Understanding RTP and volatility gives you a better shot at choosing the right online slot. They won’t guarantee wins, but they’ll help you play smarter and manage your budget better.
Want more tips? Check out our slot game reviews, expert guides, and the best no-deposit casinos to start spinning today—with zero risk!
