Advantages of Playing at High RTP Slot Machines

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RTP refers to the statistical expected rate of return on a slot machine. Expressed as a percentage, RTP tells you how much the game is expected to pay back over its lifetime. For example, if a game has an RTP of 95%, for every $100 wagered on that game collectively by all players, it is built to payout $95 on average.

The remaining amount is the house edge – for a 95% RTP game, the house retains $5 for every $100 played. The higher the RTP, the lower the house edge and the more favorable it is for the player. Land-based slots in the U.S. typically have RTPs ranging from 75% to 95%. Online slots like those at PlayAlberta Casino tend to be more generous, with RTPs of 92-98% or more.

Key Factors Influencing RTP

While the RTP percentage gives you a bottom line on what to expect back from a slot, it does not tell the whole story. Two other key factors impact your results in practice: volatility and hit frequency.

Volatility measures the risk profile of a slot and how much its payouts vary over time. Low-volatility games provide smaller but more frequent wins, while high-volatility games have fewer but bigger payouts. High volatility translates to higher risk but also larger potential rewards. Regardless of volatility, the RTP percentage should even out to the stated amount over hundreds of thousands, if not millions of spins.

Hit frequency tells you how often a game pays out. A “loose” slot with many frequent small hits may have a high hit frequency. The size of payouts still comes down to volatility – a tight high-volatility slot may have big jackpots but very low hit frequency in reaching them. Combining volatility, hit frequency and RTP analysis provides a more complete picture of how a game performs.

RTP and Volatility Across Popular Slot Types

Slot TypeTypical RTP RangeVolatility LevelHit Frequency
Classic Slots85-95%Low to MediumHigh
Video Slots92-97%Medium to HighMedium
Progressives91-95% for base80-90% for jackpotVery HighLow
Megaways96-97%Medium to HighMedium to High

As shown, EGT slot volatility spans a spectrum. Classic slots tend to be on the lower volatility end, while progressives with their pooled top prizes tend to be highly volatile. Megaways and video slots fall somewhere in between.

Strategies to Pick the Best RTP Slots

While RTP and volatility metrics provide valuable insights, at the end of the day, every spin has random odds. No strategy can alter the built-in house edge. That said, making informed slot selections can still improve your overall chances. Here are tips to pick the best RTP slots:

  • Study pay tables – Pay close attention to RTP rates, volatility and hit frequencies when selecting games. Tables listing these metrics can often be found online. The higher the RTP, the lower the house edge.
  • Consider volatility needs – High volatility games offer fewer but potentially bigger wins. Lower volatility provides more frequent small payouts. Choose volatility based on your budget and goals.
  • Explore options – With hundreds or even thousands of slots to choose from online and off, doing your homework pays. Compile a shortlist of games with RTPs of 96% or higher.
  • Practice good bankroll management – Set a gambling budget and stick to it. Never chase losses. Think of payouts as a bonus, not a way to get rich.

While RTP slots even out over time, in the short run anything can happen. By making informed slot selections, playing at sites with higher average RTPs and managing your bankroll, you can stretch your entertainment dollar and boost your overall odds. Just remember, the house always has an inherent mathematical edge that’s impossible to overcome long-term.