RTP vs Volatility in Slots: What’s the Difference?

Slots have different payouts and win rates. Some pay more, but infrequently, while others pay less more often. This guide explores the two mechanics behind these differences: RTP and volatility.

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What is RTP?

RTP (Return to Player) is the percentage of total wagers a slot is expected to return to players over time. For example, a slot with a 97% RTP is programmed to pay back £97 for every £100 wagered in the long term.

Slot RTPs usually range between 94% and 97%, but in some, like Book of 99, you’ll find figures as high as 99%. The rates are usually tested by the UK Gambling Commission to ensure operators and providers are not misleading players.

Note that RTP rates are calculated over millions of spins, so short-term results may vary. You can land a big payout within the first ten spins and win nothing significant over the next hundred rounds. RTPs only tell you what to expect over the long term.

How to Check a Slot’s RTP

To find the RTP of a slot, check its developer’s official website. Most of them provide all the details on the game’s information page. If it’s not available, check the slot’s paytable or search “[slot name] RTP” on Google, and you’ll find the details on game review sites and industry blogs.

What is Volatility?

Volatility, or variance, refers to how often and how much the slot is expected to pay out. It can be low, high, or medium:

Low volatility refers to slots that offer small but frequent wins. Many of them come with smaller bet ranges and lower max wins than higher-volatility slots. Examples include Starburst and Mega Moolah.

High-volatility slots like Reactoonz, Dead or Alive, and Big Bass Splash pay out infrequently, but the wins are much larger when they hit. They often feature jackpots and features, such as bonus buys and Megaways, that can trigger the massive payouts.

Medium volatility provides a balance between consistent payouts and occasional bigger wins. Slots with a balanced volatility include Rainbow Riches and 88 Fortunes.

Low-volatility slots are for casual players who want to play longer without drastic swings in their bankroll. High-volatility games require patience and huge bankrolls to withstand long losing streaks, while medium volatility slots appeal to players looking for payout stability.

How to Check a Slot’s Volatility

The process of checking the volatility is the same as that of finding the RTP. Start with the provider’s official website and the game’s paytable. If you can’t find the details, check reputable industry blogs and UK casino game review sites.

What’s the Difference?

RTP shows the long-term return of a slot, expressed as a percentage, but it doesn’t say much about what happens in a single session.

That’s where volatility comes in. It reflects how wins tend to appear during play, whether that’s frequent smaller payouts or rarer, larger ones.

So while RTP gives you the overall expectation, volatility gives you a better sense of how the game is likely to play out in real time.

How to Choose Slots Based on RTP and Volatility

It’s natural to go for high RTP slots because they pay out more over time. But even 99.9% RTP slots can burn through your bankroll if they are volatile.

To choose the right slot, you must consider your intentions. If you want to extend your bankroll and play longer, pick a high-RTP, low-volatility slot like Blood Suckers. However, if you’re playing to hit a major jackpot, a high-volatility slot with a decent RTP is your best bet. You can also start with medium-volatility slots, then adjust when you’re sure what you prefer.