beginner
6 min readRTP & Volatility
What these numbers mean and how to use them.
BonusBell Team
RTP and volatility are the two most important metrics for choosing which slots to play. Understanding them helps you select games that match your goals—whether that's longer play time or chasing big wins.
What Is RTP?
RTP stands for Return to Player—the theoretical percentage of wagered money that a slot returns to players over millions of spins.
RTP Example
96% RTP on $1 million wagered=$960,000 returned, $40,000 retained
For every $100 bet over the long term, you'll get back about $96. The $4 is the house edge.
Good to Know
RTP is theoretical and long-term.In a single session, you might win big (200%+ return) or lose everything (0% return). RTP only averages out over millions of spins.
RTP Ranges
RTP Quality Guide
| RTP Range | Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 97%+ | Excellent | Rare but worth seeking out |
| 96-97% | Good | Industry standard for quality slots |
| 94-96% | Average | Acceptable but not ideal |
| Below 94% | Poor | Avoid if possible |
Strategy Insight
Many casinos display different RTP versions of the same game. Always verify the RTP in the game's info/paytable section—it can vary significantly.
What Is Volatility?
Volatility (also called variance) describes how a slot pays:
- Low Volatility – Frequent small wins, bankroll lasts longer
- High Volatility – Rare large wins, longer dry spells
Volatility Comparison
Volatility Characteristics
| Volatility | Win Frequency | Win Size | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low | Very often | Small | Entertainment, small bankrolls |
| Medium | Regularly | Moderate | Balanced gameplay |
| High | Rarely | Large | Jackpot chasers, large bankrolls |
| Very High | Very rarely | Massive | Big swings, loss tolerance |
Visual Example
Imagine betting $1 per spin for 100 spins ($100 total):
Low Volatility (96% RTP)
- Win 40-50 spins
- Wins average $2-3
- End with $85-$105 typically
- Rarely bust, rarely big win
High Volatility (96% RTP)
- Win 10-20 spins
- Most wins $5-15, rare $50+
- End with $0-$300 possible
- Often bust, sometimes big win
How to Choose
Match the slot to your situation:
- Playing for entertainment with a small bankroll?
- → Low volatility, 96%+ RTP
- Want a shot at a big win and can accept losses?
- → High volatility, 95%+ RTP
- Using a bonus with wagering requirements?
- → Low-medium volatility to stretch funds
Warning
High volatility slots can destroy a small bankroll fast.If you have $50 and play a high-vol slot at $1/spin, expect to bust often. You need 100+ bets of runway for high volatility games.
Finding RTP and Volatility
Most reputable slots display this information:
- Check the game's info/paytable menu (usually "?" or "i" button)
- Look on the game provider's website
- Check slot review sites for independent verification
Strategy Insight
Some casinos offer multiple RTP versions of the same slot. The same game might be 97% RTP at one casino and 94% at another. Always verify before playing.
Key Takeaways
- 1RTP is the long-term payout percentage—higher is better
- 296%+ RTP is good; below 94% is poor value
- 3Volatility determines win frequency and size
- 4Match volatility to your bankroll and goals
- 5Always verify RTP in the game info—it can vary by casino