Slot Mathematics: Understanding Hit Frequency, RTP, and Volatility and Its Impact on Your Bankroll
There are multiple mathematical concepts you must keep in perspective while playing slots. New players need to know what these math concepts are about. Our review will provide sufficient information on these mathematical factors.
If you understand what hit frequency, RTP, and volatility are about, you can easily pick out the most suitable slots. This way, you will be directly influencing your chances of winning. Read on!
What Is RTP and Why It Matters
RTP is the abbreviation for Return to Player. This term describes the percentage value of the amount from your winnings that a game will give you. Usually, the payout % for slots ranges from between 92% — 98%.
So, for example, if a game has a 95% Return to Player percentage and you win $100, you will get just $95. The 5% left out is the house edge, which goes to the casino hosting the play. Sounds tricky? It isn’t! Instead, the number adds transparency to online gambling at your favorite casino like Playfina.
The game operator determines the theoretical RTP of each slot game. RTPs describe the long-term paying potential. However, it is a myth that RTPs have something to do with the amount a slot game pays out.
Understanding Hit Frequency
The hit frequency is a primary math concept in slots. The term describes the percentage of spins that can be winners on a particular machine. However, you must understand that the win frequency calculation is purely theoretical. Usually, experts get this factor by analyzing the results of several spins.
Most games have win frequencies between 20% — 40%. With this knowledge, you can manage your expectations. If you are playing a game with a 20% hit probability, you should know only one in five spins will result in a win. So, what’s the use of chasing losses when the odds are stacked against you?
High vs. Low Volatility Games
Volatility or variance is one slot characteristic that most players are familiar with. However, gamblers often hear the term variance but do not know its influence. Basically, volatility describes how frequently a slot pays out — well, just like hit frequencies. But then, variance tells players how well a slot pays, too.
However, this property is almost always available to all players. There are two major categories of slots regarding variance — low or high. The games with low variance pay out small amounts but back-to-back.
However, highly volatile slots, like the progressive jackpots, pay out massive amounts, but occasionally. Casuals do not have to overspend their bankroll with low variance slots. However, highly volatile machines are best suited to high-rollers, and why? It is advisable to place maximum bets on them. Only risk-takers and big spenders can manage this feat!
How RTP, Hit Frequency, and Volatility Work Together
As we have mentioned earlier, these three mathematical elements work hand-in-hand. They interact with one another and could greatly influence your time on particular slots. So, it is imperative to consider them when picking a game.
Machines with high volatility tend to have lower RTP than their counterpart. Also, the hit frequency on these games is often exceptionally low.
However, if you are dealing with low volatile slots, you will have higher RTP and hit frequency to contend with. So, now, there should be no reason why a player with a tight bankroll should be playing highly volatile slots. Casuals, on the other hand, have no business with low RTP slots.
Managing Your Bankroll Based on Slot Mathematics
You must learn to create, adjust, and manage your bankroll by looking at a slot’s RTP, hit frequency, or volatility. These three properties tell you a lot — high volatility means a bigger budget.
However, with low volatility slots, you can tweak how to spend your bankroll. It would not matter if you are staking low or high, as the risks are minimal. The opposite applies to hit frequency — high means lesser risk, and low means more.
Choosing the Right Slot Game for Your Playing Style
A casual goes for a slot with high RTP, low volatility, and high frequency. However, risk-takers will not mind low payout slots with high variance and low hit frequency because of the big possible wins. Understanding RTP, volatility, and win frequency will help you pick the right slot for you!
