Slot machines are hugely popular with players all around the world as they provide plenty of entertainment. Many like to enjoy this style of casino game because they are simple to play and do not feature too many rules or require a complex understanding like some table games do.
Individuals simply need to click spin and watch the reels roll, and hope that a winning combination is triggered; that is pretty much all there is to it. Given that it is also possible to win some potentially big prizes, too, their popularity is unmatched by any other type of game.
If you were to look for a downside with slots, then it could be argued that the house has a greater edge than they do with table games. This is because the return to player (RTP) rate is typically lower, although the best slots are still very high in comparison, with the industry average being around 96%. There are instances where they can be higher, or even lower than that benchmark, but they still remain as fair as possible through the use of a random number generator (RNG).
The RTP that is available with slots plays a huge role on the psyche of a player and is an influential factor in their popularity around the world and why so many continue to enjoy these simplistic games.
Why are slots so popular?
While the principal aim of casino gaming is to have fun and to be able to enjoy a positive experience, many look at this type of gaming as a way of winning and obtaining some additional money into their pockets.
We all know that this is not a guarantee, but many will play because this is an additional feature and something that traditional gameplay does not always offer. With winning on the minds of players, this is where we begin to look out for the RTP rate of a slot title.
To explain, RTP is the theoretical rate at which money will be returned to a player based on the mathematical algorithms that have been created and provided with the title. Each title is unique, and with RNGs being used, each spin is independent of the other and completely random. There is no solid foundation to the theory.
Let’s consider an example: a chosen slot title has a 96.09% RTP rate. This means that winnings can be expected to be achieved on 96% of the spins over a long period of time. These wins do not necessarily mean they are greater than the stake bet, though, so it is important you understand the terminology behind it.
It is also important to consider other factors when playing slots, too. For instance, if you are using bonuses or promos like free spins, this can have an impact on the RTP and the overall amount that is being potentially won. The 32Red bonus terms highlight this conveniently, as players are able to find out wagering requirements and other conditions that need to be considered when playing their favourite titles.
How does psychology come into slot machine gameplay because of the RTP?
So, how does psychology come into play when choosing a slot title to play? Given the significance of RTP within these games, players immediately start to look for the options that have the highest return rates.
It is more likely that they are to choose one that has a percentage return of 97% over one that has a 95% rate of return. Although there may only be a 2% difference in this example, our brains will tell us we have a greater chance of winning more often and potentially bigger rewards by playing the ones that feature the higher number. As a result, this may also encourage players to continue spinning the reels for longer, too.
Keep volatility in mind
RTP might take over the mind when it comes down to choosing a slot to play, but it is also important to keep the game’s volatility – or variance – in mind at the same time, especially if you are playing to try and win and not simply for the entertainment value that this type of casino game offers.
While the RTP will provide the theoretical percentage of winnings being returned, the volatility level will provide you with a better understanding of the size of the rewards and their frequency. They can be categorised as low, medium, and high, although some can appear in-between certain tiers.
Slots that are low will provide wins more frequently but of a low value, whereas high volatility titles will provide much bigger wins but on a very infrequent basis.