RTP and Volatility Explained

What RTP (return to player) and the house edge really mean, why short sessions can go either way, and how volatility changes how a slot pays out.

▶ 1 min 31 sec🔊 With voiceover18+

About this video: RTP and Volatility Explained

We show what a 96% RTP means: £96 back for every £100 staked on average over millions of spins, with the other 4% being the house edge. Then five players each make 100 spins on the same slot. One finishes up and the rest finish down, which shows why RTP can’t predict a single session.

Next we put a low-volatility and a high-volatility slot side by side, both at 96%. One pays small wins often, the other has long dry runs and the odd big win. Last, we show where to find a game’s RTP, and why you should check which version your casino uses.

Read the transcript

Let’s look at RTP and volatility, using two slots.

RTP means return to player. A slot with ninety-six percent RTP pays back ninety-six pounds for every hundred pounds staked, on average, over millions of spins.

The other four percent is the house edge, which is the average cost of playing.

But remember, that’s a long-term average. In one session, anything can happen. Here are five players, each making a hundred spins on the same slot. One finishes up. And the rest finish down, by different amounts.

Volatility is how that RTP gets paid out. Here are two slots, both at ninety-six percent. On the left is low volatility, with lots of small wins and a balance that moves slowly.

And on the right is high volatility. You get long runs with nothing, and then the odd big win. Same RTP, but a very different ride.

You’ll find the RTP in the game’s info or help screen. Some slots come in more than one version, so check the figure at the casino you’re actually playing at.

So, three simple tips. Check the RTP before you play, pick low volatility if you want your budget to last, and remember that RTP can’t predict a single session. You can try it all yourself in our free RTP and volatility simulator.

Set a budget before you play. You’ll find more guides at UKCasinoTips.com.

18+ only. Gambling can be addictive; please play responsibly. Free, confidential help: BeGambleAware.org or the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133.