When slots were first invented, there was no controversy over whether slot spin results were truly random. This was because each spin was activated by the player pulling and releasing a leaver. There was also no need for RTP scores, all these came into play when slots such as the Sticky Joker slot became computerised and were fitted with computer microchips.
Slots Today
Today slots are far more intricate and complicated machines, and this applies to online slots as well. Slot spin results today are created by a computer microchip that produces number sequences 24/7. These sequences are then translated into spins and spin results. Therefore, all players now must rely on a Random Number Generator or RNG, to be kind to them when they indulge in a slot session. The problem here is one of trust, as computer microchips can be programmed to behave in certain ways.
RTP
This brings us to another modern-day slot phenomenon, and this involves forecasting how much a slot will return to a player over time. The gambling industry refers to this as the Return to Player percentage score or RTP for short. All slots must be given a rating, and this must be published on the game info page of all slots.
The percentage score is calculated under controlled conditions over thousands of spins. Everything that is wagered, won, and lost, is closely monitored. Then a simple calculation produces a percentage figure of how much players can expect a slot to return to them, from their wagering amount.
What Influences the RTP Score?
Games that are designed purely for thrills are often described as having a high volatility rating. This means that they do not pay out as frequently as other games. Slots with a low volatility rating tend to have a higher RTP score, and winning spins tend to land more regularly.
Highly volatile games with low RTP scores can dead spin gamers continuously, and then suddenly produce a couple of huge winning spins. Low volatility-rated games tend to produce regular low to medium-sized wins. Games with low RTP scores and high volatility ratings are more unpredictable than their high RTP scoring cousins.
RTP Ratings in Numbers
The simplest way to understand RTP scores is by looking at the ratings and how they are perceived by the gambling industry itself. Slot games with an RTP score below 94.99% are described as being low RTP slot games. These should be left to high rollers and those who can afford to take large financial hits.
Slots with RTP scores of 95% to 97.99% are mid-range RTP scoring slots. These are safer to play than low RTP slots but still not ideal for your average gamer who is on a strict budget.
A high RTP score comes in at 98% or more. These games should be on top of most slot players’ list of slots to spin and they are the most likely of all games to return a decent amount of your wagering to you.
High RTP scoring games include Ugga Bugga by Playtech with an RTP rating of 99.07%. Mega Joker by NetEnt has an RTP of 99%. Rainbow Riches Pick n Mix by Barcrest boasts an RTP score of 98% and the same applies to Blood Suckers, which is also another NetEnt release.
