For many online casino players, finding the perfect slot can feel like a long-winded hunt. Some believe the ideal setup to be obvious: high volatility paired with a high RTP, which, on paper, suggests a low house edge and the chance of sizable payouts due to the low-hit frequency.
Ultimately, it’s the combo which should mean more returns for the player.
But do these games really offer a stronger advantage? New players often assume that “bigger is better”, and it can be a mistake which becomes expensive. That’s because the truth behind game metrics like volatility and RTP is extremely nuanced, and players need to understand what each feature represents before assuming it gives an edge.
What High Volatility and High RTP Really Mean
A high-volatility slot signals one thing: low payout frequency. These games build a prize pool and release larger wins at greater intervals, which is why they are called “volatile”. This detail matters, as it helps players plan their sessions, especially when they need to manage their bankroll carefully. Before spinning for real money, many gamblers also try the game in demo mode on sites like https://legalcasino.uk/free-slots/, where gambling experts review online casinos and popular slots. This can help players understand how a game’s volatility works in practice.
A high RTP (return-to-player percentage) can offer a real and measurable benefit. A game with a higher RTP reduces the house margin, and the higher a slot’s RTP percentage is, the more money it will pay back over time.
While many consider anything above 95% to be strong, there are slots today that exceed 97%. Blood Suckers by NetEnt sits at 98%, Book of 99 by Relax Gaming reaches 99% at its maximum setting, and Mega Joker by NetEnt can approach a 99% RTP in Supermeter mode.
Breaking Down the Myth of Big Numbers
A high RTP might look like a clear advantage, but it helps to understand how that percentage is calculated. It is based on a very large number of spins, often running into millions. Because of this, players should avoid the idea that a slot with a 96% RTP will return £96 after 100 spins of £1.
That figure is a long-term statistical reference shaped by the game’s variables: paylines, symbol distribution and the number of special features. On top of that, every slot works with an RNG (random number generator), which means the top prize might hit twice in a row or not appear for thousands of spins.
High volatility can also look appealing due to the bigger potential prizes. But these games pay out less often, so patience becomes crucial if a player wants to work within the slot’s statistical behaviour. Anyone with a small bankroll or limited experience may lose their funds before even triggering the free spins in a high-volatility game.
What Should You Pay Attention To?
A high RTP is generally favourable for the player, but it does not guarantee immediate or steady results. Volatility, however, shapes the way the game plays.
A high-volatility slot can work well if you have a large bankroll or if you prefer less frequent but larger prizes. If you want smaller wins at a steadier pace, a low-volatility game is the better choice. There is also medium volatility, which sits between both extremes and offers a more balanced rhythm.
Here are a few examples of high-RTP, high-volatility slots:
- Book of 99 (Relax Gaming, ~99%)
- 9K Yeti (4ThePlayer, ~97%)
- Dead or Alive (NetEnt, ~96.82%)
- Wheel of Fortune Power Wedges (IGT, ~97%)
- Book of Dead (Play’n GO, ~96.21%)
And here are some high-RTP, low-volatility options:
- Blood Suckers (NetEnt, ~98%)
- Starmania (NextGen Gaming, ~97.87%)
- Golden Tour (Playtech, ~97.71%)
- Butterfly Staxx (NetEnt, ~96.8%)
- Starburst (NetEnt, ~96.09%)
However, it’s not crucial to stick to just high-RTP slots. Other extras like progressive jackpots, bonus rounds, multipliers and other mechanics also influence the overall gameplay. Take Mega Moolah from Microgaming, for instance, which has a low RTP of about 88%, yet its structure includes a multi-tier jackpot wheel and a straightforward feature set.
The Gonzo’s Quest slot from NetEnt has an RTP of ~95.97 % and medium-to-high volatility, but it also offers an “Avalanche” mechanic, which is where winning symbols are removed, and those above on the reels fall, potentially triggering further wins. This design means payouts may come less often, but the potential for larger wins or chains of wins can be more appealing than in a slot that simply has a high RTP.