‘This machine has to pay out, I’ve warmed it up!’ – this is the mantra uttered by every other player watching a long losing streak. Many believe in the magic of ‘hot’ and ‘cold’ games, in the need to urgently change the size of their bets or even the device to ‘hack’ the system.
In reality, all these superstitions are nothing more than entertaining myths. The entire mechanics of a slot machine are governed not by emotions or past results, but by two strict mathematical parameters: RTP and volatility.
Knowing how these parameters work, you can discard the myths and make your game more informed. Let’s look at the most frequently asked questions and popular misconceptions in an FAQ format.
For more details, see what the FAQ format means on Wikipedia.
Slot mathematics: What you need to know
? What is Return to Player, in simple terms?
- Return to Player is the percentage of all bets made that the slot theoretically returns to players. If the RTP is 96%, it means that out of 100 units bet, the game will return 96.
? If the RTP is 96%, am I guaranteed to get my money back?
- It all depends on chance. Return to Player is calculated over millions of spins. Anything can happen in an hour or two of continuous play because it is an average figure, not a 100% guarantee.
? What can be considered good?
- It’s easy to remember:
- 96-97% is the industry gold standard.
- Above 97% is just fine; such games give you a better chance of long-term success.
- Below 94% is worth thinking about; the chances of long-term play are significantly lower.
A slot for everyone: How to choose the right game?
? How do I choose a game that suits me?
- The choice depends on your goal:
—> If you want to play as long as possible and want the game to be calm: Look for low volatility and a RTP above 96%. This will allow you to win often, but in small amounts. This will help you avoid losing too much or quickly losing your entire deposit.
—> If you want to play big and experience a lot of excitement: Choose high volatility. The risk of losing is much higher here, but the prize will be many times greater.
? How can a beginner calculate the minimum budget?
- Look at the volatility:
High: You need a good reserve of at least 100-200 spins to ‘wait out’ a losing streak and wait for a good win.
Low: 50-100 spins are enough for a comfortable and safe start.
Debunking myths: What are players getting wrong?
? Does volatility affect RTP?
- No. These are two separate characteristics.
—> RTP is the return percentage itself, in simple terms – how much will be returned.
—> Volatility is how your return is distributed: either frequently but in small amounts, or rarely but in large amounts.
? Will a sharp increase in the bet help?
- Unfortunately not, RTP is fixed and does not change based on the size of your bet. Changing the bet only affects the amount you can win or lose.
? Will the slot definitely heat up after a series of losses?
- Purely a misconception! The random number generator (RNG) has no memory. Each spin is completely random – it’s like tossing a new coin every time.
? Are there ‘hot’ and ‘cold’ slots?
- This is a very common misconception among new players. The RNG ensures that every spin is random. If someone won the jackpot a minute ago, it does not mean that you will win the same amount at that very moment; your chances of winning in the next round have not changed.
Conclusion
These answers make it clear that RTP and volatility are key characteristics that affect slots. Understanding these mechanics allows you to make the right decisions and dispel popular opinions/myths.
