As an avid slot player, reading slot game reviews is an instrumental part of your pre-game ritual. But with so many complex factors to weigh, determining which specifics to hone in on can get overwhelming fast.
Return-To-Player (RTP) Percentage
Arguably the most critical statistic, a game’s RTP percentage, indicates the theoretical payout rate over an extended period of time. Expressed as a percentage a higher RTP correlates to a higher payback rate when playing slots on such platforms as Gamdom.
For example, if a game has an RTP of 95%, it will pay out $0.95 for every $1.00 wagered, on average. Generally speaking, a game with an RTP above 96% is considered high-paying. Just remember – the RTP represents projected performance, not a guaranteed outcome. Lady luck still plays a role!
When assessing RTP, also confirm whether the percentage reflects the base game only or if it includes bonus features. Games with bonus rounds that unlock free spins tend to have a higher overall RTP.
Volatility Level
Volatility indicates how often and sizable potential wins may be, independent of the RTP. Low-volatility games deliver smaller wins more frequently. Highly volatile games feature less frequent but more giant wins. Mid-level volatility strikes a balance between the two extremes.
| Volatility | Payout Frequency | Prize Size |
| Low | Very frequent | Small |
| Medium | Moderately frequent | Medium |
| High | Less frequent | Large |
Determine your risk tolerance and preference for regular small doses of excitement vs. the patience for a rare big thrill before opting for a highly volatile game.
Hit Frequency
While related, hit frequency and volatility have subtle differences. As the name implies, hit frequency measures how often a lucky 88 slot winning combination occurs. It represents the chance of any win, regardless of size.
A low-volatility game could still have a low hit frequency if the frequent small prizes you earn come from bonus rounds rather than landing winning combinations. When the base game has an elevated hit frequency, you’ll snag minor wins more regularly, even if the volatility level is low otherwise.
Bet Level & Paylines
Two other key factors that influence your overall gameplay experience and winning potential are:
- Bet level – The number of credits you wager per spin. Some games have fixed paylines but let you adjust your bet level. Others have preset bet levels that determine the number of paylines in play.
- Paylines – The potential winning combinations based on symbol alignments across reels. The number of paylines directly impacts your chances of triggering payouts each spin.
A game could advertise a sky-high max payout, but upon closer inspection, you may need to bet max credits and have all paylines active to qualify. Before playing, adjust the settings to your intended bet level and paylines to better understand the actual payout potential.
Game Provider & Math Model
Slot developers utilize various mathematical models to program payout percentages and randomness. Studying who makes the game can give insight into the logic used behind the scenes.
For example, NetEnt is renowned for building slots with a higher RTP than its counterparts. If game providers disclose which specific math model or random number generator their slots leverage, look up that information to assess if others have vetted and approved their approach.
Jackpot Inclusion
One last question to address – does the game offer a jackpot? Progressive jackpots that continue rising until won introduce the possibility of earning an astronomical amount that far outweighs the base game payout.
Make sure to find out the qualifying rules for jackpot games. Often you’ll need to place a max bet to be eligible. Getting caught up in the frenzy without understanding your odds of landing the life-altering prize can set you up for disappointment.
In a Nutshell
Slot game reviews provide tremendous value, but can also contain an overwhelming depth of data. By focusing your analysis on the return-to-player percentage, volatility, hit frequency, bet settings, game provider, math model and jackpot details, you’ll be able to make an informed
decision about whether a game meets your preferences.
Let the final choice come down to which game looks and feels the most enjoyable to play. Math-based factors might point you in a logical direction, but your gut feeling trumps all when embracing the magic of slots!
