Slot machines were invented more than a century ago by an ingenious mechanic that wanted to simplify gaming machines. His design was a real success, spawning an entire industry. The slots have gone from mechanical to electromechanical, from video slots to the countless online slot machines you can play at Lucky Creek online casino with just a few clicks or a few taps on your smartphone screen.
While all slot machines share the same basic mechanic, they are not all created equal. They have properties that set them apart, making them a better choice for one player or another. So, let’s take a look at a few of them – hopefully, our tips will help you choose the right online slot machine every time.
Return to Player (RTP)
Games of chance are not a method of making money. When you play a slot machine, you are likely to lose at least some money in the long run – this is one of the rules of games of chance. After all, casinos are not charities giving money away but businesses that provide a service and expect to make money while doing so.
But how much money will you lose? An indicator of this is a metric that applies to all slot machines: return to player (RTP).
The RTP is calculated over a large number of spins (usually into the millions) and expresses how much money a player can expect to lose when playing the game in the long term, as a percentage of all money wagered.
A slot machine with an RTP of 95% will leave you with 95% of your money in your pocket (or $95 if you play $100). The higher the RTP, the “looser” the slot machine is. This doesn’t mean that you can’t end up losing all of your $100 in a slots session, mind you.
Overall, a slot machine with a high RTP is a bit more advantageous for the player than one with a lower RTP.
Volatility or variability
The volatility (or variability) of a slot machine shows you how often you can expect it to pay out – and, indirectly, how much an average spin pays out. Slot machines with high volatility pay out way less often but you can expect the payouts to be, on average, higher. Those with low volatility will hit quite often but the amounts paid will be lower.
Arguably, slot machines with low volatility are more fun to play – the frequent payouts, even if the amounts are small, come with a sense of accomplishment that players (especially casual players) will appreciate.
High volatility slots are a better choice for those with more patience and a hefty bankroll. These also come with the possibility of big wins, and maybe even be profitable in the long run (with the appropriate caveats we mentioned above).
The fun factor
Finally, here is one of the properties of slot machines that’s hard to quantify but is just as important as the other two (maybe even more important): the fun factor. Casino games are, first and foremost, games – as such, they are meant to entertain, not just gulp down your money. Millions around the world play casino games for fun, with no money involved, in smartphone apps or social networks.
But even for those playing casino games for real money, enjoyment is paramount. So, it’s important to choose a game that looks great, has a great atmosphere, and is great fun to play.
Luckily, there are thousands of online casino slots to choose from.