Every slot page lists a handful of numbers, and two of them matter most: RTP and volatility. Here’s what they mean, what they don’t, and how to use them when you pick a game.
What RTP means
RTP stands for return to player. A slot with a 96.50% RTP is designed to return an average of 96.50 units for every 100 staked over a very large number of spins. The remainder, 3.50%, is the house edge. It describes the long run, not your session: you can win much more or lose much more in any one sitting.
One more thing to check: casinos can run different versions of the same game. Some slots are published with lower-RTP variants, so always read the game’s information screen before you play for real money.
What volatility means
Volatility, also called variance, describes how wins are spread out. A low-volatility slot pays small wins often. A high-volatility slot pays less often but can pay much bigger wins, so it suits players who accept long quiet stretches. Two slots with the same RTP can feel completely different.
The other numbers worth reading
- Maximum win. The highest payout the game allows, shown as a multiple of your stake.
- Hit frequency. How often a spin returns any win. A high hit frequency doesn’t mean high returns.
- Bonus frequency. How often the bonus round triggers, which is the real driver of big wins in many games.
Examples from our slot pages
| Slot | RTP | Maximum win |
|---|---|---|
| Gates of Olympus | 96.50% | 5,000x |
| Sweet Bonanza | 96.49% | 21,175x |
| Sweet Bonanza POP | 97.05% | 25,000x |
| Big Bass Bonanza | 96.71% | 2,100x |
| Sugar Rush | 96.50% | 5,000x |
Sugar Rush is a high-volatility slot with a reported hit frequency of 34.48%, which shows how a game can pay often and still have long dry spells before the bonus.
How we use the numbers
Our ratings use fixed scales for RTP and maximum win, so a score means the same thing from game to game. For example, an RTP of 97% or more scores 9 or higher, and a maximum win of 25,000x or more also scores 9 or higher. The full method is on our How We Rate page.
A simple way to choose
- Want longer sessions and steadier play? Look at lower volatility.
- Happy to wait for a big bonus? A high-volatility game may suit you.
- Always check the RTP version your casino runs.
- Start with a free demo, and set a budget and a time limit before you play. Our guide to the best online casinos in 2027 explains how to check a casino’s licence.