If you are a regular player of online casino games, you have almost definitely encountered the concepts of RTP and volatility before. It can be easy to overlook these terms, but their significance to your online playing experience is huge.
In this guide to understanding RTP and volatility in Slingo, we take a detailed look at how they work, why they are important, and how you can use them to make more informed online gambling decisions.
What is Slingo?
Slingo is a hybrid of two beloved types of casino games, slots and bingo. Instead of spinning reels or listening to numbers called out, Slingo combines the two elements. A Slingo game involves a bingo card (usually five by five) with a set of reels below. Players spin the reels to reveal numbers, which are then crossed off the bingo card. Players get a return on their stake by completing lines of marked off numbers. The lines can be vertical, horizontal, and diagonal.
Slingo has become incredibly popular, especially among UK online casino players. As it has grown in popularity, different themes and variations have emerged, with new bonuses also being added to help spice up the gameplay.
What is RTP?
RTP stands for Return To Player. Every online casino game you play will have an RTP. It is typically displayed as a percentage and gives you an indication of how much of your stake you can expect to see returned over a period of time.
For example, a game with 96% RTP will see you average around 96% of your stake returned. This means the house, over time, is going to win 4% off you. This is also known as the house edge.
It is important for players to remember that RTPs are not an exact science and by no means guarantee you a return. It is an estimated percentage that indicates how much you will get back after playing a game for a long period. Some players may lose all of their money, and others may double their pot.
However, this does not mean you shouldn’t seek out games with higher RTPs. By playing higher RTP Slingo games, you are much more likely to limit your losses over a period of time and end up having a better time playing in the long run.
The RTP of Slingos are similar to slots. You will see games with RTPs of between 94 and 96% but the better options will surpass the 96% mark.
What is Volatility in Slingo?
Volatility can be seen as a display of the game’s risk/reward element. A game with higher volatility is less likely to pay out regularly, but it has the potential for much bigger wins, while lower games work the opposite. Games are typically classified as either low, medium, or high volatility, with some studios using number systems to grade the volatility of their products.
Understanding how volatility works is essential to making calculated decisions when playing online Slingo games for real money. For example, you do not want to be playing a highly volatile game if you are on a smaller Slingo deposit limit. These games tend to require longer betting sessions due to the fact that they do not pay out as often.
Different players have different preferences, so if you’re looking for a steady ongoing session of Slingo playing, then the lower volatility games would be better.
Why Do I Need to Know the Slingo RTP and Volatility?
As we have already mentioned in this Slingo RTP and volatility guide, understanding RTP and volatility helps you make informed decisions when choosing a game. It can also help you manage your expectations regarding the gameplay, win frequency, and potential for returns of a Slingo game.
RTP is an indication of value. Higher RTP games indicate you’re statistically more likely to retain more of your pot. It is not guaranteed, but it can help you choose games with a fairer return.
Choosing a game with an appropriate volatility is more about matching your game style. Lower volatility is better for relaxed and consistent gaming sessions. Whereas, if you can handle sporadic wins, high volatility games might be a better fit. Likewise, if you are the kind of player who likes to play for big wins, then opting for a highly volatile slot is going to be a better strategy for you.
By using RTP and volatility information, you can choose games that fit your budget and playing style. You can head into games with realistic expectations.
How to Access and Use RTP and Volatility Information in Slingo
Now that we understand what RTP and volatility are, let’s take a look at a real-world example of how you can check the RTP and volatility of a game at your favourite Slingo casino, and how this can be used to help inform your gaming decisions.
In this example, let’s pretend you are playing on a smaller budget and you are looking through Slingo games. To find the RTP and volatility information, the first thing you will need to do is check the paytable.
Let’s say the game has an RTP of 96.5%, which is generally considered good. However, it is also rated as 5/5 for volatility by its developer. As such, while the RTP is high, this is likely due to the game’s high volatility, which may not appeal to you on a smaller budget.
Instead, in this situation, you should look for games with a similar RTP, but perhaps with a low or medium volatility rating, as these are not going to demand as much from your budget.
Conclusion
RTP and volatility are important elements of choosing a Slingo game, as well as other casino games. RTP tells you how much the game is likely to return over time, while volatility gives you an idea of how often and how big those returns are. Taking time to check these stats before choosing a game can help you find the Slingo games you are more likely to enjoy, because they will suit your goals and playing style.
You must remember to play responsibly, and understanding these aspects can help. Knowing RTP and volatility is part of being an informed and responsible player. Responsible gambling should involve knowing your limits, managing your bankroll, and knowing when you should walk away or take a break. If you ever feel you need support, there are options available, including Slingo self-exclusion, time-outs, and other tools. Slingo games should be fun.
