Go Back

Can You Pick Winning Slot Machines? (RTP, Variance & More)

The evolution and popularity of slot machines have resulted in numerous slot games developed daily. The gambling industry has grown considerably as a result. This growth has also made it so that, as a player, you have a massive amount of options to choose from.

So, if you find yourself wondering if you can pick winning slot machines, we have written this article to help you make informed decisions. We'll discuss how you can choose slot machines based on their variances, Return to Player (RTP) rates and more.

Are Some Slots Better Than Others?

Due to slots' widespread popularity and variations, there is a common belief among some players that some slots are better than others. But is this true?

To answer this question, you might need to better understand how slots work. Most modern slots are based on a computer program called a Random Number Generator (RNG), which determines the outcome of each spin. This means that each spin is entirely independent of the previous spin, and the odds of potentially winning are the same for every spin.

In other words, it doesn't matter which slot you choose to play. The odds of winning are the same, regardless of whether you're playing a classic 3-reel slot, or a fancy video slot with a high number of paylines.

However, this doesn't mean that all slots are created equal. Certain factors may potentially affect your decision on what games to play. Therefore, you may prefer one slot over another. This could be due to personal preferences on the game's theme, the possible payout percentage and the hit frequency

Payout Percentage

The payout percentage, also known as the Return to Player (RTP) rate, is a theoretical value that may indicate the amount of money that a slot machine can pay out as potential winnings compared to the total amount of money wagered on the machine. However, as slot games are random, nothing can ever be guaranteed. 

For example, if a slot machine has a payout percentage of 96%, it theoretically means that it can pay out 96% of the total amount of money that is wagered on the game. It's worth noting that the payout percentage is not determined by the player or the casino, but rather by the game's manufacturer.

So, it is possible that some slots may have a higher payout percentage than others, but this does not necessarily mean that they are better, it ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Hit Frequency

This term refers to the likelihood of the machine hitting a possible winning combination on any given spin. A machine with a high hit frequency can supposedly hit winning combinations more frequently, but this might not always be the case.

On the other hand, a machine with a low hit frequency may potentially hit winning combinations less often.

But here's the thing: hit frequency does not necessarily affect the overall payout of a slot machine. This can be determined by the game's RTP (Return to Player) rate and other possible factors. So, when selecting a slot machine to play, you could possibly consider both the hit frequency and RTP to find a game that's right for you.

What Makes a Good Slot Machine? 

So, you are interested in playing slot machines but want to know what makes a good slot machine? The answer to this question is dependent on personal preference, but there are a few things you can look at which may help. As a rule of thumb, a good slot machine should have the following:

  • An engaging theme: Whether it's based on a popular movie or television show, or has a unique and original theme, a good slot machine can be visually appealing and one that has a theme you may enjoy.
  • Fair RTP and volatility: A good slot machine should offer a fair RTP rate and a suitable level of volatility of your preferences. 
  • Entertaining bonus features: Bonus features such as free spins, special symbols, and mini-games can potentially add an extra layer of excitement to a slot machine and help keep you engaged. 
  • Good graphics and sound effects: Quality graphics and sound effects have the potential to greatly enhance your experience and make the game more immersive. 

Overall, a good slot machine should offer a well-balanced combination of these factors, ensuring that it is enjoyable to play and provides a fair chance of winning.

In summary, it is not possible to pick a winning slot machine as the outcome of each spin is determined by a Random Number Generator (RNG). However, certain factors can affect your possible chances of winning, such as the Return to Player (RTP) rate and the hit frequency, which refers to the likelihood of the machine hitting a potential winning combination on any given spin. 

You can consider choosing a game with a high RTP rate, or leveraging bonus games or free spins to potentially increase your chances of seeing a return. You could also consider other factors, such as the game's theme, volatility, and bonus features.

*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these slot games are subject to change at any time.