Anyone who thinks casino games are based purely on luck is overlooking some essential factors that influence the outcome of each game: RTP, house edge, randomness mechanisms (RNGs), volatility, and probability. Between luck and flashing lights lie mathematics and algorithms that govern the outcome of every game. Those who are familiar with these factors have a clear advantage and can make informed decisions to influence their winnings.
The Choice of Platform Matters
Many players forget that better or worse odds start with the choice of platform, as casinos may offer very different games with different RTPs, which influence the amount of potential winnings.
The best payout casinos usually work with the top game providers, thus ensuring a higher than usual return to player (RTP) percentage. Additionally, they can afford to offer better bonuses. But it’s not only the size of the bonus that matters, but also the fairness and transparency of the terms and conditions that attract players. For online providers, operational costs such as electricity, rent, and personnel costs fall away, allowing them to be able to afford better RTPs and bonuses. Even if this may not seem to be a good idea from the company’s point of view at first glance, good RTPs attract many players, which in turn is good for business.
For players, this means comparing the RTPs of different platforms and only choosing one that provides transparent information about payouts. However, in order to choose a lucrative platform, you first need to understand what RTP actually means.
What Does Return to Player Actually Mean?
Return to Player, or RTP for short, is a long-term metric that indicates the percentage of all bets that are returned to players over a very long period of time.
The RTP does not indicate the value that is returned to the player per game, but rather an average value that is achieved over a certain number of games. This value varies and is usually measured over 10,000 or 100,000 games for paid slot machines and over more games for random slot machines, depending on the category.
Example: If a slot has an RTP of 96%, this means that for every £100 wagered, £96 is paid back to players. However, on average, this is over a large number of spins, not in a single session. In short, RTP represents an average expected value and not a guarantee for your next game.
For players, this means that the RTP indicates how lucrative a game can potentially be. Games with a higher RTP have a lower average probability of loss per game. Nevertheless, the short-term result remains completely unpredictable. That’s where volatility and variance come in.
Volatility & Variance: The Reason Why Two Games with the Same RTP Can Play Out Completely Differently
Imagine two slot machines, both with the same RTP, but very different game outcomes. How can this be? It depends on volatility. This indicates how much and how often a game pays out winnings. A slot with low volatility pays out small amounts frequently, while a slot with high volatility pays out less often, but in larger amounts. This means that, in the long run, both slots may have the same long-term RTPs, but at the same time deliver very different results in the short term.
Variance is the mathematical term that describes how much the results fluctuate around the average: High variance means large swings up and down. Low variance means the results stay closer together and the fluctuations are somewhat predictable.
Those who want to play longer and manage their bankroll should choose low volatility slot machines. However, those who are chasing the big jackpot and are willing to tolerate longer losing streaks can opt for high volatility games.
House Edge
The house edge varies greatly depending on the game. For example, if you are skilled at blackjack and win a game, the casino cannot refuse your winnings, and the casino itself only has a small advantage. Some roulette and slot variants, on the other hand, have much higher edges. The choice of game, therefore, significantly influences the amount of profit or loss. That's why it's worth choosing games with a lower house edge to minimize your losses in the long run.
Chance & RNG: The Technology behind Fairness
RNG stands for Random Number Generator. It is based on algorithms and continuously generates random numbers, which ultimately determine the game results. For example, the RNG decides which symbols appear on a slot machine or which cards are dealt in poker.
The RNG guarantees that every single game is fair, meaning that the results are unpredictable and independent. Wins or losses in previous rounds do not influence future rounds. This means that having a lucky or losing streak is merely coincidental, as all results are based purely on chance.
Note that: Although RNGs determine fairness, they never change the mathematical values of the RTP or house edge; they merely ensure that the distribution of results cannot be manipulated.
Conclusion
Casino games rely on much more than pure luck; behind the fun of gaming lie mathematics, algorithms, and partially calculable probabilities. Those who understand the technology behind the factors that influence game results have a clear advantage. Look specifically for games with a low house edge and high RTP, and only trust providers who state their terms and payout conditions clearly. This information won't automatically guarantee you a win, but it will enable you to make smarter, more informed decisions that will bring you a little closer to your luck.
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