When it comes to slots, there are a lot of options out there. From the classic 3-reel slots to the modern 5-reel video slots and now the massive selection of progressive slots. But why, amongst this variety, are some players choosing to play high RTP slots over progressive slots? We’ll discuss the top reasons why some people prefer high RTP slots to progressive slots.
What is RTP and How Does it Work?
Before we jump into why some players prefer high RTP slots to progressive slots, let’s quickly discuss what the RTP is and how it works. RTP stands for Return To Player and is a percentage figure, usually between 85% and 98%. It calculates the average expected return of a slot over time. Therefore, if a slot machine has an RTP of 95%, then every $100 wagered would, on average, return $95 in winnings.
It’s important to note that the RTP calculation is done over hundreds of thousands or even millions of spins, so individual results will vary. A win on a slot with an RTP of 95% is purely down to luck and it doesn’t guarantee an exact number of wins over any given period.
What are Progressive Slots?
Now that we’ve discussed how RTP works, let’s quickly think about progressive slots. As mentioned before, progressive slots are a type of slot game with a progressive jackpot, a pot that grows each time someone places a bet on the game.
In progressive slots, the RTP is usually lower than that of non-progressive slots. This accounts for the large jackpots awarded to lucky winning players.
Let’s examine why some players don’t fancy their chances at progressive slots and prefer to play high RTP slots.
The Higher RTP
One of the main reasons why some players prefer high RTP slots to progressive slots is the higher RTP. As we discussed earlier, the RTP is the average expected return of a slot game. High RTP slots offer great value to players as they can expect to get more of their stake back in winnings as compared to progressive slots.
Casinos usually offer much higher RTPs on their non-progressive slots than on their progressive slots. It’s not uncommon to find slots with RTPs of 97% or higher on non-progressive slots. That’s a great return for those who are graced with luck and can win these slots.
While progressive slots offer much higher jackpots as compensation for the lower RTP, some players prefer the security of a non-progressive slot with a higher RTP.
Progressive Slots Have Lower Volatility
Another reason why some players prefer high RTP slots is that progressive slots, by nature, tend to be of lower volatility. This means that they tend to pay out less often but in larger amounts. Some players looking for more frequent wins prefer to play high RTP slots, as they tend to be of higher volatility, so they’re more likely to hit a prize.
While both can offer great rewards, players who want to hit more regular wins and more frequent bonuses will prefer the higher-volatility, high-rtp slot machines.
Progressive Slots Require Bigger Bet Sizes
Another difference between high RTP slots and progressive slots is the size of the bets required to be eligible for the progressive jackpot. Most progressives require the maximum number of paylines to be activated and the maximum bet to be wagered to qualify for the jackpot.
High RTP slots may be a better option for those who don’t have the budget to cover this kind of bet size. Not only do they offer a higher average return and better value, but their bets don’t need to be as high in order to be eligible for the jackpot. This makes them a popular choice for those who are playing on a budget.
Conclusion
We hope we were able to help you understand why some players prefer high RTP slots to progressive slots. While both types offer great rewards, the higher RTP, higher volatility, and smaller bet sizes of high RTP slots make them a favorite choice for players.
