How to Choose a Good Slot Machine

Slots are the most popular casino games in New Zealand, the UK and most other markets. They are simple to play, but they are not all the same: two games with similar themes can behave very differently. Knowing a few key numbers helps you pick slots that suit your budget and the way you like to play.

RTP is the percentage of all money wagered on a slot that the game is designed to pay back over a very large number of spins. A slot with 96% RTP returns, on average, $96 for every $100 staked across millions of spins.

It does not mean you will get $96 back from a $100 session – in the short term, results are random and you can win much more or lose everything. RTP is a long-term average, but a higher figure still means a smaller built-in house edge. As a rule of thumb, look for slots with an RTP of 96% or more.

You can usually find the RTP in the game’s help or paytable screen, on the provider’s website or in reviews. Some games come in several RTP versions, so check the figure at the casino where you play.

Volatility (or variance) describes how wins are spread out:

• Low volatility – frequent small wins, so your balance lasts longer. Good for relaxed play on a small budget.
• Medium volatility – a balance between regular wins and bigger hits.
• High volatility – long runs without wins, but the chance of large payouts. You need a bigger budget and more patience.

• Classic slots – three reels, a few paylines and traditional fruit or bar symbols.
• Video slots – five or more reels, many paylines or “ways to win”, and features such as free spins, multipliers, wilds and bonus games.
• Progressive jackpot slots – a small share of every bet goes into a jackpot that keeps growing until someone wins it. Networked jackpots, such as Mega Moolah, link many casinos together, which is why the prizes can reach millions. Read more in our guide to progressive slots.

Jackpot slots often have a lower base-game RTP, because part of every bet funds the jackpot. If you are not chasing the big prize, a regular video slot may give you more play for your money.

1. Try a game in demo mode first to see how the features work.
2. Check the RTP and volatility, and match them to your budget.
3. Read the paytable so you know which symbols and features pay the most.
4. Set a budget and a stake size before you start, and stick to them.
5. Remember that no strategy changes the result of a spin.

Browse our slot reviews for RTP, volatility and features of popular games, or start with our guide on how to play online slots.