How to Calculate RTP and Hit Frequency in Slot Games

For slot game enthusiasts, understanding RTP (Return to Player) and hit frequency is key to improving your strategy and making smarter game choices. While these terms may sound a bit complicated, once you break them down, you’ll be able to use them to your advantage and increase your chances of winning. Let’s go over these concepts with simple examples to help you get a clearer understanding.

What is RTP?

RTP stands for Return to Player, and it tells you how much a slot game is expected to pay back to players over time. For example, if a slot game has an RTP of 96%, this means that, on average, for every $100 wagered, the game will return $96 to players, and the remaining $4 is the casino’s profit.

However, remember that RTP is a theoretical number, calculated over a long period and a large number of spins. It doesn’t apply to individual spins, so in the short term, you might not win or lose exactly according to the RTP.

How to Calculate RTP

RTP is usually provided by the game developer or casino platform, and you can typically find it in the game rules or paytable. For example, if you find a game with 96% RTP, this means that over a long time, the game will pay out 96% of the total amount wagered.

Simple Explanation:
If you bet $100 on this game, the theoretical return would be $96, but that doesn’t mean every single spin will return exactly this percentage.

What is Hit Frequency?

Hit frequency refers to how often you can expect to win in a slot game. It shows the frequency of winning spins in relation to the number of spins you make. Games with high hit frequency tend to give more frequent small wins, while games with low hit frequency offer bigger wins but less often.

How to Calculate Hit Frequency

Hit frequency isn’t something that can be directly calculated by players, as it involves tracking how many spins you’ve made and how many wins you’ve had. However, here’s how you can get an idea:

Track the Number of Spins: Let’s say you played 100 spins.
Track the Number of Wins: Suppose you won 20 times out of those 100 spins.

You can then calculate the hit frequency using this formula:

Hit Frequency=(Number of WinsNumber of Spins)×100\text{Hit Frequency} = \left( \frac{\text{Number of Wins}}{\text{Number of Spins}} \right) \times 100

For example:

Hit Frequency=(20100)×100=20%\text{Hit Frequency} = \left( \frac{20}{100} \right) \times 100 = 20\%

This means that the hit frequency in this game is 20%, or you win approximately once every 5 spins. In other words, this game has a 20% chance of hitting a win on each spin.

Hit Frequency and Game Volatility

Low Volatility Games: These games have a higher hit frequency, meaning you will win more often, but the payouts are usually smaller. These games are good for players who prefer a steady gameplay experience.
High Volatility Games: These games have a lower hit frequency but offer bigger rewards when you do win. These are ideal for players who enjoy risk and are seeking larger payouts.

Why Understanding RTP and Hit Frequency is Important

Knowing the RTP and hit frequency of a slot game can help you make better decisions on which games to play based on your style and preferences. If you prefer frequent wins, go for games with low volatility, as they tend to offer higher hit frequency. If you enjoy the thrill of big payouts and don’t mind waiting for them, then high volatility games may be the better choice.

Example:

Let’s say you’re comparing two games:

Game A: RTP of 96%, low volatility, high hit frequency. You might win every 10 spins.
Game B: RTP of 95%, high volatility, low hit frequency. You might win every 20 spins, but when you do win, the payout is much larger.

If you like a steadier gaming experience with frequent small wins, Game A might be your choice. If you enjoy the adventure of big rewards and are willing to wait longer for those wins, then Game B could be more suited to you.

Conclusion

RTP and hit frequency are crucial concepts when choosing a slot game. By understanding RTP, you get an idea of the theoretical return the game offers in the long run. By understanding hit frequency, you can gauge how often you’re likely to win in the short term. With this knowledge, you can make more informed decisions, choose games that suit your playing style, and improve your chances of winning in the process.

So, next time you play a slot game, use this information to your advantage and see if it helps boost your chances of hitting that big win!

If you understand these, you can start creating your own betting strategy. Browse 5 Facts You Should Know About RTP and Betting Strategies to learn more!