Slots - Chance, or Skill, What Really Decides the Spin?

Online slots are some of the most popular casino games here in South Africa. Their simplicity, engaging themes, dazzling audio and visuals, and relatively low cost per bet make them especially attractive if you’re a beginner.

But what is the secret sauce behind each spin? Many players – veterans included – don't really know how or why online casino slots hit when they do. Here we’ll help shed some light on the inner workings of your favourite games and whether chance or skill dictates how the reels will stop. Let’s dive in!

How do Online Casino Slots Work?

Online casino slots work using Random Number Generators (RNG), which ensures every spin is completely random and fair. Games feature reels filled with symbols that spin and stop in random combinations, with winnings determined by whether certain symbols align on active paylines.

Many titles also include special features that unlock free spins, bonus wheels and prize multipliers. Each game is programmed with a Return to Player (RTP) percentage and volatility (more on these just below). Together, these elements create a balance of chance, excitement, and entertainment for players.

RNG, RTP and Volatility

There are three terms that you need to understand if you want to get to grips with how and why slots pay out. They are RNG (Random Number Generator), RTP (Return to Player) rate and Volatility. Let’s look at each one in a bit more detail below:

• RNG: Random Number Generator refers to systems that randomly decide which combination of symbols appear across the reels and paylines. If implemented correctly, they ensure games are fair and unpredictable. They cannot be tampered with by either players or casinos.
• RTP: The Return to Player rate makes reference to the percentage of total money wagered on a certain game which is paid back to players over time. So, if a game has an RTP of 96%, it means that 96% of the total money wagered on that game will be paid back to players over millions of spins. This is a long-term average and not a guaranteed percentage for your session.
• Volatility: Also known as variance, this describes the risk-reward profile of a game, reflecting how often payouts occur and how big those payouts tend to be. There are three levels of volatility: low, medium and high. Low volatility slots offer frequent payouts, but smaller amounts. High volatility machines pay out infrequently but often offer bigger payouts. Medium volatility games offer a balance between the two.

Are Slot Games Skill or Luck?

The three systems mentioned above determine how and when the best online casino slots pay out. With that said, there really is no skill involved when it comes to playing slots. However, a solid understanding of volatility and RTP can help you make better decisions on which games to play depending on your playstyle and budget.

Typically, you should be aiming for games that have a return to player (RTP) percentage of 96.5% or more. Anything north of this number is generally considered good value irrespective of the volatility.

Now let’s look at the three levels of volatility in more detail and how each affects the risk-to-reward ratio that governs a particular game. Remember, volatility governs how much and how frequently you win.

High Volatility

Games that fall into the high volatility category are high risk, high reward. You can play these games for long stretches without any notable wins before eventually landing a substantial payout. High volatility online slots are best suited to you if you’re hunting big wins and you’ve got a bigger budget to sustain your play over an extended period.

Medium Volatility

Medium volatility titles strike a balance between high and low. They generally deliver a steady stream of moderate payouts and the odd slightly more significant win. These games are ideal if you’re after a balanced blend of frequent wins with more significant payouts.

Low Volatility

Low volatility games feature minimal risk and smaller, more consistent payouts. Online slots that fall into this category usually offer you the best bang for your buck if you’ve got a smaller budget.

The Verdict

Online slots are all about luck. You don’t require any skills to play these games outside of understanding the basic controls. However, you can have a more enjoyable experience by understanding how these games work.

If you’ve got a budget of R50 and you’re playing 20 cents a spin on a 95% RTP high volatility game, you’re going to have a bad time. Do your research. Pick a game that matches your playstyle and your budget before committing.