What is more important - volatility or RTP

What is more important - volatility or RTP

1) Definitions and differences

RTP (Return to Player) is a theoretical indicator that reflects what percentage of bets on average is returned to players at a great distance (millions of spins). If the RTP slot = 96%, it means that in theory, players will return 96 AUD for every 100 AUD bets.
Volatility (variance) - risk level. High volatility means rare wins, but with huge multipliers. Low - frequent but small payments.

2) How RTP affects the outcome

The higher the RTP, the smaller the mathematical advantage of the casino.
At a short distance, RTP is not noticeable, but at a long distance it affects the final return.
The difference between slots with RTP 94% and 96% can be thousands of AUDs on large volumes of the game.

3) How volatility affects the outcome

Determines the rhythm of the game: either stable small winnings (low), or rare, but large (high).
The size of the bankroll depends on it: for high values, hundreds of bets are needed in stock.
Volatility shapes the style of play: calm and long or risky and emotionally difficult.

4) What is more important when choosing a slot

For beginners and casual players

RTP and low/medium volatility are more important. This allows you to see frequent wins and stay in the game longer.

For experienced players and high rollers

More important is volatility. Even with the same RTP of 96%, a slot with low dispersion will not give x5000, but a slot with high dispersion is capable of drifts.
RTP is secondary if the target is a rare big win.

For bonus hunters

RTP and the contribution of the slot to the game is important. High volatility is rarely suitable for performing a vager: the risk of losing the deposit before activating the bonus is too great.

5) Australian context

Australians are known for a risk appetite and interest in extreme variance slots. Popular are BTG, Nolimit City, Relax Gaming, Pragmatic Play, where the maximum winnings reach x50,000-x150 000. In such conditions, it is volatility that plays a key role. RTP remains an important reference point for choosing an honest version of the slot (for example, Sweet Bonanza can have RTP 96.51% or cut down to 94%).

6) Practical conclusion

If the goal is pleasure and long gameplay, priority is RTP and moderate volatility.
If the goal is drifts and emotions, the priority is volatility, even if the RTP is slightly lower.
Minimum verification: RTP slots on the official website of the provider must match the version in the casino.

Result

RTP shows how much the slot gives at a distance, and volatility determines how the winnings are distributed. For Australian risk-takers, volatility is more important because it is this that shapes the chance of a "legendary skid." RTP remains an indicator of the honesty and quality of the slot, which must be checked before launch.