RTP and Volatility on Pokies – The Ultimate Guide from S99
If you play pokies online, sooner or later you'll come across two terms: RTP and volatility. Both have a big say in how a pokie behaves and what odds of winning it offers. At S99, we believe our players should be able to make informed decisions.
Discover the best high-RTP pokies at S99
What is RTP?
RTP stands for Return to Player – essentially the payout rate. This figure tells you what percentage of all wagers a pokie pays back to players over the long run. It's given as a percentage and is based on millions of spins.
How does RTP work in practice?
A pokie with an RTP of 96% will, statistically, pay back $96 of every $100 wagered to players over the long run. The remaining $4 makes up the casino's so-called house edge.
It's important to understand that RTP is a theoretical long-term figure. In any single session the result can swing well above or below it. One player might land a big win on a 96% pokie while another logs a loss in the very same session. Only across hundreds of thousands of spins does the actual return edge towards the stated RTP value.
Putting RTP values in context
| RTP Range | Rating |
|---|---|
| Above 97% | Outstanding |
| 95% – 97% | Good to very good |
| 93% – 95% | Average |
| Below 93% | Below average |
At S99 we offer a huge range of pokies with above-average RTP values, so you always enjoy the best odds.
What is Volatility?
Volatility (also called variance) describes how often and how big a pokie's wins are. While RTP tells you the long-term overall return, volatility reveals how that return is spread out.
Low Volatility
Low-volatility pokies pay out frequent small wins. Your balance stays relatively steady and long dry spells are rare. These pokies suit players who prefer a smooth, even experience and want to make their budget last.
Example: Regular wins in the range of 2x to 10x your stake.
Medium Volatility
Medium-volatility pokies offer a balanced mix of smaller and larger wins. They're a good middle ground between excitement and stability – ideal for players chasing a bit of both.
High Volatility
High-volatility pokies pay out less often, but in much bigger amounts. Longer stretches without a win are normal, but when a win lands it can be substantial. These pokies suit players with a bigger appetite for risk and a larger budget.
Example: Rare wins, but in the range of 100x to 10,000x your stake.
RTP vs Volatility – How Do They Relate?
RTP and volatility are two independent traits that together shape how a pokie plays. A high RTP doesn't automatically mean frequent wins, and low volatility doesn't guarantee a high RTP.
Practical combinations
- High RTP + low volatility: Frequent, smaller wins with a solid long-term return. Ideal for longer sessions with a steady balance.
- High RTP + high volatility: Rare but potentially big wins on a good base rate. Perfect for players hoping for the big one.
- Low RTP + low volatility: Frequent small wins, but a weaker long-term return. Your balance melts away slowly but surely.
- Low RTP + high volatility: The riskiest combination – rare wins on a lower overall return.
Which combination suits you?
| Player Type | Recommended RTP | Recommended Volatility |
|---|---|---|
| Cautious player | High (96%+) | Low to medium |
| Balanced player | High (96%+) | Medium |
| Risk-taking player | High (96%+) | High |
Our tip: whatever your style, we always recommend choosing pokies with an RTP of at least 95%.
The Best RTP Pokies at S99
At S99 you'll find a carefully curated collection of pokies with top-tier payout rates. Here are some of the most popular pokies with the highest RTP values in our line-up:
| Pokie | Provider | RTP | Volatility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mega Joker | NetEnt | 99.00% | Low |
| Blood Suckers | NetEnt | 98.00% | Low |
| 1429 Uncharted Seas | Thunderkick | 98.60% | Low |
| Starmania | NextGen | 97.87% | Medium |
| White Rabbit Megaways | Big Time Gaming | 97.72% | High |
| Codex of Fortune | NetEnt | 97.30% | High |
These pokies offer not only outstanding payout rates but also first-class graphics and exciting bonus features.
Strategies: Put Your RTP Knowledge to Good Use
Understanding RTP and volatility can help you sharpen your playing strategy. Here are our tried-and-true tips:
1. Choose pokies with a high RTP
Stick to pokies with an RTP of 96% or higher. Over the long run you'll get more of your wagers back. At S99 you can view the RTP of every pokie in the game info.
2. Match the volatility to your budget
If your budget is tight, go for pokies with low to medium volatility. That stretches your playing time and helps you avoid quick losses. High-volatility pokies need a bigger budget to ride out the dry spells.
3. Set yourself a budget
Regardless of RTP and volatility, a firm playing budget is the single most important strategy. Decide before each session how much you're prepared to stake, and stick to it.
4. Make the most of bonus offers
At S99 we regularly offer bonuses and free spins that give you extra funds to play with. Paired with a high RTP, that's a great way to maximise your chances.
5. Try pokies in demo mode
Before you wager real money, we recommend trying a pokie in free demo mode. That gives you a feel for the volatility and how the game plays, without touching your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does RTP mean on pokies?
RTP stands for Return to Player and tells you what percentage of all wagers a pokie pays back to players over the long run. An RTP of 96% means that, statistically, $96 of every $100 wagered flows back to players.
Can I check a pokie's RTP myself?
Yes. At S99 the RTP value is shown in the game info for every pokie. The game studios also publish their official RTP figures on their own websites.
Does a high RTP guarantee a win?
No. RTP is a theoretical long-term figure that only plays out over hundreds of thousands of spins. In any single session, both wins and losses are possible regardless of the RTP value.
Which is better – low or high volatility?
It comes down to your personal preference. Low volatility delivers more frequent, smaller wins and a steadier experience. High volatility promises rare but potentially much bigger payouts. Both have their place.
Does the size of my bet affect the RTP?
Generally no. The RTP stays the same regardless of how much you stake. A small number of pokies do offer a slightly higher RTP at maximum bet – you'll find that noted in the individual game rules.
Where can I find the best RTP pokies at S99?
At S99 you can filter our pokies library by RTP and zero in on games with the highest payout rates. Head to our game lobby and discover the best options.