Did you know progressive slots tend to have a lower RTP compared to traditional machines? Casinos have a unique strategy to cover the jackpot that directly influences your payout percentage. But before diving in, you should know what exactly these terms mean.
What are Progressive Slots?
Riskier and more profitable than typical slots, progressive reels are known for their huge jackpots. Unlike a regular slot, the payouts in these games increase with each win. Progressive slots operate on coins, be they real money or in-game currency. However, a percentage is used to feed the jackpot each time you put in an amount.
As a result, the jackpot increases every time you spin. This system allows players to cash in huge amounts when playing a progressive slot. The winnings are multiplied even more if you play a local or a wide network progressive.
These slots connect to multiple machines across a wide network. As a result, the accumulated jackpot is huge, often exceeding $1 million.
What are RTPs?
Short for Return to Player, RTP is a popular tool in online gambling. Players refer to a slot’s RTP to estimate the possibility of landing a winning combo. RTPs are based on statistics, calculating the likelihood of winning on the basis of previous gameplay. For example, a slot with a 97% Return to Player rate has a higher chance of offering a payout compared to a 92% game.
RTP is gathered by equating the amount put into the system against the amount generated in winnings. A 97% rate thus means that over 97% of the money added to the slot has been generated as winnings.
RTPs in Progressive Slots
Players typically spin to hit the jackpot in progressive slots. While the chances of winning are astronomical, it is up to the casino to provide a payout should they land the big prize. Additionally, progressive jackpots typically have cash prizes in the millions. The operators must be ready to provide at any time.
The house, therefore, takes a small percentage of every spin to cover the prize money. So, every time you play, a tiny amount is set aside for the jackpot in these games. Because of this strategy, the Return to Player for progressive slots is lower compared to a general machine. In the latter, the prize money is limited and already fixed. The operator does not need a percentage cut from the players. As a result, these slots have higher RTPs.
Online vs. Offline Slots,
However, compared to land-based slot machines, players fare better on online slots. Even progressive games on virtual casinos typically have an RTP rate above 90%. Meanwhile, the return to player rates on physical slot machines rarely exceeds 90%, with 70% being the average. Online casinos can afford to offer higher return rates compared to land-based establishments.
Virtual operators do not have to worry about issues like maintenance and repair. Virtual progressive slots do not require the same care as physical machines. These programs may require an update now and then, but their upkeep is cheaper than slot machines.
Also, land-based casinos have low RTPs because they must pay more taxes for a brick-and-mortar operation.
