How to Choose a Slot: Key Factors to Consider

RTP

RTP (Return to Player) is the percentage of all wagered money that a slot pays back to players over time. The average RTP for most modern slots is around 95–96%, though there are exceptions.

For example, the classic slot Blood Suckers has an RTP close to 98%, while some lower-paying games may sit around 92%.

In most cases, RTP is listed in the game’s info section. Simply open the slot and click the help icon (usually a “?” or “i”). You’ll typically find RTP and other key details near the bottom of the page.

Higher RTP generally means better long-term return, but it’s not the only factor that affects your chances of winning.

Volatility

Volatility measures the risk level of a slot. It may be shown as a rating (e.g., 1–5 lightning bolts in some games) or described as low, medium, or high.

• High volatility slots pay out less frequently, but wins can be large.

• Medium/low volatility slots pay smaller amounts more often.

Low and medium volatility slots are ideal if you enjoy frequent wins and longer play sessions. They’re also more visually engaging, as wins trigger animations and effects more often.

High volatility slots appeal to players chasing big payouts, even if they come rarely. Many popular titles from providers like Pragmatic Play (e.g., Gates of Olympus, The Dog House, Big Bass series) fall into this category.

You can see the volatility level on the start page of Gates of Olympus slot. 

It’s important to balance RTP and volatility with your bankroll. For example, even with a high RTP (e.g., 97%), a high-volatility slot may not pay out within a short session of 100 spins. So, if your bankroll isn’t huge, bear it in mind. 

Bonus Features

Modern slots are far more advanced than classic one-armed bandits. While traditional slots focused on simple combinations (like three cherries), today’s games are often built around bonus features.

Regular line wins are usually smaller, while the biggest payouts are found in bonus rounds.

Bonus games can be triggered by:

• Scatter symbols (typically 3–4 on the reels)

• Wild combinations (in some games)

• Bonus Buy feature (paying upfront to enter the bonus round)

If you enjoy bonus-heavy gameplay, check whether:

• The slot includes a bonus round

• Bonus Buy is available

• Additional features exist (e.g., respins)

Respins, for example, grant extra spins when certain conditions are met (like landing multiple wilds).

You can find dozens of games with Bonus Buy features in a dedicated section at Coins.Game.

Gamble Feature

The Gamble Feature lets you risk your winnings for a chance to double them, usually with 50/50 odds.

For example, in Book of Dead, you guess whether the next card will be red or black. If correct, your winnings are doubled.

Bood of Dead by Play 'n Go. 

Mathematically, this feature is fair (true 50/50 chance), meaning there’s no inherent house edge on the gamble itself. It’s a great option for players aiming to turn small wins into larger payouts.

Max Win

Max Win (maximum payout) is the highest possible multiplier of your bet that a slot can award.

If you’re chasing a “life-changing win,” look for slots with high max win potential. This information is usually listed in the paytable alongside RTP and volatility.

For example, a slot with a max win of 100,000x means a $1 bet could theoretically win $100,000. However, such outcomes are extremely rare, so patience is key.

Jackpots

Many modern slots feature jackpots. A portion of each bet contributes to a shared prize pool that grows until someone wins it.

In jackpot slots regular wins may be smaller, but you have a chance to hit a massive payout

Progressive jackpots can reach millions of dollars.

If you prefer lower risk, you can choose:

• Slots with smaller jackpots (paid more frequently)

• Fixed jackpots with guaranteed maximum payouts

Wild West Jackpot. You can see the different kinds of jackpots on the top of the screen. 

Graphics & Sound

For some players, winning isn’t the main goal — they simply enjoy the experience.

If that sounds like you, don’t worry too much about RTP or volatility. Just pick a slot you like visually:

• Themes (fishing, ancient Egypt, wildlife, etc.)

• Specific providers (e.g., dark-themed games from Nolimit City)

• Or simply a design that catches your eye

For example, we just recently wrote about the new slot Baba Yaga Tales 2, inspired by Russian fairy tales. It features an interesting theme and beautiful visuals — we’ll gladly play it ourselves. We didn’t even look at the RTP or volatility.

Baba Yaga Tales 2 by Spinomenal.

So, these are the main parameters you should pay attention to when choosing a slot. Of course, there are also features like Megaways, cascading reels, sticky wilds, respins, and others — but those are more minor details. We’ll cover them in more detail in other articles on this blog.