If you enjoy playing online slots, you’ve probably seen the terms RTP and hitrate used on game info pages or reviews.
They’re both important when choosing which games to play, but they mean very different things and can affect your play experience.
Many players misunderstand how RTP and hitrate work together, and knowing the difference can help you make smarter choices in-game.
Let’s break down what each one means, how they relate to your wins, and how to use both to your advantage.
What Is RTP in a Slot?
RTP stands for “Return to Player” and is expressed as a percentage, usually ranging between 85% and 98% in most games.
It tells you how much money the slot returns over time relative to how much players spend on the game overall.
For example, if a slot has an RTP of 96%, that means it pays back €96 for every €100 wagered, on average.
Keep in mind, this is calculated over millions of spins and does not guarantee any short-term results for individual players.
RTP is built into the game’s math and cannot be influenced by strategy, timing, or changing bet amounts while playing.
Think of it like long-term performance: it shows how “fair” the game is, but not how often you’ll win or lose.
What Is Slot Hitrate?
Hitrate (or hit frequency) is the percentage of spins that result in any kind of win, no matter how small the payout.
It tells you how often the game “hits” whether it’s a small win, a free spin, or part of a bonus feature.
For example, a 30% hitrate means that, on average, you’ll win something on 30 out of every 100 spins you make.
Hitrate includes wins that might be smaller than your bet, so not every hit puts you in profit on that spin.
This stat gives you a better sense of how active or “busy” the game feels while you’re actually playing it.
High hitrate games tend to have frequent, smaller payouts, while low hitrate games hit less often but offer bigger win potential.
How RTP and Hitrate Work Together
Now that you know what each term means, it’s important to understand how they can influence your experience together, not separately.
A game can have a high RTP but still hit rarely if its hitrate is low and most payouts are very large.
On the other hand, a game with a high hitrate may deliver lots of small wins but still have a relatively low RTP.
That’s because RTP measures how much you win in total over time, while hitrate measures how often you win, regardless of size.
The balance between these two creates the game’s volatility, which describes the risk level and payout style a slot offers players.
Let’s say you’re playing a game with 96.5% RTP and a 40% hitrate—it will likely offer steady play with frequent small wins.
Examples of Different Slot Profiles
Let’s compare a few common combinations of RTP and hitrate to show how they might play out in a real session.
High RTP, Low Hitrate
- RTP: 97%
- Hitrate: 15%
- This type of game hits rarely, but when it does, the payouts are often large. Expect longer dry spells with big surprises.
Low RTP, High Hitrate
- RTP: 91%
- Hitrate: 45%
- You’ll see wins more often, but many of them will be very small. The game might feel exciting but slowly drain your balance.
Mid RTP, Mid Hitrate
- RTP: 95%
- Hitrate: 25%
- This is a well-balanced game that offers occasional wins of medium value. It’s good for players who enjoy variety and momentum.
Which One Should You Focus On?
It depends on how you like to play. Some players care more about frequency of wins, while others chase bigger payouts.
If you want longer sessions with steady action, choose games with a higher hitrate—even if the RTP isn’t at the top.
If you’re aiming for that one big jackpot-style win, focus on RTP and look for slots with high variance and lower hitrate.
Many modern slots will advertise their volatility level to give you a sense of what kind of experience the game is designed for.
RTP is great for comparing games before you start playing, but hitrate tells you what to expect moment to moment on screen.
Where to Find RTP and Hitrate
Most online casinos will list the RTP of a game either in the info section or within the slot’s help or settings menu.
Hitrate is trickier, it’s not always published and may require digging into the developer’s official site or trusted game reviews.
Providers like NetEnt, Play’n GO, and Pragmatic Play sometimes publish hitrate stats, especially for new or popular slot releases.
You can also estimate hitrate by watching a few demo spins or videos of the game and noting how often wins appear.
Keep in mind, 100–200 spins is not a big enough sample size to give an accurate hitrate, it’s just a rough impression.
Final Thoughts
Understanding RTP and hitrate helps you make better decisions about which slot games suit your play style and budget.
RTP shows you long-term expected returns, while hitrate tells you how frequently you might win during a typical session.
The best slot for you isn’t always the one with the highest RTP, it’s the one that feels right when you play.
Next time you choose a slot, check both stats if available, and you’ll be better prepared to enjoy your experience.
Whether you love slow-burning jackpots or fast-paced fun, knowing these numbers helps you spin smarter every time.
