How providers balance bonus games on frequency
How providers balance bonus games by frequency: secrets to luck and winning chances
Introduction
Bonus games in online slots are the main reason players return to their favorite machines. These rounds provide extra chances to win and also add an element of surprise and excitement. However, it is important to understand that the frequency of activation of bonus games and their duration are closely related to the volatility of the slot and its RTP (return to player). Slot developers must accurately balance the frequency of bonus rounds so that the game remains interesting, but does not become too generous, which would lead to high risk for casinos.
In this article, we look at how slot providers balance bonus games by frequency, what factors influence this process, and how this affects the game's strategy and overall experience.
How do providers determine the frequency of bonus games?
1. Bonus activation frequency and game volatility
The frequency of bonus rounds is directly related to slot volatility. High-volatility slots offer bonuses less frequently, but they are more profitable when they do activate. This means that players can wait a long time for the bonus to activate, but when it comes, it is likely to give large payments. At the same time, low-volatility slots activate bonus games more often, but their winnings tend to be smaller.
2. RTP Options (Return to Player)
RTP is the percentage that the slot returns to players in the long run. High RTP may come with frequent bonuses, however the winnings in these rounds may be smaller to maintain the overall payout percentage. In a low RTP slot, bonuses may be less frequent but more generous, as the game compensates for high volatility with rare and large payouts.
3. Bonus round mechanics
Developers can vary the frequency of bonus games depending on their difficulty. For example, in some slots, bonuses are activated when certain symbols appear on the reels, but can be limited to random activation (for example, through the "Mystery" or "Pick-and-Click" mechanisms). In such games, bonuses may be more frequent, but with fewer opportunities for large winnings. In other games, to activate the bonus round, you need to collect more symbols or fulfill additional conditions, which reduces the frequency of activation, but increases the potential profit.
4. Balance between regular and random bonuses
Providers can also balance bonuses with regular and random activations. For example, some games offer random bonuses that can be activated at any time (such as the appearance of Wild symbols or multipliers), as well as bonuses that require conditions to be met. In these slots, random bonuses may appear frequently but are less profitable, whereas bonuses with conditions (such as Scatter symbol collection) are activated less frequently but offer larger payouts.
How do providers adjust the frequency of bonus games?
1. Slot programming:
2. Testing and balancing:
3. Using multipliers and progressive jackpots:
Examples of slots with well-balanced frequency bonuses
1. Book of Dead (Play'n GO)
Bonus type: Free spins with expanding symbols
Bonus activation frequency: Average
Features:
Why it's worth trying:
2. Dead or Alive 2 (NetEnt)
Bonus Type: Free Spins with Progressive Multipliers
Bonus activation frequency: Low
Features:
Why it's worth trying:
3. Reactoonz 2 (Play’n GO)
Bonus type: Quantum multipliers and random bonuses
Bonus activation frequency: High
Features:
Why it's worth trying:
How to choose a slot with the optimal frequency of bonus games?
1. Consider your style of play.
If you prefer frequent winnings, opt for lower volatility slots that offer bonuses more often but with smaller payouts. If you like to risk big wins, opt for high-volatility slots, where bonuses are activated less often but can lead to significant payouts.
2. Watch for RTP and volatility.
Study RTP (return to player) and slot volatility to understand how often bonus rounds can be activated and what winnings can be expected.
3. Use bonuses and promotions.
Some online casinos offer bonuses and promotions that can increase the chances of activating bonus rounds. Use these offers to increase your bonus opportunities.
Conclusion
Online slot providers have carefully balanced the frequency of bonus rounds to meet different player needs. Balancing bonuses by frequency, taking into account the volatility of the game and RTP, allows you to create an exciting and profitable gameplay. Understanding how bonus frequency works will help you pick a slot that suits your style of play and strategy.
Introduction
Bonus games in online slots are the main reason players return to their favorite machines. These rounds provide extra chances to win and also add an element of surprise and excitement. However, it is important to understand that the frequency of activation of bonus games and their duration are closely related to the volatility of the slot and its RTP (return to player). Slot developers must accurately balance the frequency of bonus rounds so that the game remains interesting, but does not become too generous, which would lead to high risk for casinos.
In this article, we look at how slot providers balance bonus games by frequency, what factors influence this process, and how this affects the game's strategy and overall experience.
How do providers determine the frequency of bonus games?
1. Bonus activation frequency and game volatility
The frequency of bonus rounds is directly related to slot volatility. High-volatility slots offer bonuses less frequently, but they are more profitable when they do activate. This means that players can wait a long time for the bonus to activate, but when it comes, it is likely to give large payments. At the same time, low-volatility slots activate bonus games more often, but their winnings tend to be smaller.
2. RTP Options (Return to Player)
RTP is the percentage that the slot returns to players in the long run. High RTP may come with frequent bonuses, however the winnings in these rounds may be smaller to maintain the overall payout percentage. In a low RTP slot, bonuses may be less frequent but more generous, as the game compensates for high volatility with rare and large payouts.
3. Bonus round mechanics
Developers can vary the frequency of bonus games depending on their difficulty. For example, in some slots, bonuses are activated when certain symbols appear on the reels, but can be limited to random activation (for example, through the "Mystery" or "Pick-and-Click" mechanisms). In such games, bonuses may be more frequent, but with fewer opportunities for large winnings. In other games, to activate the bonus round, you need to collect more symbols or fulfill additional conditions, which reduces the frequency of activation, but increases the potential profit.
4. Balance between regular and random bonuses
Providers can also balance bonuses with regular and random activations. For example, some games offer random bonuses that can be activated at any time (such as the appearance of Wild symbols or multipliers), as well as bonuses that require conditions to be met. In these slots, random bonuses may appear frequently but are less profitable, whereas bonuses with conditions (such as Scatter symbol collection) are activated less frequently but offer larger payouts.
How do providers adjust the frequency of bonus games?
1. Slot programming:
- To adjust the frequency of activation of bonus rounds, developers use mathematical models that determine the likelihood of bonus symbols appearing on the reels. This allows them to balance bonus frequency with RTP and volatility to create a game that will be of interest to both players and casinos. Such models are usually customized to the desired level of risk and profit.
2. Testing and balancing:
- Developers conduct extensive testing to ensure bonus rounds are activated at the right time and match the expected level of frequency and payouts. Sometimes the game undergoes changes based on feedback from players and data analysis to balance the frequency of bonus activation with overall gameplay.
3. Using multipliers and progressive jackpots:
- Sometimes, multiplier or progressive jackpot mechanics are used to balance bonus games. These mechanics allow players to accumulate higher bonus payouts, which increases their appeal, but also allows the provider to manage the overall win rate and profitability of the game.
Examples of slots with well-balanced frequency bonuses
1. Book of Dead (Play'n GO)
Bonus type: Free spins with expanding symbols
Bonus activation frequency: Average
Features:
- Book of Dead is a great example of a slot with well-balanced bonuses. Free spins with expanding characters are activated when three or more Scatter characters appear. The frequency of bonus activation is average, but when the bonus is activated, the winnings can be significant.
Why it's worth trying:
- This slot combines a good balance of bonus frequency and big wins. The platform has carefully tuned the frequency of bonus activation, which allows players to experience the joy of bonus games without waiting too much.
2. Dead or Alive 2 (NetEnt)
Bonus Type: Free Spins with Progressive Multipliers
Bonus activation frequency: Low
Features:
- In Dead or Alive 2, the free spin bonus is activated less often, but offers progressive multipliers that significantly increase payouts. These are high-volatility slots, where bonuses can be less frequent but more profitable when they are activated.
Why it's worth trying:
- A slot with high volatility and rare bonuses, but with large payouts in bonus games. It's an ideal choice for players looking for bigger winnings despite the lower frequency of bonus activations.
3. Reactoonz 2 (Play’n GO)
Bonus type: Quantum multipliers and random bonuses
Bonus activation frequency: High
Features:
- In Reactoonz 2, bonuses are activated quite often, thanks to random quantum multipliers and other bonus functions. This allows players to receive additional payouts throughout the game without having to meet difficult conditions.
Why it's worth trying:
- With a high frequency of bonus rounds and multipliers, this slot is ideal for players looking for consistent winnings and enjoyment of frequent bonuses.
How to choose a slot with the optimal frequency of bonus games?
1. Consider your style of play.
If you prefer frequent winnings, opt for lower volatility slots that offer bonuses more often but with smaller payouts. If you like to risk big wins, opt for high-volatility slots, where bonuses are activated less often but can lead to significant payouts.
2. Watch for RTP and volatility.
Study RTP (return to player) and slot volatility to understand how often bonus rounds can be activated and what winnings can be expected.
3. Use bonuses and promotions.
Some online casinos offer bonuses and promotions that can increase the chances of activating bonus rounds. Use these offers to increase your bonus opportunities.
Conclusion
Online slot providers have carefully balanced the frequency of bonus rounds to meet different player needs. Balancing bonuses by frequency, taking into account the volatility of the game and RTP, allows you to create an exciting and profitable gameplay. Understanding how bonus frequency works will help you pick a slot that suits your style of play and strategy.
