What Are Certified Slots, and Are They for You?
Posted by Harry Kane on Monday, October 23, 2017
With disposable income and real wage growth continuing to decline in the UK, people are keener than ever to achieve true value for their hard-earned money.
This mind-set even applies to their recreational activity, with many seeking out cost-effective hobbies or those that deliver some form of financial return. This is part of the reason why online slot gaming has become so popular in recent times, as accessible and creative titles have evolved to deliver a truly rewarding experience.
If you are an avid gamer, you may well have heard the term ‘certified slot’. In this post, we will explore certified slots in closer detail and ask whether or not they are right for you?
What are Certified Slots?
Let’s start with the basics, as we understand the precise definition of certified slots and their purpose on the market. In simple terms, certified slots are categorised as being online games that deliver a guaranteed payback percentage of between 98% and 100%, driving a high return-to-player (RTP) rate. So, for every pound that you wager online, you are guaranteed to receive at least £0.98 back during the course of your gaming session.
Certified slots are also occasionally referred to as loose or hot slots, but these games must drive an RTP rate of at least 98% if they are to earn this classification. It is worth noting that the vast majority of slots boast an RTP rate of between 94% and 97%, with this metric often determined by the size of the base and bonus game jackpots. Some of the more lucrative and progressive slots will have an even lower RTP rate of around 90%, but these titles are designed almost exclusively for high-rollers who want to maximise their returns.
What is the Purpose of Certified Slots?
If games with lower RTP rates are aimed at high-rollers, it is fair to say that certified slots are tailored to suit casual or novice players. This is because they minimise the risk of loss, as even inexperienced players can guarantee a generous return as they first get to grips with their chosen games. You can offset your risk further by activating smaller line bets, although it is important to adopt a balanced approach that takes calculated risks wherever possible.
To achieve their desired RTP rate, certified slots trigger relatively small but frequent wins during the base game (alongside modest returns from any available bonus rounds). So while each individual win will be unlikely to break the bank or significantly boost your bankroll, you will secure a relatively high return during each session of gaming. The key here is that you are empowered to learn the basics of slot gaming during a real-time experience, without being asked to risk your hard-earned capital.
How Certified Slots Have Helped Online Gambling to Grow
From a wider perspective, certified online slots have also contributed heavily to the sustained growth of the virtual gambling market. Now accounting for 33% of the gambling industry as a whole in the UK, online gaming is huge business and the cultivation of accessible slots with a guaranteed RTP rate has certainly helped to popularise the sector among new players.
In short, it grants casual gamers access to the market, by enabling them to minimise the risk of loss while they enjoy a fun and interactive pastime.