Hit Frequency in Pokies
As users enjoy online pokies, they might have noticed that certain titles seem to pay out more frequently than others. Some may call it luck, but it is all about hit frequency (HF). In the gambling space, this term refers to how often a casino game awards a winning combination instead of a loss.
Overview
Many may misuse this term to mean certain metrics like RTP, house edge, or volatility. Rather, it’s how likely a given spin will become a win, no matter how little the payout is. For instance, suppose a user wagers $100 and wins $25. It still counts. This is because the individual receives a payout despite the overall loss.
Online pokies have a wide range of HFs, ranging between 20% and 50%. The higher a game’s HF, the more frequent payouts users can expect. Notably, many reputable software developers don’t often disclose these metrics. It could lead to favouritism and a great disadvantage to the house.
However, dedicated players and review sites often do the math, providing valuable insights into how different slots payout. In any case, understanding this metric can greatly help during gameplay sessions. This guide shares more details.
Top Three Factors Influencing Hit Frequency
Hit frequency in best online pokies is determined by several key elements in the game’s mathematical design. These include the number of reels, symbols, and paylines. Understanding these factors can enhance a user’s gaming experience.
The Number of Reels and Symbols
Pokies with more reels and many symbols generally have a lower HF. This is because the chances of landing a winning combination decrease as the number of possible outcomes increases. It’s like picking a needle in a haystack instead of choosing one inside a knitting purse.
Conversely, titles with fewer reels and symbols deliver winning combinations more frequently. The payout, however, depends on the game’s volatility.
Paylines
These elements play a crucial role. More paylines mean more opportunities to get a win combination on each spin. This increases the rate of payout. For example, a pokie with 20 paylines offers more chances than one with just 7.
Bonus Features
Elements such as free spins, Wilds, and Scatters can also impact how a given spin can result in a win. Since they provide additional ways to win, a pokie loaded with bonus features will deliver a lower hit frequency.
Bonuses to Try with Pokies
Volatility vs. Hit Frequency
While games’ volatilities can influence hit frequencies, there is a need to note the distinction between them. Volatility, or variance, indicates how much and how often a game is likely to pay out. Pokies generally fall into these three types:
| Variance Type | HF |
| High | 20% |
| Medium | 30% |
| Low | 40% |
On the other hand, hit frequency measures how often a game lands a winning combination, regardless of the payout size. A higher percentage means more frequent payouts and a lower one indicates fewer wins. Understanding both metrics can help players choose games that match their risk tolerance and gaming style.
The table below explains more about their differences.
| Parameters | Volatility | HF |
| Measurement | It measures the size of returns. | It measures the frequency of winning outcomes. |
| Gameplay Impact | It affects the size of wins. A highly volatile game leads to bigger wins than one with lower volatility. | It affects how often a player wins. A higher percentage means more frequent wins and vice versa. |
| Player Experience | A high volatility slot provides more thrills of winning large wins and risks of substantial losses. | High HF keeps players engaged as they enjoy regular wins. |
Final Thoughts
Indeed, HF in Aussie online casino pokies can enhance users’ gaming experience. When gamers know how often a slot is likely to produce winning combinations, they can align their strategies to such a game. Games with high percentages provide frequent smaller wins, which makes them suited for gamers who enjoy steady payouts. On the flip side, games with low HF are enjoyed by those seeking the thrill of casino jackpots, albeit less frequently.
This metric is vital for selecting games that match one’s desired balance of risk and reward. While software developers may not disclose the percentage for each game, knowing their volatility can be important during gameplay. Low-volatility games have a higher hit frequency. Thus, they offer smaller yet more frequent payouts. On the other hand, a highly volatile one hits less often. But when it does, it has massive payouts.
By complementing HF with metrics like RTP and variance, a user can understand a title’s payout behaviour comprehensively. Consequently, they can manage their bankroll more effectively and enjoy long-term gameplay.
