
Something I keep getting asked from friends and from the community is: where is the money at? In slots or in sports betting? I wish it was as easy as a simple yes or no, but there's quite a bit more to it. Let me explain.
"TLDR; It depends on your style, discipline, risk tolerance, and momentum."
Momentum Betting
Let's start with sports betting, because that's where skill comes into play--and where you actually can develop a consistent edge if you're disciplined.
One thing that doesn't get talked about enough is momentum.
First you have hot streaks. And then you have cold streaks. The key is in identifying when you're hot or cold and adapting accordingly.
For example, if you notice that you start hitting, keep playing until the trend turns.
On the other hand, if you start your session by losing your first deposit and having to reload, then take it easy. Maybe go for a walk, make a coffee and refresh your mindset. Then come back and try again when you're ready.
When I bet on live tennis, I can quickly tell whether a session is going to go well or not. If I get hit with bad beats, I instantly pause for a few hours. By bad beat I mean when the bet is going against you when it totally shouldn't.
Example: I've played Jannik Sinner to break Matteo Berrettini at 2.80x odds. Sinner leads 40-0 and is one point from breaking. But Matteo catches up and holds the game. That's an awful bad beat. And it happens every now and then when you live bet.
On the other hand, I've had sessions where it's gone the exact opposite way.. It was going against me the whole time, and then all of a sudden my player pulls a miracle break. When that happens I keep wagering until I hit resistance.
Momentum is a real thing when it comes to betting, and that's what I love about it.
If you want to try this style, check out this list of trusted sportsbooks and casinos on betpack--fast withdrawals, good odds, and solid mobile interfaces for live action.
Does RTP Really Matter?
Switching gears--let's talk slots.
One of the biggest myths online is that Return to Player (RTP) should be your #1 focus. I disagree.
Yes, it's important in theory. But in reality? You could play a 98% RTP slot and get absolutely wrecked. Or you could fire up a 92% RTP slot and walk away with a 1000% ROI in a single session.
So yeah, RTP doesn't matter as much as you may think. If you're a professional player and you're tracking your bets down to the penny, then sure, you may see a difference in the long run. I personally believe this metric is more of a buzzword and is more important to the casinos than it is to us players.
What Actually Matters More?
Volatility.
That's the real metric casual players should care about. If you've played for more than a few weeks, you can already feel the difference between a low-volatility slot (frequent but small wins) and a high-volatility monster (rare wins, but massive when they hit).
Volatility Over RTP
Here's how I look at it:
- Low/Medium Volatility: Great for momentum, bankroll control, and building up smaller wins. Ideal for casual players or if you're on a budget.
- High Volatility: These slots are feast or famine. You'll go dozens of spins with nothing, but one lucky bonus round can wipe out all your losses and put you way ahead.
A Tip Most Sites Don't Mention:
If you're cold or in reload territory, don't play high volatility slots. You'll just dig a deeper hole. Switch to low volatility to try and regain some momentum. Then, if you're back on solid footing, maybe take a shot.
If you're looking to build momentum, I'd recommend starting with low-volatility titles.
A few solid low volatility slots that I like are:
- Star Joker
- Starburst
- Da Vinci Diamonds
And if you want to try some high volatility slots after all, here are my favorite ones right now:
- Zeus vs Hades Gods of War
- Sweet Bonanza 1000
- Gates of Olympus 1000