We’ve received a number of questions lately from players asking about bonuses where you get to pick between options. Here’s a couple of examples:
Is it a better outcome to take free spins or to take a chance on the credit prize? Is the outcome the same on the Balance of Fortune screen?
Pam H.
And:
If you hit a bonus where you choose the number of spins, is the final prize the same for 15 spins as it would be 8 spins, or is there a RNG for each choice or each spin? Should I choose the least spins with the highest chance of multiplier per win, or more spins with less percentage of multipliers?
Sue N.
On certain games, you get to make a selection of what type of bonus you wish to have. To Pam’s question, on many Konami games, this takes the shape of the “Balance of Fortune,” a scale with two choices generally available – free spins or a credit prize within a range stated on screen.
The expectation over time is that each will payback a similar percentage. One is just a fast outcome and one is played out over spins. But the amount isn’t guaranteed to be the same – each are going through their own RNG scenario based on when you select the bonus.
Similarly, to Sue’s question, when you have a choice between a set number of free spins with multipliers (or reel heights or whatever differentiator the game makers come up with), on games like Dancing Drums, in the long term you should achieve the same payback percentage on any of those bonuses.
But there is an actual choice being made – the less spins/higher multiplier ones are more volatile, meaning you have a better chance of a massive bonus, as well as a better chance of a nothing bonus. The more spins/smaller multipliers are going to be more dependable in delivering a steady outcome, although of course bonuses can even on less risky options still over or under perform.
As for which you should choose, Sue, it really comes down to your risk appetite. We like to go risky when we’re ahead, but when behind will recommend going for the more reliable choices to get a comeback underway! But sometimes Brian will do the opposite. So it’s all about your particular preference.
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