iGaming is all about fast play and the possibility of instant rewards. Reel-based games use complex algorithms to guarantee fairness and unpredictability, but what happens if the server latency causes a lag? By looking at some of the most crucial areas, we can see what this issue means in real life and understand why casino operators ensure that their servers are incredibly fast.
The High-Volatility Feedback Loop
Latency is the time needed for the data to travel between your server and the casino’s server. This isn’t going to alter the results in any way. Rather, it affects the speed at which you see the results that you’ve already obtained. This isn’t a particularly big issue for many players, but it can prove frustrating if you’re short of time or think you might have hit a big win and don’t see right away what happened.
If we look at high volatility slots, these are games that tend to pay out less frequently than lower volatility slots. However, they balance this by offering the potential for larger amounts. A large variety of themes are covered in this style, with titles such as Caesar’s Victory, Golden Buffalo, and Dragon’s Siege showing how we can play in different ways with higher than average volatility.
These slots rely heavily on building up a large amount of tension, as you may get a number of non-winning spins while waiting to see if you get a big prize on the next one. Playing on a low-latency server means that you get instant results that provide a satisfying feedback loop and an easier way to follow the action. Higher latency isn’t going to give different results, but it will dent the feedback loop slightly.
Bonus Round Triggering
Many online slots use bonus rounds and other special features to add excitement. These are often the parts of the games where the biggest prizes can be won, with multipliers and free spins typically used to generate more payout potential.
Again, the latency level isn’t going to affect the performance of the slot. However, a low-latency connection gives you instant access to the bonus feature. If you’re playing with a higher level of latency, you might not realize for a moment that you have triggered this feature.
Get exclusive access to all things tech-savvy, and be the first to receive
the latest updates directly in your inbox.
This difference may be seen more clearly in those cases where the final bonus symbol reveal is deliberately delayed. In some slots, once you have two bonus symbols on the screen, the final reel determines whether you trigger the bonus. The game may then deliberately create extra tension by spinning that final reel for longer than normal. With low latency, this is an excellent feature that has you on the edge of your seat. If your latency is high, it may be slightly annoying.
This video is an amusing look at how you might feel if your WiFi cuts out when you get a bonus round. You don’t want to be left like this when playing games, so that’s why latency is important.
@slotslv
Jackpot Play
Perhaps the biggest impact of high latency can be seen in progressive jackpot games. These games have a jackpot that increases every time someone plays, but it goes back to the seed level once it has been won. In this way, the amount available can change dramatically in the blink of an eye.
This means that consistently low latency is needed for you to see the current amount up for grabs. This is particularly important in those moments when the jackpot is won, and the amount gets reset. Imagine if you see a winning line form, but a slight lag means that you aren’t sure whether you won a large amount, or something more modest.
How to Avoid Latency Issues in Casino Slots
When you use a professional, reputable online casino, you won’t need to worry about latency from their side. The games run smoothly and without any delays. However, latency issues may occur if your device hasn’t been optimized or your internet connection is slow.
A 5G signal and fiber optic internet give the best speed. You might also benefit from using a wired Ethernet connection, rather than WiFi. Remember that avoiding public WiFi networks is one of the most valuable security tips that you should always follow.
Mobile slots are optimized using HTML5, meaning that they look fantastic and run smoothly on the most modern smartphones. However, if you’re using an older device, you might find that it lags at times. It’s always a good idea to optimize your device and make sure that it’s giving you the best possible performance before playing any games.
Latency in slots isn’t as big an issue as in mainstream gaming, where every second counts. However, in terms of enjoyment and the feedback loop, it makes sense to look for the lowest possible latency on your favorite games.
