I’ve always been skeptical about the "Return to Player" (RTP) stats casinos publish. Does a 97% RTP actually mean I keep $97 of every $100 I bet, or is that just a mathematical fantasy that takes millions of spins to materialize? To find out, I decided to run a controlled test with my own cash at Cloud9 Pokies.

My bankroll for this experiment was exactly $200 USD. My goal wasn't just to gamble blindly but to see if different game volatilities and payout percentages actually felt different in a short session.

The Setup

Depositing was straightforward. I used a Visa card, and the $200 hit my account instantly. I skipped the welcome bonus this time because I didn't want to get locked into wagering requirements; I wanted a raw look at the game payouts.

Game 1: The Stability Test – Avalon

I started with Avalon, a Microgaming classic known for its decent RTP of around 96.01%. I set my bet to $1.00 per spin and committed to 50 spins.

The difference here was palpable immediately. The wins were frequent but small—typically between $0.50 and $2.00. It wasn't exciting, but it was sustainable. I triggered the Lady of the Lake feature once, which netted me a tidy $18.50. After my 50 spins, my balance sat at $204.50. The game felt "loose," exactly as a mid-variance, high-RTP slot should.

Game 2: The Volatility Trap – Buffalo King Megaways

Next, I moved to Buffalo King Megaways. This is a high-volatility beast. Theory suggests long dry spells followed by massive payouts. I lowered my bet to $0.80 to protect my bankroll.

The reality hit hard. I went 12 spins without a single cent in returns. It was brutal compared to Avalon. But then, on spin 23, I hit a cascade that multiplied into a $62.40 win. This perfectly illustrated the "myth vs. reality" of volatility. You aren't getting a steady stream back; you're paying for the chance at a spike. I walked away from this one up $22.00 total, but my heart rate was significantly higher.

Game 3: The Jackpot Drain – Mega Moolah

Finally, I tried Mega Moolah. The RTP here is lower, often cited around 88-94% for the base game because so much goes into the progressive jackpot contribution. I bet $0.50 per spin.

This felt entirely different. The base game wins were rare and tiny. It felt like throwing coins into a well. After $20 worth of spins, I had only recouped $4.50. This confirmed that chasing lower RTP games for the "big dream" is a statistically expensive hobby if you aren't the lucky one to hit the jackpot.

The Verdict

So, is the difference a myth? Absolutely not. My session at Cloud9 Pokies proved that game selection dictates your experience far more than luck alone. The high RTP game preserved my balance, while the volatile one gave me a rollercoaster. I cashed out $196.50—a small loss of $3.50 for an hour of entertainment, which I consider a win.

Game Played Volatility RTP (Est.) Net Result

Avalon Medium 96.01% +$4.50
Buffalo King Megaways High 96.52% +$22.00
Mega Moolah Low (Base Game) ~88.12% -$15.50