What Does RTP (Return to Player) Mean?
RTP is an acronym that stands for “Return to Player” and is an important notion in both online and land-based gaming. But what does RTP mean exactly? In this guide, you’ll learn all there is to know about RTP in slots and casino games. Find out how it is calculated, how volatility influences it, what games have the best RTP, and more.
What Does RTP Mean in Online Casinos?
RTP stands for “Return to Player” and is used to give players an indication of how much the game pays out in the long run. So, for instance, if you’re playing a game with a 95% RTP, the game would theoretically return around £95 for every £100 you wager over a long period.
How is RTP Calculated?
The game’s software developers create the RTP of the game and write it into the software. To determine the RTP, you divide the total amount wagered by the amount players win and finally, present the result as a percentage.
When assigning an RTP rating to a casino game, millions of virtual spins or bets are created. Therefore, when you’re playing a game, your own RTP from a limited amount of play may not match the game’s actual RTP. It should be seen as an average over an extended period of time, rather than a short-term guarantee.
What is House Edge?
The house edge is the opposite of the RTP. Whilst RTP shows you how much a player can win, the house edge shows the same information but from a casino’s perspective. So, if a game’s RTP is 96%, the house edge is 4%. Therefore, the operator can expect a 4% profit on the wagers placed.
Volatility vs RTP in Online Slots
There is no correlation between RTP and volatility or variance in slots. Return to player (RTP) is the amount that a casino game gives back to players. Meanwhile, slot volatility is the frequency at which a slot machine usually pays out and how big the winnings can be.
There are generally five main levels of volatility, ranging from low to high which we’ve highlighted in the table below.
| Level of Volatility | Description |
| Low | Wins are frequent but the amounts are smaller. This type of slot is usually chosen by casual players who are learning how to play slots as the risk is lower. |
| Low-Med | A good chance of landing a win. Payouts come in low values |
| Medium | Online slots with medium volatility offer a compromise between the frequency of wins, payout value, and risks. |
| Med-High | Wins are more spread apart, however, the value of payouts increases. |
| High | Payouts are larger but highly volatile slots are riskier as they pay out less often. |
The Difference Between RNG and RTP
Neither RTP nor volatility can guarantee the result of individual spins as those are established by the game’s Random Number Generator (RNG). This is a mathematical algorithm that is incorporated into a casino game’s software to produce several random numbers. These numbers determine the outcome of every shuffle, spin, or coin toss.
Practically all casino games use Random Number Generators and the numbers they produce are applied differently in online games. For instance, these random numbers in card games dictate which cards show up next. Meanwhile, in slots and scratch cards, the numbers control which and where the game’s symbols land.
RTP is supported by RNG engines to ensure transparency, randomness, and fairness. Games are tested by independent labs such as eCOGRA and Gaming Labs International to check that the RNG has not been tampered with. Such labs also certify that the payouts over the long run correspond to the declared RTP.
Why is RTP Important?
When finding a game to play, RTP is important to understand as it helps you make a more factual choice. Games with a higher RTP theoretically offer better odds, especially when playing in the long term. However, a high RTP does not always equate to frequent wins as these are influenced by RNG, volatility, and chance.
RTP in Different Casino Games
- Slots – The most typical application of RTP is in slots, where slot creators explicitly declare it. The RTP percentage for the majority of slot games ranges between 90% to 96%. However, players can find multiple high slots with RTP exceeding 97% at the best slot sites in the UK. In the image below, you can see the RTP of the slot At The Copa by Betsoft, available from its paytable.
- Tables games – RTP is also used in table games like blackjack, poker, and roulette. The RTP in blackjack tends to be the highest, with an average of 99.4%, thanks to blackjack strategies that players can use.
- Roulette – Meanwhile, the RTP of roulette depends on the variant and the type of bet you place. European roulette has better odds with a 97.3% RTP, as opposed to American Roulette with an RTP of 94.74%. You can discover how to play roulette to maximise your odds by learning about the different types of bets and when to place them.
Choosing Casino Games Based on RTP
Finding the RTP of a game is an important aspect to take into account when deciding what slot to play. Below you’ll find our top five tips to help you find a slot machine based on its RTP.
- Find a slot with high RTP – RTP is frequently shown at online casinos so that players can consider it when selecting a game. Go for high paying slots with an RTP of 96% or higher to boost your chances of a win.
- Consider the volatility level – Find a slot with a volatility that you’re comfortable with.
- Try the slot in demo mode – Before playing for real money, we recommend playing the game in free mode to see whether you enjoy it, and its volatility as well as RTP in action. Several of the best online casinos offer this feature.
- Understand the pay table and how its features work – Read through the slot’s pay table and examine the payouts of the different symbols. Additionally, look at the features that the game offers. For instance, many of the best Megaways slots feature cascading reels and free spins with unlimited win multipliers.
- Set a budget – No matter the volatility and RTP of the slot, managing your bankroll and responsible gambling is of utmost importance.
Conclusion
RTP is an essential indicator that tells players how much they can theoretically anticipate winning over time. However, it shouldn’t be the only aspect to look out for in your gaming journey. Other factors to look out for are volatility, RNG, and any strategies that can potentially increase your chances of winning. Finally, gambling should be entertaining so it’s important to enjoy the game and not use it for financial gain.
FAQ
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