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RTP Explained – What is Casino RTP and How Does It Work?
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An Overview of RTP and House Edge in Online Casino Games
In the online gambling world, the term RTP stands for return to player. The RTP for an online slot game is expressed as a percentage and represents the theoretical amount of money a casino game pays back to players over time. While the theoretical payout percentage is calculated based on probability, the actual RTP is what the players get back during a playing session.
A game’s house edge is the opposite of RTP. If a slot machine has a 97% RTP, then you can expect the house edge to be 3%. This refers to the casino advantage the gambling site or operator has over you. The best-case scenario is to have a game with a high RTP and a low house edge to have better odds of winning. However, it’s important to understand that even with favourable metrics, short-term results are subject to variance, especially in games like slots.
For a more predictable experience, some players may prefer games with lower variance and more frequent, smaller payouts. Therefore, these two features have a significant influence on how gamblers choose online casino games to play. Many EU Online Casinos and similar international online casinos prioritise offering games with competitive RTP values, ensuring players have access to fair and rewarding gameplay.
Understanding the RTP Percentage
Casino software developers carry out thorough tests to determine the theoretical payout percentage for each game. While the RTP can vary greatly from one game to another, you may not notice a significant difference in the short term if you play two different games with almost the same payout percentages such as 96.00% and 96.40%.
If you bet on two outcomes such as black and red twice, it’s possible for one of the colours to appear twice in both rounds. That would mean a 100% RTP, which is not an accurate representation of your actual chances of winning. Therefore, the most effective way to calculate your odds of winning is to bet on the two colours as many times as possible. Using this example, the RTP for online slots is calculated based on thousands or millions of simulated spins to assign an accurate payout percentage. Below is a simplified formula to calculate RTP.
Return to Player RTP = Total Amount of Payouts to Players / Total Amount Wagered x 100%
Lets say the total amount paid to players is €98,000 out of wagers worth €100,000;
- RTP = 98,000/100,000 × 100
- RTP = 98%
Types of RTP in Online Casino Games
Online gambling operators offer a wide range of casino games from the top-tier game providers in the industry. Each game comes with a specific return to player percentage mentioned on the information page. The RTP rate can be fixed, variable, high, or low depending on the selected game. Let’s explore the different types of RTPs below.
Fixed RTP
In fixed RTP casino games, the return to player percentage remains the same regardless of the selected casino or when you choose to play. Most slot machines at quality online casinos and land-based gambling establishments have a fixed payout percentage.
Variable RTP
As the name implies, casino games with a variable RTP offer several payout percentages. A good example is the Big Bad Wolf Megaways slot by Quickspin. The default slot RTP for this game is 96.05%, but it changes to 96.44% if you use the Buy Feature.
High RTP
Most experienced players prefer playing games with a high return to player rate for a reason. That’s because High-RTP slots and other casino games return a decent amount of the money wagered to players over time. The higher the RTP, the lower the house edge.
Low RTP
Low RTP casino games usually have a return to player rate that’s lower than the industry average of 96%. Some progressive jackpot games have low RTPs, so the casino advantage is generally high. But they can be rewarding if you get lucky and hit the jackpot.
Debunking the Most Common Myths and Misconceptions About RTP and Payout Frequencies
Every playing session is unique for each player regardless of the casino RTP. Players can expect fair gameplay if they choose reputable online casinos licensed and regulated by trustworthy regulators. While most real-money gamblers understand return to player rates, some misinformed players may have misconceptions about a game’s RTP percentage. We will now demystify some of the most common myths about RTP and payouts for casino games.
One of the most common misconceptions players have about RTP is that casino operators can freely alter payouts. In reality, a game’s RTP is determined by the software provider when the game is developed. However, some software providers offer multiple RTP versions of their games (e.g., 96%, 94%, or 92%). A good example would be Wazdan, licensed Wazdan casinos can choose RTP from the options offered by Wazdan for use in their casinos. Casino operators choose one of these versions when hosting the game. Once selected, the RTP is fixed for that game on their platform and cannot be modified further by the operator.
Maxing your bet on a given game does not have an impact on the house edge. Risk-takers only place the highest bet hoping to land a big win if they get lucky. However, the size of your wager does not change your odds of winning.
Gambling is generally about luck, so winning is not guaranteed even if you use the best strategy. How old or new the game is does not matter when it comes to RTP and payouts. You should rely on the information provided by the game developer to know if a new casino game aligns with your gambling needs.
One of the key features of progressive jackpot games is that they tend to have a higher house edge than other games. Therefore, progressive jackpot slots are not in any way better than other games. They only offer a chance to win big if you get the right combination of symbols. As with other games, you can win or lose regardless of the RTP percentage.
The Role of Random Number Generators (RNGs) in RTP
Although most online gambling sites are in the business of making money, every game outcome must be fair. Operators should not be allowed to take advantage of gamblers for profits. Fortunately, there’s no need to worry about being rigged if you play at trusted online casinos. Such platforms partner with industry-leading software providers to offer RNG-powered casino games with reasonable return to player percentages.
A random number generator uses sophisticated computer software to ensure that all online slots and other casino games produce fair results all the time. Whether you win or lose, the outcomes must always be fair. The casino operator and players don’t have the power to manipulate any game to their advantage. So, when you place real-money bets on certified slots tested by renowned testing agencies, you can expect a fair gaming experience.
RTP and Volatility: How Do They Relate?
Just like RTP percentage, a game’s volatility level has a notable impact on your overall gaming experience. Volatility refers to the frequency of wins and the average payout a player can expect from a certain game. Slot machines have different volatility levels ranging from high to low. Let’s see how different RTP and volatility levels may influence your choices and gameplay.
High RTP & Low Volatility
Slot machine games with high return to player rates (96% or higher) and low volatility offer frequent but relatively small payouts. They are suitable for players who don’t want to take huge risks.The Blood Suckers slot is a popular choice found in most NetEnt casinos today.
High RTP & High Volatility
High-RTP online slots with high volatility levels have bigger payouts but do not pay out frequently. This means that it can take a long time to form a winning combination when playing such games. NetEnt’s Dead or Alive series is a great example of great games in this category.
High RTP & Medium Volatility
A slot machine with a high RTP and medium volatility tends to balance the frequency and size of payouts. Lucky players can occasionally win a significant amount. Gonzo’s Quest is a player favourite if you are looking for a dynamic gambling experience with balanced payouts.
Low RTP & Low Volatility
Online slot machines with low return to player (below 96%) and low volatility offer small and more frequent payouts. They are suitable for beginners who want to maintain their bankroll without focusing on big wins. This category usually includes different types of classic-themed slot machines.
Low RTP & Medium Volatility
If you play a game with a low return to player rate and medium volatility, you can expect infrequent and medium-sized payouts most of the time. Such a game suits moderate risk takers, but players should not expect mega wins. Some jackpot slots fall into this game category.
Low RTP & High Volatility
When a player plays a slot machine with low RTP and high volatility, they can expect less frequent winnings, but the game may sometimes pay out large amounts. This combination is best suited for serious and experienced gamblers who are willing to take risks. Games in this category include progressive jackpot slots and slots with high-paying bonus features.
How to Use RTP to Choose the Right Slot Games - Top Tips from Industry Experts
Choosing and playing the right games based on return to player and volatility is important to boost your chances of winning at online casinos. Remember you have to deposit real cash to play for real money, so you must carefully select games with reasonable payouts. The below tips are suitable for all gamblers, including casual and experienced players, even if you don’t win, you can have peace of mind knowing that you made the right decision.
Check the RTP: Visit the developer’s website or a trusted casino and launch the chosen game. Check the information page to learn more about the game’s RTP.
Choose Games with High RTP: Compare RTPs for various casino games on the selected platform. Look for games with the highest RTP because they tend to offer better long-term value.
Understand Volatility: A casino game’s volatility has an impact on the frequency and size of win of wins. As you pick high-RTP titles, establish which volatility level best suits your gambling style.
Play Games to Test Hit Frequency: If you have doubts, you can play slots and other casino games in demo mode to test their hit frequency and payout amounts.
The above tips are suitable for all gamblers, including casual and experienced players. However, we recommend playing high-RTP low-volatility games if you are an inexperienced player to lower the risk of losing too much money in a short time.
Top 5 High-RTP Slot Games for Maximum Returns
Revpanda’s gambling experts have tested and listed the most played high-RTP online slots with additional features to boost your experience. A game like Mega Joker by NetEnt has a higher RTP than most slots you can find at online casinos. You can play for real money and use safe payment methods to withdraw your winnings if Lady Luck favours you. Choose your preferred high-paying slot machine from the list below and join the recommended quality casino to start playing.
| Slot Game | RTP | Volatility | Game Provider | Casino to Play |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blood Suckers | 98% | Low | NetEnt | Golden Panda |
| 1429 Uncharted Seas | 98.60% | Low | Thunderkick | Wolfy Casino |
| Mega Joker | 99.00% | High | NetEnt | MyEmpire Casino |
| Blood Suckers Megaways | 97.66% | High | Red Tiger | Ready Casino |
| Secrets of Atlantis | 97.0% | Medium | NetEnt | Instant Casino |
RTP in Different Types of Casino Games
Online slots are not the only casino games with RTP. Various casino table games such as blackjack, roulette, poker, and baccarat also come with different RTPs depending on the variant. While there are slots with variable RTPs depending on the bonus features they offer, there’s nothing you can do to change the specified return to player rate or house edge.
On the other hand, certain casino table games can be played with a lower house edge by using an optimal strategy. When placing bets on blackjack, you can use basic strategy to gain an advantage and boost your chances of winning by reducing the house edge to around 0.4% to 0.5%. The RNG still helps to shuffle and deal the cards, but players can use proven tactics to make the best moves.
Additionally, there are blackjack charts to help gamblers make the right decision depending on their current hand value. The most successful players apply recommended strategies when playing table games to enhance their online gaming experience.
Live casino games also have RTP ranges that vary depending on the game. Here is an overview of the RTP ranges and examples of popular live casino games:
- Live Roulette: RTP ranges from 94.74% to 97.30% depending on the variant. European Roulette, such as Pragmatic Play’s Live Roulette (97.30%), offers a higher RTP than American Roulette, such as Ezugi’s American Roulette (94.74%).
- Live Blackjack: When using the basic strategy, the RTP usually ranges between 99.20% and 99.60%. Examples include Evolution Gaming’s Infinite Blackjack (99.51%) and NetEnt’s Live Blackjack (99.50%).
- Live Baccarat: RTP ranges from 98.76% to 98.94% for standard bets. For example, Evolution Gaming’s Live Baccarat (98.94% for banker bets) is a popular choice.
- Live Poker Variants: RTPs can range from 96.50% to 99.40% depending on side bets and rules. As an example of a popular live poker is Evolution Gaming’s Casino Hold’em (97.84%).
Key Takeaways for Casino Players and Gambling Operators
Understanding casino game and slot RTP is crucial before placing real money bets at online casinos. While it’s important to know the basic rules for each game as a player, you must also be aware of how the return to player and volatility levels can impact the outcomes at the end of your playing session. On the other hand, casino operators should provide games with different RTPs and volatility levels to cater to players with diverse preferences.
Now that you understand how these two factors work together to shape your gameplay, you should be able to make the right decisions to increase your odds of winning as you play your favourite online slot or casino game.
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