RTP is a common acronym used in online gambling that stands for Return to Player. This is the average percentage amount a gambler can expect to get back from their bets over the long term.
If you are new to the online gambling business, this is a figure you need to be on the lookout for, as it can influence your winnings.
RTP Definition
As online casino games gain more and more popularity, understanding the lingo will help you as a player make informed decisions, so let’s look at what return to player in gambling means.
In essence – the RTP percentage measures a casino game’s theoretical payout.
The return to player rate is a percentage between one and a hundred. The closer the RTP is to 100%, the more beneficial it is for you as a player. The inverse of RTP, known as the house edge, is the percentage of a player’s bets that the casino keeps.
I’ll explain these calculations below…
How to Calculate RTP
RTP is calculated by dividing the amount returned to a player by the total bet amount. For example, if you win $200 and you have invested $210, your RTP amounts to 95.2%.
To calculate the house edge, subtract the RTP percentage from 100%. Using the above example, the house edge is 100% – 95.2%, which equals 4.7%.
Calculating RTP in pokies or slots is conducted by a computer that can ‘play’ thousands of games and find a more accurate Return to Player rate.
This is slightly different for RTP rates for table games such as poker and blackjack. These games attract more skilled players who will use strategies to respond to the unique circumstances of each game.
Why is RTP Important?
RTP is a theoretical calculation, so it does not impact whether you win big. RTP, however, comes into play over the long term for gamers who play regularly. If you are such a player, we know you will probably look for casino games with higher return-to-player rates and continue playing until the theoretical payout and actual payout match.
Some ways RTP can be helpful include:
- Determining profitability: RTP is important for operators who need to make a profit. Low RTPs increase their profits, while high RTPs attract more players. They have to find a balance between low and high RTP rates so both parties can benefit.
- Comparing games: Remember that many online casinos offer over 500 games, so choosing which one to play can be tricky. By knowing the RTP of these games, you can understand the odds and choose those which will increase the likelihood of a win.
Tip: When choosing games, remember that the volatility of the game and your gaming strategy will influence the overall outcome. - Choosing casinos: By comparing the RTPs in casinos, you can choose those with the highest payout rates and maximize your returns in the long run.
- Making informed decisions: Gambling is a high-risk activity that could result in substantial loss of money. Knowing the RTP and the inverse house edge rate will allow you to take calculated risks and well-informed decisions.
- Budgeting: For serious players, RTP is a useful tool when deciding an approximate amount to spend on your games of choice. Although you cannot get a set amount that you will win or lose, in the long run, higher RTP games will result in slower losses.
High RTP Games
Casino games can be divided into table games and slots, and the average RTP in slots is 96%, so anything above 96.5% offers players a better chance of success. Table games, however, require more skill and intuition so that the RTP will depend on the player’s actions.
Here are some examples of online casino games with the highest RTP.
| Slot | RTP |
|---|---|
| Blood Suckers | 98% |
| Starmania | 97.8% |
| White Rabbit | 97.7% |
| Medusa Megaways | 97.6% |
| Guns ‘N Roses | 96.9% |
| Game | RTP |
|---|---|
| Craps | 99%+ (pass/don’t pass) |
| Blackjack | 99.69% (Single deck) |
| Baccarat | 98.94% (Banker bets) |
| Roulette | 94.74% |
As you can see, table games generally have a higher RTP than slot machines, although the difference is fairly small. If you have the know-how to play table games, you might have a greater probability of winning big.
My personal opinion on RTP’s explanation
As I have explained, this article is intended to provide you with information as you are going to delve into online gambling and want to have higher chances of winning. By understanding RTP, you can approximate the average amount of your bets that will win back.
It is important to understand that this statistical measure is important for you as a player to make an informed decision that needs to correlate with skill level and budget. This metric needs to be viewed with a long-term perspective because short-term returns can deviate considerably.
Frequently Asked Questions about RTP
Additionally, online casinos are not limited to the number of games they can have, while offline casinos must consider the size of their premises.
- Number of games and game manufacturers
- Regulatory oversight
- Operational costs
- Player preferences & habits
- Level of competition
Low-volatility games usually have higher RTPs but offer more frequent but smaller wins. Winnings may be modest in the short term but are favorable and predictable in the long term.
Medium volatility games are the middle ground between both high and low volatility, with larger payouts along with a realistic chance of recouping your bets.
