🧐 What is RTP (Return to Player)?

 

RTP is a theoretical percentage that represents the amount of all money wagered on a specific casino game that will be paid back to players as winnings over a long period of time.²

 

It is expressed as a percentage, typically ranging from 92% to 99% for online slot games.³

 

📊 The Simple Formula

 

The RTP essentially defines the game’s payout structure.⁴ It is the direct opposite of the House Edge.⁵

 

Example	House Edge	Meaning
96% RTP	4%	The game is designed to return £96 to players for every £100 wagered, with the casino keeping the remaining £4 as profit over time.
97.3% RTP	2.7%	This is the fixed RTP for European Roulette (due to the single green zero pocket).

 

🛑 Crucial Point: Long-Term Average

 

It is essential to understand that RTP is a long-term statistical average, calculated over millions or billions of spins/rounds.⁶

 

• RTP is NOT a Guarantee:⁷ If a slot has a 96% RTP, it does not mean you will get back £96 from your £100 session. In the short term, you could win a large jackpot (1000% return) or lose all £100 (0% return).

   

• The Casino’s Perspective: The casino is guaranteed to achieve the theoretical House Edge because they have millions of players making millions of bets, allowing the law of large numbers to bring the average payout back to the stated RTP.

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🕹️ How RTP Works in Different Games

 

RTP is calculated differently depending on the type of casino game:⁸

 

 

1. Slot Machines (The Most Common Use)

 

• The RTP is programmed into the game’s software by the developer and is determined by the Random Number Generator (RNG), which randomly determines the symbol combinations.⁹

   

• The RTP considers the frequency of all winning combinations, including the highest jackpots, across an incredibly large sample size of spins.¹⁰

   

• A “Good” RTP for a slot is generally considered to be 96% or higher.¹¹

   

 

2. Table Games (Fixed Odds)

 

• For most table games, the RTP is mathematically fixed based on the rules and the number of pockets/cards.
  • European Roulette: 97.30% (due to the single zero).¹²

     

  • Blackjack (Optimal Strategy): Can reach 99.5% or higher, making it one of the best RTP games.
• In skill-based games like Blackjack and Video Poker, the player’s strategy directly impacts the final, realized RTP.¹³

   

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🏆 Why RTP Is Important for Players

 

1. Bankroll Longevity: A higher RTP means, on average, more money is returned to you over time.¹⁴ This extends your playtime and maximizes the entertainment value of your bankroll.¹⁵

    

2. Informed Choice: It allows you to quickly compare the generosity of different games. Given the choice between a 92% RTP slot and a 97% RTP slot, a knowledgeable player will always choose the latter.
3. Bonus Wagering: When clearing a bonus with wagering requirements, playing games with the highest possible RTP helps minimize your expected losses while you fulfill the betting requirements.

🔎 Where to Find the RTP: Reputable online casinos and game providers are required by licensing bodies to publish the RTP.¹⁶ It is usually found in the game’s information screen, help file, or paytable.¹⁷