Return to Player (RTP) represents the percentage of wagered money that a game is expected to pay back to players over time. It is the average percentage of total bets that a casino game will return to players in winnings. For example, a game with an RTP of 95% implies that, on average, players can expect to receive £95 back for every £100 wagered over an extended period of play. The remaining 5% represents the house edge, which is the casino’s profit margin.
RTP is calculated based on a statistical analysis of millions of game rounds. It reflects long-term payout expectations rather than short-term results, meaning individual sessions can vary significantly from this average. For instance, while a slot machine may have an RTP of 96%, it does not guarantee that a player will win back that percentage in any single gaming session, or at all for that matter. Instead, RTP operates as an indicator of a casino game’s fairness rather than a guarantee of how successful you may be at a casino game.
Understanding RTP helps players make informed decisions about which games to play. Generally, games with higher RTP percentages are more favorable for players, as they indicate a better chance of returning a larger portion of their wagers over time. An RTP of 96% or higher is typically considered good for an online slot, while lower percentages may indicate less favorable odds. Blackjack has the highest average RTP of any online casino game at around 98%-98.55% on average.
RTP is often discussed alongside the house edge, which represents the casino’s advantage in any given game. The house edge is calculated as 100 % minus RTP. For example, if a game has an RTP of 94%, the house edge would be 6%. This means that while players can expect to receive 94% of their total wagers back over time, the casino retains 6% as profit.
While RTP is an important factor, it is not the only consideration for players. Game volatility, personal preferences, and entertainment value also play significant roles in game selection.
