This guide explains how RTP works in online casinos, covering related concepts like hit frequency and volatility, and why these matter whether you’re placing bets or running the games.
What Does RTP in Casino Represent
Return to Player (RTP) is the percentage of the total wagered money a casino game will pay back to players over time. For example, when a casino game offers 96% RTP, it means that for every $100 bet made on a game, it will return $96 to players on average.
RTP gets calculated across millions of spins, rounds, or hands, not individual sessions. Therefore, players personally wouldn’t receive $96 back from their $100 and some players will win more, while others will lose it all.
The reason is that RTP is a long-term statistical average. Casinos understand that results can vary wildly from one day to the next or over the course of a full week. However, over months or years, actual returns will eventually reach the theoretical RTP percentage.
RTP can vary among casino games: modern slots mostly set their RTP between 92%-97%, while blackjack games are known to exceed 99% and the same goes for table games.
| Game Type | Typical RTP Range |
|---|---|
| Slots | 92-97% |
| European Roulette | 97.3% |
| American Roulette | 94.74% |
| Blackjack | 99-99.5% |
| Video Poker | 97-99.5% |
| Baccarat | 98.94% |
| Craps (Pass/Come) | 98.59% |
Online casinos usually offer greater RTP compared to brick-and-mortar establishments due to lower overhead costs and higher market reach.
How to Calculate the RTP
RTP is calculated by dividing the total amount of money returned to players by the total amount of money wagered:
RTP = (Total amount returned to players / Total amount wagered) × 100
Example: if a slot machine accepts $1000 in bets and returns $960, the RTP would be:
(960 / 1000) × 100 = 96% RTP
How to Find the Slot RTP
- Check the game info screen – most slots display RTP in the information menu.
- Visit the game provider’s website – providers like NetEnt, Play’n GO, Pragmatic Play publish RTP data.
- Look at the casino’s game details – RTP sometimes listed directly in the game listing.
- Use third-party review sites – affiliates maintain RTP data for popular slots.
Why RTP and House Edge Go Hand in Hand
House Edge = 100% – RTP%
Example: 96% RTP → 4% house edge. This is how casinos ensure profit while remaining fair to players.
Who Determines the RTP
Random Number Generators (RNGs) decide outcomes for spins, rolls, and deals, ensuring fairness and the correct RTP over time. RNGs are independently tested by labs like:
- eCOGRA
- iTech Labs
- GLI
- BMM Testlabs
- TST
RTP and Volatility (Variance)
Volatility describes risk level and payout patterns:
| Volatility Level | Win Frequency | Win Size | Bankroll Impact | Player Appeal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low | Very frequent | Small | Minimal swings | Casual players, limited budgets |
| Medium | Moderate | Medium | Some fluctuation | Balanced play experience |
| High | Infrequent | Large | Dramatic swings | Thrill-seekers, jackpot hunters |
RTP and Hit Frequency (The Win Rate Factor)
Hit frequency measures how often a game produces a winning outcome. High hit frequency does not always mean high RTP.
Making Informed Decisions with RTP
- Higher RTP doesn’t guarantee short-term wins
- Skill-based games can offer better RTP with strategy knowledge
- Game volatility affects actual experience
- Progressive jackpots often have lower base RTPs
- Online casinos typically provide higher RTP than physical venues
Top Games with High RTP
- Mega Joker (NetEnt) – RTP up to 99%
- Ugga Bugga (Playtech) – RTP 99.07%
- Blood Suckers (NetEnt) – RTP 98%
- Jackpot 6000 (NetEnt) – RTP up to 98.9%
- Goblin’s Cave (Playtech) – RTP 99.32%
Conclusion
Understanding RTP empowers players to choose better games, manage risk, and enjoy longer play sessions. RTP is a guide, not a guarantee. The house always retains a mathematical edge, so gamble responsibly and stay within limits.
