RTP is one of the fancy words in the iGaming industry. We know what it’s an abbreviation for return-to-player percentage, but do we know how it actually works? Here, we explain how RTP works in casino games and what that means for you as a player. Let’s get into it:
What Is RTP?
The return-to-player percentage is the amount you can expect back from your wagers on a casino game over a lengthy period of gameplay.
Explaining it like that probably makes it a little bit confusing, so we’ll use an illustration to simplify things. If you play a slot machine with a 96% RTP, for instance, you would eventually get $96 back for every $100 wagered.
But RTP doesn’t apply every time you play. Meaning, you wouldn’t get $96 after every single $100 wager. Instead, the return-to-player accounts for millions of spins across a long period. Instead, the return-to-player percentage accounts for millions of spins across a long period.
In fact, you could have gambling sessions on a casino game where you pick up multiple consecutive wins, including some massive sums. It’s also possible to experience dry spells on the same game. But, when you put your winnings together after millions of wagers, it’ll match up with the RTP value.
It’s usually better to choose casino games with higher RTP since they’ll likely favor players more. A return-to-player percentage around 95-96% is ideal for slot machines.
Understanding RTP vs House Edge
The RTP is one half of a two-sided equation. On the other end is the house edge. The house edge is the advantage casinos have over players. It’s also the amount the gambling outfit keeps back as profit across a large number of wagers.
For an online slot with 96% RTP, the house edge is 4%. In other words, casinos can expect to retain $4 for every $100 bet across millions of spins.
What’s the Difference Between RTP and Volatility?
RTP isn’t the only factor affecting your wins on a casino game. There’s another feature you’ll find on slot machines called volatility. This refers to the frequency and size of your payouts.
Low volatility slots will reward prizes often but in smaller amounts.
By contrast, high-volatility slots will trigger wins less often, but they tend to hit bigger rewards.
While you want to pick games with higher return-to-player percentages since they’ll pay more money to you in the long run, the volatility you prefer on slot machines depends on your gambling style.
If you like the suspense of waiting for that big catch, then high-volatility casino slots are more your thing. But low-volatility games would be more enjoyable to those players who want frequent rewards for their gambling efforts.
How to Check a Game’s RTP
Online slot developers publish the RTP of games in the info, paytable, or help section. It’s usually at the bottom of these pages alongside other details like volatility.
Wrapping Up
RTP might sound like iGaming technical jargon, but it’s an important term players must understand. It’ll help you to determine what you can expect from slot machines and other casino games in the long term. Based on this information, you can pick games with better win potential.
