What Is RTP?
RTP stands for Return to Player. It's expressed as a percentage that represents the theoretical amount of money a slot machine returns to players over an extended period.
The Basic Concept
If a slot has a 96% RTP:
- For every £100 wagered in total (across all players, over millions of spins)
- The slot is designed to return approximately £96
- The remaining £4 is the house edge (casino profit)
Key Understanding
RTP is calculated over millions of spins, not your individual session. This is crucial:
- You might lose 100% in one session
- You might win 500% in another session
- Over millions of spins, the average trends toward the RTP
How RTP Works
The Mathematics
RTP is determined by the slot's paytable and probability distribution:
- Every possible outcome has a probability
- Each outcome has a payout value
- Multiply probability × payout for each outcome
- Sum all results = RTP
This is programmed into the slot and verified by testing agencies.
Example Calculation
Simplified example with a hypothetical slot:
| Outcome | Probability | Payout | Contribution to RTP |
|---|---|---|---|
| No win | 60% | £0 | 0% |
| Small win | 30% | £1.50 | 45% |
| Medium win | 8% | £5 | 40% |
| Big win | 1.9% | £20 | 38% |
| Jackpot | 0.1% | £500 | 50% |
Note: This is illustrative. Real slots have thousands of possible outcomes.
RTP Ranges
| RTP Range | Rating | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 97%+ | Excellent | Blood Suckers (98%), Mega Joker (99%) |
| 96-97% | Very Good | Starburst (96.09%), Book of Dead (96.21%) |
| 95-96% | Good | Gonzo's Quest (95.97%), Rainbow Riches |
| 94-95% | Average | Various branded slots |
| Below 94% | Below Average | Some jackpot slots, older games |
RTP in Practice
What RTP Means for You
Short term: Anything can happen. RTP has minimal impact on a single session.
Long term: Higher RTP slots will generally return more of your wagered money over time.
The House Edge
The house edge is simply 100% minus the RTP:
- 96% RTP = 4% house edge
- 94% RTP = 6% house edge
- 88% RTP = 12% house edge (typical for progressive jackpots)
Comparing to Other Games
| Game | Typical House Edge |
|---|---|
| Blackjack (basic strategy) | 0.5% |
| Roulette (European) | 2.7% |
| Slots (average) | 4% |
| Lottery | 50%+ |
Slots have a higher house edge than table games but offer different entertainment value.
Finding RTP Information
Where to Find RTP
In the game:
- Most slots display RTP in the help/info menu
- Look for "game rules" or "paytable"
- Usually at the bottom of the information screens
Casino website:
- Many UK casinos list RTP for each game
- Check the game description or info page
Provider websites:
- NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, etc. list official RTPs
- Most accurate source
Review sites:
- Slot review websites typically include RTP
- Be aware some information may be outdated
Variable RTP
Some slots have different RTP settings that casinos can choose:
Example: Sweet Bonanza
- Can be set at 96.51%, 95.50%, or 94.50%
- The casino chooses which version to offer
- UK regulations require casinos to disclose the actual RTP
Always check the RTP at your specific casino, not just the game's maximum RTP.
Common RTP Myths
Myth 1: "RTP means I'll get 96% back"
Reality: RTP is theoretical over millions of spins. In your session of 200 spins, you might see 0%, 50%, or 500% - all are possible.
Myth 2: "Low RTP slots are rigged"
Reality: Low RTP slots are working exactly as designed. They're not "rigged" - they're just programmed with higher house edges. This is fully transparent.
Myth 3: "After a losing streak, the slot is 'due' to pay"
Reality: Each spin is independent. The slot doesn't "remember" previous spins. Being "due" is a cognitive bias called the gambler's fallacy.
Myth 4: "Progressive jackpot RTPs include the jackpot"
Reality: The quoted RTP often doesn't include the progressive contribution. Mega Moolah's 88% RTP is for base game only - including jackpots raises it, but you're unlikely to win one.
Myth 5: "Playing at certain times affects RTP"
Reality: Slots are random number generator (RNG) based. Time of day, day of week, or recent payouts have zero effect on outcomes.
Practical Implications
Choosing Slots Based on RTP
Higher RTP is objectively better, but consider:
- Entertainment value - A fun 95% RTP slot might be preferable to a boring 97% one
- Volatility - A high RTP + high volatility slot might empty your bankroll faster than a lower RTP + low volatility slot
- Features - The journey matters, not just the destination
Recommended Approach
- Filter out very low RTP slots (below 94%)
- Among remaining options, choose based on features and enjoyment
- Understand that all slots have a house edge
- Focus on entertainment value, not profit expectation
Summary
RTP is an important metric but shouldn't be your only consideration. Understanding what it means - and what it doesn't mean - helps you make informed choices and set realistic expectations.
Key points:
- RTP is theoretical and long-term
- Individual sessions can vary wildly
- Higher RTP is better, but not everything
- Always check the specific RTP at your casino
- Never expect to profit long-term from slots
Armed with this knowledge, you can choose slots wisely while understanding exactly what you're getting into.
Key Takeaways
- 1 RTP is the theoretical percentage returned to players over millions of spins
- 2 A 96% RTP doesn't mean you'll get 96p back from every £1
- 3 Higher RTP is better, but variance means anything can happen short-term
- 4 RTP is calculated over millions of spins, not your individual session
- 5 Always check RTP before playing a new slot
