What is Casino RTP(Return to Player)?

Casino RTP, or Return to Player, is a key metric that shows the percentage of total wagers a casino game returns to players over time—essentially, it’s your window into long-term winning odds. For sports bettors and online gamblers, understanding this concept can sharpen your strategy, helping you pick games that maximize your edge. In this article, we’ll unpack how it works, why it differs across casino offerings, and how you can leverage it.

How to calculate return to player?

RTP (Return to Player) is one of the most critical metrics for gamblers when choosing an online slot game or online casino game. It determines how much of the total wagered money a game will return a player over time.

Understanding how RTP is calculated can help players make smarter decisions, select higher return to player ratio percentages, and avoid games with a lower RTP that decrease the chance of winning.

Formula for RTP Calculation

The formula for calculating the return to player ratio is straightforward:

For example, if an online slot game has taken $1,000,000 in total bets and has paid out $960,000 in winnings, its RTP is:

This means that, on average, for every $100 wagered, the game will return a player $96 over an extended period.

However, it’s important to note:

Factors Affecting RTP

While RTP provides an estimate of how much money players can expect to receive back from an online casino game, several factors influence the actual return a player may experience.

#1 Game Type & House Edge

Different online slot games and table games have varying RTPs due to their inherent house edge:

Generally, games with a higher skill component (e.g., blackjack) tend to have a higher return to player ratios, while games of pure chance, such as slots and roulette, often have lower return to player ratios due to their built-in house edge.

#2 Game Volatility (Variance)

Volatility determines how frequently and in what amounts a game pays out:

• Low-volatility games: Smaller, frequent wins, consistent return to player ratios.
• High-volatility games: Large, rare payouts; return to player ratios may fluctuate heavily in the short term.

Even if two online slot games have the same average ratio, the game with higher volatility will have more drastic swings in winnings.

#3 Bonus Features & Jackpots

Games that offer large jackpots or frequent bonus rounds often have a lower RTP in their base game to compensate for these bigger payouts.

For example:

• Progressive jackpot slots often have an return to player ratio of around 88% – 92% because part of every wager contributes to the growing jackpot pool.
• Slots with free spins, multipliers, or bonus rounds may temporarily increase RTP during those features, but the base game ratio remains lower.

#4Betting Strategy & Game Rules

In games like blackjack and video poker, using optimal strategy can increase the effective ratio.

Some top online casinos allow players to choose different return to player ratio versions of the same slot game (e.g., 96% vs. 94% RTP versions). Always choose the higher RTP percentages when possible.

How do I find an online slot’s RTP?

Before playing any slot, it’s important to check its percentage to determine if it aligns with your expectations. Here’s how to find it:

#1 In-Game Information Section

• Most licensed and regulated online casinos include details in the game’s paytable or help menu.
• Look for a section labeled “Game Info” or “Paytable”, which often displays the percentages and volatility levels.

#2 Casino Website or Game Developer’s Page

• Many of the best crypto casinos list percentages in their slot descriptions.
• Some developers, like Play’n GO and NetEnt, publish RTP details for all their games on their official websites.

#3 Third-Party Casino Review Sites

• Websites that compare best slots often publish return to player data for top games.
• Be cautious and verify percentages directly from the online casino game provider when possible.

What is considered a good RTP percentage for slots?

Not all slots offer the same percentage—some are designed to favor the casino more than others:

Do high RTP slots pay out more than other slots?

High return to player slots do not necessarily pay out more in terms of total winnings but are designed to return a higher percentage of the money wagered over the long term compared to lower return to player slots.

Roulette RTP

Roulette is one of the most popular casino games. Let’s take a look at what kind of return to player ratio you can expect for this classic table game.

European Roulette

• RTP: 97.3%

European Roulette features 37 pockets (numbers 1-36 plus a single zero). The single-zero format results in a relatively low house edge of 2.7%, making European Roulette one of the more favorable casino games for players.

Example Calculation

If you place 100 bets of $10 each on even-money bets (e.g., red/black), you can theoretically expect to receive $973 back over time, with the casino keeping $27 as profit.

American Roulette

• RTP: 94.74%

American Roulette has 38 pockets (numbers 1-36 plus a single zero and a double zero). The addition of the double zero (00) increases the house edge, making the game less favorable for players than European Roulette.

Example Calculation

If you place 100 bets of $10 each, your expected return is $947.40, with the casino keeping $52.60.

Who can influence RTPs?

Return to player isn’t fixed by chance—it’s controlled by multiple stakeholders in the online gambling industry. Here’s who plays a role:

Game Developers & Software Providers

Game developers (such as NetEnt, Microgaming, and Pragmatic Play) set the default ratio when designing an online slot game.

• Some developers offer multiple settings for the same game.
• Casinos can choose a lower RTP to increase their profits.

Online Casinos & Operators

Top online casinos control which return to player versions of games they offer. They may also:

• Adjust payout rates on certain games.
• Offer higher percentages on promotional games to attract players.
• Lower ratio on bonus buy-in games or high-jackpot slots.

Pro Tip: Always check the percentage of a game before playing. Many casinos list details in the game’s info section.

Gambling Regulators

Government bodies and independent regulators ensure fair play by enforcing return to player ratio transparency.

• The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) and Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) require operators to disclose rates.
• eCOGRA and iTech Labs test games to verify average values over time.

Player Choice & Market Demand

• Players influence trends by choosing higher return to player games and avoiding low-payout games.
• Some casinos increase return to player ratios on selected games to attract more players.

Volatility

Volatility, often referred to as “variance,” describes the risk level associated with a slot game and its payout behavior. It indicates how frequently and how much a slot pays out over time. Slots are typically categorized into three volatility levels:

How Volatility Impacts Gameplay

Volatility directly influences a player’s experience and strategy. Low volatility slots are suitable for casual players or those with smaller bankrolls who prefer steady gameplay.

High volatility slots appeal to thrill-seekers and high-stakes gamblers willing to endure longer dry spells for the chance of massive payouts.

Understanding volatility helps players choose games that align with their risk tolerance and betting goals.

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