What is RTP in Gambling?

RTP, or Return to Player, is a common term in the gambling world that refers to the percentage of wagered money a game returns to players over the long run.

Whether it’s online slots, blackjack, or roulette, every casino game has an RTP value that helps players understand the probability of winning back part of their stake. Knowing what RTP is can help you make more informed choices about which games to play, how much to bet, and what level of risk you’re comfortable with.

In this article, we’ll explain RTP in detail, why it matters, how it’s calculated, how it differs from house edge and volatility, and how you can use it to find the casino games at the best online casinos in the UK.

🤔 What is return to player?

Return to Player (RTP for short) is a percentage that shows how much money a casino game is designed to pay back to players over a longer period of play.

It’s one of the most important pieces of information in gambling, as it gives an idea of the odds and potential payouts.

For example, if a slot machine has an RTP of 95%, it means that, on average, the game will return $95 for every $100 wagered.

While RTP doesn’t guarantee individual wins, it helps players understand the expected value of their bets and make more strategic choices when selecting games.

👉 Why is RTP important for players?

RTP is important because it helps players understand the long-term probability of getting returns from their wagers. In gambling, knowledge is power, and knowing a game’s RTP percentage, while not telling the full story, can still give players a good idea of how profitable the game is, at least in theory.

For example, choosing a slot game with 98% RTP over one with 90% may not necessarily do anything for you over the span of several games (due to the way chance and probability work), but it’s still an indicator that you have better chances of walking away with a win.

🧮 How is RTP calculated?

RTP is calculated by dividing the total amount of money returned to players by the total amount wagered, then expressing the result as a percentage. In gambling, this calculation is usually based on millions of spins or game rounds to ensure accuracy.

For example, if a slot machine receives $1,000,000 in total wagers and pays out $960,000 in winnings, the RTP calculation would be:

RTP = ($960,000 ÷ $1,000,000) × 100 = 96%.

It’s important to stress that this percentage represents the game’s long-term returns, not the short-term results, meaning actual wins and losses can vary greatly during individual sessions.

🤯 How does theoretical RTP differ from actual RTP?

Theoretical RTP is the percentage a game is designed to return to players over an extended period, based on simulations and mathematical models. Actual RTP, on the other hand, is the real-world result calculated from the game’s performance during a specific time frame or number of spins.

In gambling, these values can differ because actual results depend on random outcomes and player behaviour. For example, a slot game might have a theoretical RTP of 96%, but in a short session or over the course of dozens rather than millions of games, the actual RTP could be much higher or lower depending on the wins, losses, and jackpot hits achieved.

RTP vs house edge

RTP and house edge are two sides of the same coin in gambling mathematics. RTP shows the percentage of money returned to players over time, while the house edge represents the casino’s built-in advantage.

Together, they always add up to 100%. For example, if a game has an RTP of 96%, its house edge is 4%.

Understanding this relationship helps players see how much the casino expects to profit from wagers in the long run. While RTP focuses on player returns, house edge shows the inevitable built-in advantage of slot games, which ensures that even with particularly lucky players, casinos remain profitable in the long run.

RTP vs volatility 

Knowing what is RTP in gambling is only half the puzzle of understanding slot game winnings. While RTP measures the long-term percentage of money a game returns to players, it’s volatility that determines the size and frequency of its payouts.

A game with low volatility pays smaller amounts more often, while high volatility games offer larger wins but less frequently, making even games with the same RTP feel very different to play. The general rule is pretty simple: if you’re feeling lucky, high volatility games have a much higher chance of landing those epic jackpots everyone dreams of.

On the other hand, if you’re a more cautious player, the wins on low volatility slots may not be as monumental, but they’ll almost certainly come more often, and you’ll have less chance of prolonged cold streaks.

👇 What role does RNG play in RTP?

Random Number Generators (RNGs) are the core technology that ensures fair and unpredictable outcomes in casino games. They generate a random result for each spin, card draw, or round, making it impossible to predict the next outcome.

While RTP determines the long-term percentage of money returned to players, RNG ensures that each individual result is independent from the others and completely unbiased and random. For example, a slot machine with a 96% RTP still relies on RNG to produce random spins, meaning you could still hit a jackpot or lose several times in a row purely by chance, regardless of previous results.

High RTP vs low RTP: what’s the best option?

High RTP games generally give players a better chance of winning back more of their wagers over time, making them appealing for those who want longer play sessions and smaller losses. Low RTP games, however, can sometimes offer bigger jackpots or special features that attract risk-takers seeking large payouts.

For example, a slot game with 97% RTP is statistically more rewarding in the long run than one with 91%, but the lower RTP option might have a massive prize pool. The best choice depends on a player’s risk tolerance, goals, and whether they prioritise entertainment or potential winnings.

🎰 How is RTP implemented in online casino games?

In online casino games, RTP is built into the game’s software and determines the average amount returned to players over time. Game developers and software providers program these percentages based on mathematical models, ensuring fairness and consistency. Players can often find RTP information in the game’s rules, paytable, or menu.

While RTP sets the expected returns, each spin, hand, or round is independent due to RNG, meaning short-term results can and do vary a lot. Here’s a breakdown of how it works in the most popular casino games.

Online slot machines

Online slots implement RTP through software algorithms that control the frequency and size of payouts. For example, a slot with 98% RTP will, over millions of spins, return $98 for every $100 wagered, but, as mentioned, short-term results will vary significantly.

Blackjack

In online blackjack, RTP depends on the particular game variant’s rules, player strategy, and deck numbers. For instance, using basic strategy and standard rules, a player may achieve an RTP of around 99%, meaning nearly $99 is returned for every $100 wagered over time.

American Roulette

American Roulette has a lower RTP compared to other variants due to the double zero on the wheel. The theoretical RTP is about 94.74%, meaning that, on average, $94.74 is returned for every $100 wagered, giving the house a 5.26% edge.

European Roulette

European Roulette features a single zero, which improves RTP to roughly 97.3%. This means that in theory $97.30 is returned for every $100 wagered, offering better odds for players compared to the American version while still giving the house a slight edge.

⭐ Top tips on finding the best casino games using RTP

While high RTP should never be considered a guarantee for game profits, here are our top five tips for finding worthwhile games using RTP.

• Check the game’s official RTP value – Always look for the RTP in the game’s information tab or paytable. This percentage helps you compare options and pick games that statistically return more money over time, improving your chances of longer play sessions.
• Prioritise games with high RTP – Choosing games with RTP above 96% can help reduce losses in the long run. While it won’t guarantee wins, it increases your potential returns and offers better value for your wagers compared to lower RTP alternatives.
• Consider volatility alongside RTP – A high RTP game might still have high volatility, leading to long dry spells before a big win. Match both RTP and volatility to your risk tolerance to have the best possible experience.
• Research the game developer – Reputable software providers follow strict regulations, ensuring the RTP is accurate and the RNG is fair. Well-known developers like Evolution Gaming and Pragmatic Play tend to offer more transparent RTP data in their game menus.
• Test games in demo mode – Trying a game for free lets you get a feel for its payout frequency, features, and volatility before risking real money. This can help you find games with RTP and gameplay you enjoy most, though be mindful that some shady casinos may use higher RTP variants of slots in free mode.

Frequently asked questions about RTP

1. What is a good RTP for slots?

A good RTP for slots is generally considered 96% or higher. This means the game is designed to return $96 or more for every $100 wagered over the long run. Higher RTP slots can improve potential returns, but short-term outcomes still depend on luck and RNG.

2. How does RTP influence game strategy?

RTP affects strategy by showing which games are more likely to return value over time. Players can use RTP to choose games that maximise long-term returns, adjust bet sizes, or select sessions that fit their risk tolerance. Combining knowledge about a game’s RTP and volatility helps you understand your chances of winning better.

3. Does higher RTP guarantee winnings?

No, higher RTP does not guarantee wins. It represents the expected return over millions of spins or rounds, and short-term results can vary greatly due to randomness, so even a 98% RTP slot may result in several losses in a row during a single session. RTP is a long-term statistical measure, and shouldn’t be used as a guarantee for anything.

4. What types of casino games have RTP?

Most casino games have RTP, including online slots, blackjack, roulette, video poker, and baccarat. Each game’s RTP varies based on rules, software design, and volatility, but it’s important to realise that randomness always plays a key role. Players wondering “What is RTP in game X?” can use the game’s menu or information tabs to see the potential returns.

5. What are common myths about RTP?

A common myth is that RTP guarantees short-term wins or that a machine is “due” for a payout. Another misconception is that low RTP games are unfair. In reality, RTP is a long-term average, and outcomes are determined by RNG, meaning luck and variance affect each session.

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chase their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – gamcare.org.uk
• GambleAware – GambleAware.org

Read our guide on responsible gambling practices.

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.