RTP and Online Slots Explained
What Return to Player really means, how it links to volatility and how to use it
What Does RTP Mean in Online Slots?
If you’ve played slots online or in a land-based casino, you’ve probably seen the term RTP. But how many players really know what it means? It’s one of the most important numbers in any slot game.
In this guide, we explain RTP in plain English. We also look at how it links to volatility, and how it should affect the games you choose to play.
RTP at a Glance
| What RTP stands for | Return to Player |
| What it measures | How much a slot pays back over a huge number of spins |
| How it’s shown | As a percentage, such as 96% |
| What it doesn’t do | Predict your result in a single session |
| Where to find it | The game’s help or info screen |
| Related term | Volatility, which shapes how the RTP is paid out |
RTP Explained
RTP stands for Return to Player. It describes how much a slot pays back to players over a very large number of spins. It’s shown as a percentage.
For example, say a slot has an RTP of 96%. Over time, it will pay back $96 for every $100 that goes into it. The other $4 is the casino’s edge.
This number is worked out over a huge number of spins, often millions. It makes no difference whether these are free spins or real money spins.
Why Your Results Can Be Different
RTP is a long-term average, not a promise for each session. In the short term, anything can happen.
You don’t know how many spins the slot machine has made, or what comes next. That’s the thrill of gambling. You could land a big win early on, or you might have a quiet session.
How RTP Is Set in Slots
Setting up a slot’s RTP is complicated. The more features a game has, the harder it is to get right. Game makers need to balance every symbol, payline and bonus so the game pays back exactly as planned.
All slots are programmed to return a set share of the money that goes in. If a slot’s RTP is 98%, it will return 98% of all money played over a very long time. The share is spread across small wins, big wins and bonus features.
For example, our review of the Kick Ass slot from 1×2 Gaming lists an RTP of 96.90%. Over a very long time, the game is designed to pay back 96.90% of the money played on it.
The Difference Between Volatility and RTP
These two ideas are closely linked, but they’re not the same thing. It’s important to keep them apart.
RTP tells you how much a slot pays back over time. Volatility, also called variance, tells you how it pays that money back.
| Low volatility | High volatility | |
|---|---|---|
| How often wins land | Often | Less often |
| Typical win size | Smaller | Larger |
| Where the RTP sits | Spread across the base game | Mostly in the bonus features |
| Best for | Longer sessions on a small budget | Players chasing big wins |
High volatility games build much of their RTP into bonus features. So, they have fewer small and medium wins in the base game to make up for the big wins. That’s why a high RTP slot isn’t always the best choice for a smaller budget.
Hit Frequency: Another Useful Number
Some game makers also share a game’s hit frequency. This shows how often a spin lands any win at all.
For example, NetEnt’s website lists Robin Hood: Shifting Riches with a 96.75% RTP and a 36% hit frequency. Red Tiger lists Robin Hood’s Wild Forest at 95.73% RTP, with a hit frequency of 27.46%.
So, the first game has both a slightly higher RTP and more frequent wins. Numbers like these help you compare games beyond the theme.
Facts and Myths About RTP
There are plenty of myths about RTP. Here are some of the most common, and the truth behind them.
Can casinos change a slot’s RTP?
Online casinos don’t own most of the slots they offer. They license them from game makers, and the games usually run on the game maker’s own servers. So, a casino can’t change the RTP while you play.
Even so, many game makers offer the same slot in more than one RTP setting. The casino chooses which version to use. That’s why the same game can show a different RTP at different casinos.
Do progressive jackpots affect the RTP?
Yes, in most cases. Some jackpot slots advertise an RTP of, say, 95%. But part of that figure is the money going into the jackpot.
So, unless you win the jackpot, you’re effectively playing at a lower RTP. Keep this in mind with any progressive slot.
Does a high RTP mean I’ll win?
No. A high RTP improves your chances over a long time, but it doesn’t guarantee a win. In any single session, luck plays the biggest part.
How to Find a Slot’s RTP
Most online slots show their RTP in the help or info screen. Look for a section called rules, paytable or game information.
Some game makers also list the RTP on their own websites. If the casino’s figure is different, the casino may be using a different version of the game.
Our list of best paying slots is a good place to start if you want higher RTP games.
How to Use RTP When Choosing a Slot
RTP is a useful tool, but it’s not the only thing to think about. Here’s a simple way to use it:
- Check the RTP: look for 96% or higher where you can.
- Check the volatility: match it to your budget and playing style.
- Compare versions: the same game can have a different RTP at another casino.
- Think about features: pick a game you’ll actually enjoy.
- Set a budget: no RTP can beat the house edge in the long run.
For more ideas, read our online slots tips.
RTP vs House Edge
The house edge is the flip side of RTP. It shows the share of money the casino expects to keep over time.
To work it out, take the RTP away from 100%. A slot with a 96% RTP has a house edge of 4%. The higher the RTP, the lower the house edge.
RTP Online vs in Land-Based Casinos
Online slots often have higher RTPs than machines in land-based casinos. There’s a simple reason for this.
A land-based casino has to pay for buildings, staff and floor space. Online casinos have lower running costs, so they can afford to pay back more. That’s one reason many players enjoy spinning online.
Even so, it varies from game to game. Always check the figure for the slot you choose.
Common RTP Ranges
Most online slots fall within a fairly narrow range. Here’s a rough guide:
| RTP range | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| 97% and above | Very high for a slot |
| 96% to 97% | Around the online average or a little above |
| 94% to 96% | Slightly below average |
| Below 94% | Low, often seen in jackpot games |
These ranges are only a guide. Always check the exact figure for the game you’re playing.
What We Changed in This Guide
- Casino RTP myth: we’ve explained that many games come in more than one RTP version.
- Hit frequency: we’ve added real examples from NetEnt and Red Tiger’s websites.
- House edge: we’ve added a simple way to work it out.
- Structure: we’ve added tables, a tip box and FAQs.
RTP FAQs
What does RTP stand for?
RTP stands for Return to Player.
What is a good RTP for an online slot?
Around 96% is a common online average. Anything higher is generally good.
Does RTP change while I’m playing?
No. The RTP is set by the game version your casino uses.
Is a higher RTP always better?
It’s better over the long term. Even so, volatility affects how the money is paid out, so think about both.
Why does the same slot have a different RTP at different casinos?
Many game makers offer more than one RTP version. Each casino chooses which one to use.
Do bonus rounds count towards the RTP?
Yes. The RTP covers every way the game pays, including free spins and bonus features.
Final Thoughts on RTP
RTP is a simple idea once you know how it works. It tells you how much a slot pays back over time. Volatility then tells you how that money is paid out.
Use both numbers to choose games that suit your budget and style. Above all, remember that slots are entertainment. For tips on staying in control, visit our responsible gambling page.
Comments are closed.