If you’ve ever looked at the details of an online slot or casino game and seen the letters RTP, you might’ve wondered what that actually means, and whether you should care.
Spoiler alert: you definitely should.
In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about RTP. Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it sounds. I’ll keep the jargon to a minimum and show you why understanding RTP can genuinely help you get more out of your online casino experience.
What Does RTP Stand For?
Let’s start with the basics: RTP stands for Return to Player.
It’s a percentage that tells you how much a casino game is expected to pay back to players over the long term.
Here’s a quick example:
- A game with an RTP of 96% means that, on average, for every £100 wagered, £96 is returned to players over time, while the casino keeps £4 as profit.
That doesn’t mean you’ll win £96 every time you play £100; it’s not that precise. RTP is calculated over millions of spins or rounds, so it’s a long-term figure. But it still gives you a good idea of how fair a game is and what you might expect over time.
Why RTP Is Important for Players
Understanding RTP isn’t just for number nerds. It’s actually one of the most useful bits of information you can use when choosing what to play.
Here’s why RTP matters:
- 🎯 Better RTP = better odds for you in the long run
- 🧠 Informed decisions: You can choose games that offer more value over time
- 💸 Smarter bankroll management: Lower RTP games might feel more exciting, but they can eat up your balance faster
If you enjoy playing online slots or table games and want to make your money stretch, then RTP is something you should absolutely keep an eye on.
How RTP Is Calculated
Without diving too deep into the math, RTP is based on how a game is programmed to behave over a long period.
Let’s say a slot game takes in £1,000,000 in bets over time. If its RTP is 96%, that means the game is designed to pay out £960,000 and retain £40,000.
This percentage is set by the game’s developer and tested by independent labs to make sure it’s accurate and fair.
🎲 Fun fact: RTP has nothing to do with short-term outcomes. You could win big or lose quickly, it all comes down to luck in the short run. RTP just gives you a sense of how generous a game is overall.
What Is Considered a “Good” RTP?
Most online slots have an RTP between 94% and 97%. Here’s how I usually look at it:
- Below 94% – Low RTP (not ideal unless you really love the game)
- 94% to 96% – Decent RTP
- 96%+ – High RTP (great choice for value-focused players)
Some slots go even higher; NetEnt’s Blood Suckers famously has an RTP of 98%, making it one of the best-paying games around. Meanwhile, classic fruit machines and branded slots sometimes dip as low as 92% or lower.
The difference might seem small, but over time it can really add up, especially if you’re playing regularly.
RTP vs. Volatility: What’s the Difference?
People often confuse RTP with volatility, but they’re actually two separate things.
Here’s a simple way to think about it:
- RTP = how much a game pays back over time
- Volatility = how often and how big those payouts are
So you could have two games with the same RTP, but totally different play styles:
- High volatility: Bigger wins, but less often (think jackpot-style slots)
- Low volatility: Frequent small wins that keep your balance ticking along
👉 Example:
A slot might have a 96.5% RTP, but if it’s high volatility, you could go dozens of spins with nothing – then suddenly hit a huge win. Another game with the same RTP but low volatility might give you small wins every few spins.
Both are fair. It just depends on what kind of experience you prefer – slow and steady, or swing-for-the-fences?
Does RTP Apply to Table Games Too?
Absolutely. RTP isn’t just for slots – it applies to roulette, blackjack, baccarat, video poker, and most other casino games too.
In fact, some table games have higher RTPs than slots, which is why they’re popular with more strategic players.
Here’s a quick look:
- European Roulette: ~97.3% RTP
- Blackjack (with perfect strategy): Up to 99.5%
- Baccarat: Around 98.9% on banker bets
- Video Poker (like Jacks or Better): Up to 99% with correct play
Of course, the key with these games is understanding the rules and (if applicable) using the right strategy to achieve those RTPs.
Do All Casinos Offer the Same RTP for a Game?
Not always – and this is where it gets interesting.
Some game providers allow casinos to choose from different RTP versions of the same slot. So while one casino might offer a game at 96%, another might list it at 94% to increase the house edge.
Sneaky? A bit.
But that’s why it’s smart to stick with transparent, trusted casinos that list their RTPs clearly. Many of the best free spins casinos even let you see the RTP inside the game menu or help section.
🧩 Tip: If you’ve played a favourite game at one site and suddenly feel like it’s gone cold somewhere else, it might be running on a lower RTP version.
Where Can I Find the RTP of a Game?
You’ve got a few options:
- In-game help menu – Most slots include an information or paytable section where the RTP is listed.
- Casino help pages – Some casinos publish full RTP lists for all their games.
- Game provider websites – Studios like Play’n GO or Red Tiger sometimes post RTP ranges.
- Casino review sites – Bonus if you’re already comparing free spin casino offers, you’ll often find RTP details in the game summaries.
If you don’t see the RTP easily, don’t be afraid to ask customer support. A reputable casino will always provide it.
Can RTP Help Me Win?
RTP doesn’t guarantee anything in the short term, but it can help you make better choices that give you the best chance over time.
Let’s say you’re claiming a free spins offer. If you know the RTP of the slot those spins are tied to, you can get a sense of how much value the offer really holds.
🎯 Example:
A free spins bonus on a 96.5% slot is more generous than one on a 92% slot, even if the number of spins is the same.
So yes, while you can’t use RTP to predict outcomes, it’s one of the smartest tools you have as a player to spot value.
Final Thoughts: RTP in a Nutshell
So, what have we learned?
- RTP is a percentage that shows how much a game pays back to players over time
- It’s not a guarantee, but a long-term average
- Knowing the RTP can help you choose better games, manage your bankroll, and get more from bonuses
- Combine RTP with an understanding of volatility for a fuller picture of how a game plays
- Not all casinos offer the same RTP versions, so choose wisely!
Whether you’re claiming a deposit bonus, playing a few free spins, or just trying a new slot for fun, having a basic grasp of RTP gives you a real edge.
It’s a small detail that can make a big difference over time, and the more you play, the more that matters.
If you’re ready to put your new knowledge into action, check out our top-rated free spins casinos and see which ones are offering great-value games with high RTP. Happy spinning, and may the odds be ever in your favour!