The RTP or ‘return to player’ in a slot game is shown as a percentage and represents the average amount of money the player gets back over the long term. The game developer states this percentage in the game specs. The developers and specialized testing agencies test the RTP for accuracy so you, as a player, can have confidence that a game is fair.
Return-to-player (RTP)
If an online slots game has an RTP of 95% and you wager $1 on it, you’re likely to get $0.95 back. If you wager $100 on the same game, your return is likely to be $95 on average. You can’t apply this percentage over a short time. Over a small number of plays, your personal RTP can be higher or lower than the expected average. It’s important for you to understand that the RTP is a theoretical concept calculated over an extended period that does not guarantee your individual wins or losses in a single session. You would need to play the game millions of times to realize the exact RTP.
House edge
The house edge is the advantage a casino has over you when playing a specific game. RTP is on the opposite side of the house edge. When adding how much you get back on average over time and how much the casino keeps, it equals 100%. For example, if the RTP is 95%, the house edge or profit for the casino will be 5%.
Calculating RTP
A simple formula for calculating RTP is to divide the total amount players wager on a game by the total amount they win. The result is expressed as a percentage, which represents the long-term expected return.
Calculating RTP isn’t usually as simple as this and involves a complex statistical analysis. It has to take into account every possible outcome of a particular online casino game. The RTP of a game with more paylines and bonuses will be different from that of a basic slot game. One with a progressive jackpot or a lucrative bonus may have a lower RTP.
When calculating RTP, as in conducting research in AI, various tools may come into play. They may simulate millions of spins to ensure that the outcomes are in line with the associated probabilities. This helps to verify the payout frequency of prizes.
RTP and slots
The RTP on slot games is generally lower than on table games like blackjack, which are skill-based. Trustworthy operators will display the RTP values openly. They will ensure the accuracy of a stated RTP through rigorous testing by independent auditors such as eCOGRA, which offer RTP verification services. This ensures that the theoretical RTP of a game matches the actual RTP. By providing accurate RTP information, operators show transparency and a commitment to fairness. You can trust that you’re playing a game with known odds.
However, if you aren’t playing at a licensed online casino, you may be subjected to various online scams and have no guarantee that the RTP is accurate. Unlicensed operators may alter the RTP of games as they don’t have regulatory bodies preventing them from doing so.
You need an accurate RTP to help you make a decision about which slots to play. Comparing RTPs of different games allows you to choose those with a more favorable payout structure.
The RTP and volatility of a slot can help you to identify games that suit your risk preference. Most slots with a high RTP are less volatile and offer small but frequent payouts. Slots with a low RTP may be highly volatile with larger but less frequent payouts.