What Does RTP Mean in Online Slots?

What Does RTP Mean in Slots?

What does RTP stand for? RTP means Return to Player and is a percentage of the amount of money that has been bet on a slot machine that will, theoretically, be paid back to players over the long term. For instance, if a slot RTP is 96 per cent, this would mean that out of every £100 bet, the game pays back £96 to players over the long term.

This critical number is determined during the process of developing the game through millions of test spins and then verified by outside testing agencies before the slot is made available to the public.

The importance of understanding how RTP works in slots

The Return to Player works through complex mathematical algorithms programmed into each slot game. These algorithms ensure that over an extended period, the slot will pay out at the advertised RTP rate.

Important aspects of how RTP works include:

• Long-term calculation: RTP is calculated over millions of spins, not individual gaming sessions. This means your personal experience may differ significantly from the stated RTP in the short term.

• Random Number Generators (RNGs): Each spin's outcome is determined by RNGs, ensuring fair and unpredictable results regardless of previous spins.

• House edge: The difference between 100 per cent and the RTP percentage represents the casino's advantage or "house edge." For instance, a slot with 96 per cent RTP means that casino operators have a 4 per cent edge.

• Regulatory requirements: Licensed casinos must maintain minimum RTP levels and accurately display these percentages, providing transparency for players.

By knowing RTP, users can better decide which slots to play long-term for the best value, but just don’t expect it to ensure wins in shorter gaming sessions.

How Many Levels of RTP Exist?

RTP in slots can usually be divided into two kinds of domains – low RTP slots and high RTP slots. Each, in turn, provides unique features that entice varying players and play styles.

Low RTP Slots

Most low RTP slots have return percentages ranging from 88-94 per cent. Though perhaps not the most immediately enticing on the surface, these games offer some unique benefits and find favor with a unique group of players.

Pros	Cons
Often feature higher volatility, allowing for potentially larger payouts	Lower theoretical return over time
May offer more exciting bonus features and gameplay elements	May deplete your bankroll faster
Typically include progressive jackpots with huge potential wins	Longer losing streaks are more common

Examples of popular low RTP slots

Mega Moolah (88.12 per cent RTP): Known for its record-breaking progressive jackpots, this Microgaming title sacrifices RTP for the chance at multi-million-pound prizes.

Dead or Alive (96.8 per cent RTP): While not extremely low, this NetEnt classic combines a slightly lower RTP with extremely high volatility. It has a sizeable jackpot but comes with high risk.

Divine Fortune (94.7 per cent RTP): This NetEnt progressive jackpot slot offers ancient Greek mythology theming with three different jackpot levels.

High RTP Slots

High RTP slots have return percentages of 97 per cent and above, with some returning as much as 99 per cent.

Pros	Cons
Better long-term value for players	Often feature smaller maximum win potential
Bankroll tends to last longer	May have simpler gameplay with fewer bonus features
More frequent wins (especially in low-volatility high-RTP slots)	Less likely to include progressive jackpots
Ideal for completing wagering requirements on bonuses

 

Examples of popular high RTP slots:

Blood Suckers (98 per cent RTP): This NetEnt vampire-themed slot is renowned for its exceptionally high return rate combined with low volatility, making it a favorite for bonus wagering.

Starmania (97.87 per cent RTP): NextGen Gaming's space-themed slot offers a stellar RTP with medium volatility and frequent wins.

1429 Uncharted Seas (98.6 per cent RTP): This beautifully designed Thunderkick slot features one of the highest RTPs in the industry alongside medium volatility.

Are RTP and Volatility Related?

While RTP and volatility are both important parts of slots, they measure two very different sides of gameplay and aren’t directly connected. Knowing how they intersect is key to figuring out the best slots for your style of play.

RTP in slots is a widely used indicator of the theoretical percentage of all wagers that a game will return to its players, calculated over time and according to long-term expected returns.

Statistically speaking, a definition for volatility (or variance) would be the level of predictability of a game’s returns. A game is either high or low volatility based on how often and how much a game pays.

These two metrics work together to define a slot's overall behaviour:

• High RTP, Low Volatility: Provides regular small wins and extended play life, ideal for conservative players or bonus play.

• High RTP, High Volatility: Provides long-term value with the prospect of large wins.

• Low RTP, Low Volatility: Most undesirable since it provides poor value and limited potential for large wins.

• Low RTP, High Volatility: Can offer a high return but comes with a much greater risk for players.

A slot machine's RTP reveals how much money you can realistically expect to be returned in the long term, while volatility reveals how that payment will be dispersed – in multiple small chunks or a handful of large ones.

For more detailed information about this topic, read our full article where we explain What Does Volatility Mean In Online Slots.