RTP (Return to Player)
The percentage of all money bet on a game that it pays back to players over time.
RTP, or return to player, is the percentage of all money wagered on a casino game that it is designed to pay back over the long run. A slot with a 96% RTP returns, on average, $96 for every $100 bet. The remaining 4% is the house edge.
How RTP Works
RTP is calculated over millions of spins or hands. It says nothing reliable about one session: on any given day you might hit a big win or lose your whole budget on a 98% RTP game.
RTP 96%, betting $1 per spin for 1,000 spins = $1,000 in action
Expected return about $960, so an expected loss of about $40
Typical RTP Ranges
- Online slots: commonly around 94% to 97%
- Land-based slots: often lower, sometimes well below 90%, depending on the jurisdiction and denomination
- Table games: usually described by house edge instead, which works out to RTPs around 95% to 99.5%
Some slot games are released with several RTP settings, and the casino chooses which version to offer. The same game can have a different RTP at different casinos.
RTP vs. Volatility
RTP tells you how much a game pays back on average. Volatility (or variance) tells you how it pays: low-volatility games pay small wins often, high-volatility games pay rarely but bigger. Two slots with the same 96% RTP can feel very different.
Where to Find a Game's RTP
Most regulated online casinos list the RTP in the game's information or help screen. If you can't find it, the game may be running a lower-RTP version.
Key Takeaways
- RTP is the long-run percentage a game pays back to players.
- RTP = 100% minus the house edge.
- It says little about a single session.
- The same slot can run different RTP versions at different casinos.
Examples
- A slot with 95% RTP has a 5% house edge.
- Two slots both at 96% RTP can have very different volatility.
Related Terms
Test Your Knowledge
1 / 3Do you know what House Edge means?
The casino's built-in average profit on a game, shown as a percentage of each bet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good RTP for slots?
For online slots, 96% or higher is generally considered good. Many games fall between 94% and 97%.
Does a higher RTP mean I will win?
No. It means the game is expected to keep less of your money over a very long time. Short-term results are mostly luck.