RTP at the online casino: What is it and how does it work?
RTP (Return to Player) is the theoretical return that players can expect over time. On online casino slot machines, it usually hovers around 96%, whereas in land-based casinos, the RTP tends to be between 85% and 90%.
If you’d like to learn more about casino-related terms, keep reading.
How Does RTP Work?
The RTP is calculated over hundreds of millions of game rounds. Before a slot machine gets approved by authorities, the game provider runs millions of spins over several weeks. This process allows them to give players the most accurate RTP possible.
For example, when a machine advertises an RTP of 96%, it means that for every R100 wagered, you should theoretically receive R96 back. Of course, this is only theoretical. If luck is on your side, you could win much more than that, or you could receive much less. This example is just for context, as RTP is calculated over millions of rounds.
RTP is Calculated Over the Long Term
Both online and land-based casinos calculate RTP over millions of spins, which means it is a long-term measure.
The more you play a slot machine, the closer you get to the theoretical return. The same principle applies to live games and other casino creations.
No slot machine in either online or land-based casinos has an RTP over 100%, as that would mean the game provider would lose money in the long run.
Game providers like Pragmatic Play, Nolimit City, and Hacksaw Gaming display the RTP of their slot machines in the game rules.
What is the Difference Between RTP and Variance?
RTP and variance are two completely different concepts. RTP is a long-term measure, whereas variance refers to short-term fluctuations.
RTP and Variance Can Change Depending on Your Play Style
Your playing style can influence both RTP and variance. For instance, when playing blackjack without side bets, the RTP is around 99.29%. However, the variance will be relatively low. The lower the RTP, the higher the variance or volatility.
On the other hand, if you place side bets during a blackjack session, your RTP will be lower:
- Perfect Pairs: RTP of 95.5%
- 21+3: RTP of 99.30%
In this case, the variance will increase significantly.
Roulette Example
At roulette, if you bet on colors (red or black), the RTP will be high, but the variance will be low since the payout is 2x your bet. However, if you bet on specific numbers, your RTP will be lower in the long run, but the variance will be higher, with a payout of 36x your bet if you hit the right number.
RTP and Slot Machines
RTP can also change depending on how you play certain slot machines. Take Madame Destiny Megaways by Pragmatic Play as an example. If you play without using the Ante Bet feature or Bonus Buy option, the RTP is 96.56%. However, if you activate these features, the RTP rises to 96.67%.
Variance or volatility is not limited to live games. For example, in a high-variance slot like Da Vinci’s Treasure, you might spend a lot of money trying to trigger the progressive free spins bonus without being guaranteed a big return. However, if luck is on your side, this highly volatile slot can yield significant wins, even from a small bet.
Variance and Your Bankroll
If you’re looking for a balance boost, you’ll likely opt for high-volatility slots. As with Da Vinci’s Treasure, luck can drastically increase your balance, but the high variance also means you could burn through your funds without hitting a bonus.
Your bet size also affects variance. For instance, if you start with a balance of R100 and bet R0.50 per spin, your variance is quite high—if you’re lucky, you could significantly increase your balance, but if not, your session might end quickly.
Slot Games with Low Variance
Low-variance slots tend to give frequent small wins, but they rarely offer large payouts. These games are ideal if you want a steady stream of small returns. Our top 3 favorite low-variance slots are:
- Aloha! Cluster Pays (NetEnt)
- Blood Suckers (NetEnt)
- Thunderstruck II (Microgaming)
Medium Variance Slot Machines
These slots are a good middle ground, offering balance boosts without too much risk. They provide moderate returns and still allow for bigger wins if luck is on your side. We enjoy playing these when we need a balance boost or when working through a wager requirement:
- Dead or Alive II (NetEnt)
- Vikings Go Berzerk (Yggdrasil)
- Immortal Romance (Microgaming)
High Variance Slot Machines
High-variance slots offer the potential for massive wins, but they pay out less frequently. These are ideal for players looking to boost their balance with small stakes but are willing to risk long dry spells. Here are our top 3 high-variance slots:
- Book of Dead (Play’n GO)
- Deadwood (Nolimit City)
- Razor Shark (Push Gaming)
Finding the RTP of Slot Machines
If you’re not familiar with RTP, you can find the Return to Player for each slot machine by checking the game’s information. Some providers display this directly in the game.
If not, there are alternative ways to find this information, though it may take some time. The FXI Team recommends always checking the RTP of a game before you start playing.
Game Provider Transparency
Some providers, like Play’n Go, do not display RTP on their games or website, which we believe is a drawback. However, you can find their slots on platforms like CasinoTogether.
Official Websites of Game Providers
Certain providers, such as Quickspin or Thunderkick, do not display RTP directly on their games. We believe they should improve transparency by showing this information more clearly.
However, you can find the RTP on their official websites. On Quickspin, click on the game name, and the RTP will be displayed on the game image. On Thunderkick, the RTP is listed under the game description, along with details like maximum win and release date.
On Online Casino Websites
On most online casino platforms, you won’t find the RTP of a game without launching it and checking the rules. However, one platform stands out: Wild Sultan.
At Wild Sultan, simply hover over the slot thumbnail, and the RTP will appear. This feature sets it apart from other platforms, and The FXI Team highly appreciates this level of transparency. We hope to see more online casinos adopt this practice, as it helps players make informed decisions without having to search for the RTP elsewhere.
The FXI Team encourages you to always check the RTP and variance of games before playing to ensure a better gaming experience!
