What is RTP in slots?

Understanding how the return to player rate works

Playing online slots is one of the most exciting forms of entertainment around, particularly if you are lucky enough to scoop a bumper jackpot.

While slots are classified as a game of chance, there are a few factors that can positively impact your hopes of winning big.

One of the elements that determine how much you can win is the RTP, and it is vital to understand what this is and how it works. We take a closer look.

What is the RTP?

RTP is an abbreviation of ‘return to player’. It is expressed as a percentage that represents the average amount of money you can expect to win on a slot over a sustained period of time.

Most online slots have an RTP above 90 percent, with many of the latest offering a percentage payout rate between 94-96%.

This effectively gives the casino an edge over the player, thus ensuring that the operator will make a profit in the long run.

However, as the percentage is an average figure, this means that there will be times when the machine pays out at higher than the stated RTP.

How does RTP work?

If you choose to play a slots game that has an RTP of 95%, you should theoretically receive back $95 for every $100 wagered.

It is important to remember that this figure is calculated over lengthy gaming sessions, and can fluctuate both up and down.

Players must also bear in mind that because a game offers a rate of 95%, there is no guarantee that you will receive 95 cents for every dollar you bet.

Online slots are controlled by random number generators (RNG) which regularly tested by independent organizations to ensure that the games are fair.

Using RTP to your advantage

Simple mathematics determines that slots with a higher RTP will pay out more than games with a lower rate attached to them.

On that basis, playing slots that have an RTP as close to 100% as possible will naturally improve your chances of making a profit.

The marketplace is now awash with games that have an RTP of at least 96%, thus offering players a better chance of winning than was once the case.

Online casino operators are keen to build their portfolio of customers, and providing games with a high RTP helps them achieve this.