If you have ever played slot machines, you may have already come across the term RTP, or Return to Player. This indicator is key to understanding how slots work and what chances players have of winning. RTP reflects the percentage of all wagered funds that the game returns to players in the long term. Simply put, it shows how much money you can theoretically get back from each bet.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how RTP works and explain why this metric is so important to players. Our experts are seasoned players who can help you learn how differences in RTP can affect your gaming experience and what to look for when choosing a slot machine.

RTP in Simple Terms

RTP is perhaps one of the most important metrics to understand if you play online slots. But what is it really? Let’s figure it out.

RTP (Return to Player) – this is the percentage of all bet money that the slot machine returns to players over time. Imagine that you played a slot and bet $100. If a game has an RTP of 96%, this means that in theory the slot will return you $96. The remaining $4 is kept by the casino as profit. Well, it’s logical, because without such a return the casino could not afford to operate for a long time.

The main thing for you to understand is that RTP is not a guarantee that you will definitely get your imaginary $96 back every time you play. This is truly a theoretical value calculated over millions of reel spins. This means that one player may walk away with a win, while another may lose more than they expected. RTP helps you understand how generous a game is over the long term, but it doesn’t exactly predict the outcome of any given game.

How is RTP Calculated?

Now that we know what RTP is, let’s understand how it is calculated. You may see a number like RTP = 96.5%, but where does that come from? This process involves complex mathematical calculations that are carried out during the development phase of the game.

RTP is calculated based on a huge number of simulated gaming sessions – most often millions or even billions of spins. The mathematical model takes into account all possible combinations of symbols and their occurrence frequency. It is then determined what portion of the total bet amount is returned to players in the form of winnings. It is this process that allows you to get the average return percentage, which is RTP.

Let’s look at RTP calculations in more detail:

If a slot machine has an RTP of 96%, then the total amount of winnings in that slot machine is divided by the total amount of bets placed on the slot. Then multiplied by 100%. That is, if over a long period of time players bet $1,000,000 and won an average of $960,000, then 960,000/1000,000*100% = 96%

But we want to make it clear that this is an average calculated based on many games. In real life, your winnings or losses in a single game may differ significantly from the theoretical RTP.

Thus, RTP shows how profitable a game is in the long term, but it does not guarantee the outcome of any given game. Luck and chance still play a key role in every spin of the reels.

The Importance of RTP in Online Slots

If you want to get the most out of your slot machines, understanding the RTP is one of the first steps. Knowing this indicator can help you choose those slots that best suit your expectations and strategy.

Slot machines with high RTP, say 97% and above, most often offer better long-term returns. That is, if you play for a long time, you will most likely get more winnings compared to games with longer low RTP, for example, 90%. But you definitely shouldn’t think that a higher RTP guarantees you a win in every gaming session. No, this is only a theoretical indicator, and in the short term the results may be very different.

What is the best RTP to choose a slot machine based on?

When you choose a slot machine with a low RTP, you should be prepared for the fact that the game may turn out to be less profitable in the long run. But this does not mean that such slots should be avoided. Some may offer large jackpots or other unique features that attract players despite the lower RTP.

Our conclusion is that RTP helps assess the overall value of a game. If you prefer slow but steady bankroll growth, high RTPs may be your choice. If you’re looking for something riskier but with a chance of winning big, low RTPs might be interesting too. But always remember: even a high RTP is not a guarantee of victory, but only an indicator of potential profitability in the long term.

RTP vs. Volatility

Understanding RTP is only part of the picture when it comes to choosing a slot. There is another important parameter – volatility, and it plays an equally significant role in your gaming experience. Let’s understand how RTP and volatility relate and how they differ.

What is volatility?

Volatility is a measure of how often and how much a slot machine pays out. Slots with high volatility may not produce winnings for a long time, but when they do happen, the amounts are usually significant. While slots with low volatility are more likely to pay out small amounts, creating a more stable but less stressful gaming experience.

What is the difference between volatility and PTP?

RTP, on the other hand, it shows the average percentage of money returned to players, but does not indicate how often this return occurs. A slot may have a high RTP but also high volatility, meaning you could theoretically get most of your money back, but wins will be rare and large. Conversely, a slot machine with low volatility and the same RTP will pay out small wins more often.

Example of a game with high volatility and high RTP – these are slot machines like Book of Dead or Dead or Alive 2. These slot machines may indeed not produce winnings for a long time, but when they do, the amount can be quite large. On the other hand, low volatility games such as Starburst or Blood Suckers, often offer more frequent but smaller winnings, making them ideal for those who prefer a more consistent game of less regular but small money.

However, RTP and volatility work together in inseparable tandem to shape your ideal gaming experience. A high RTP may look attractive, but it must be considered in the context of the volatility of the game. Realizing this, you will be able to more realistically and consciously choose a slot machine that suits your preferences and playing style.

Common Misconceptions about RTP

RTP is a useful metric for understanding how a slot works, but there are many misunderstandings around it that can confuse players. Let’s look at a few common myths.

One of the most common myths is that RTP guarantees a certain amount of winnings per gaming session. This is actually not true. As we previously said, RTP is a theoretical metric calculated over millions of spins and it shows how much money is returned to players over the long term. In practice, this means that you can either win or lose more or less than expected based on RTP during a single session. Therefore, you should not expect that you will receive a certain percentage of return on your bet every time.

Another misconception is the belief that RTP may vary depending on previous spins or game history. In fact, each spin on a slot machine is independent from the previous one, and the chances of winning remain the same with each new spin. RTP does not, so to speak, “accumulate” and does not change based on how long you play or how many times you have already won or lost.

Finally, there is a myth that RTP determines how often you will win. You will be surprised, but this is also false. RTP shows the overall return percentage, but does not indicate the frequency of winnings. This is already the problem of volatility – the parameter that is responsible for the distribution of winnings. A slot machine with a high RTP may pay out rarely but in large amounts, while a slot with a low RTP may pay out small wins more often.