Playing slots is a thrilling and exciting experience. However, your fortune often comes down to a key algorithm embedded into every game, known as the ”return to player” rate or RTP. Understanding RTP is essential for any serious player, and learning how it works will help you make smarter decisions in your future games!

What is the return to player rate?

The return to player or RTP percentage of a slot machine represents the expected return for the sum wagered on the game. For example, a 96% RTP slot, such as NetEnt's Starburst, will return $96 to players for every $100 put into the game. The remaining 4% represents the casino’s profit margin, which players refer to as the house edge (more on that later).

In practice, however, things are more complicated. Because RTP is calculated by generating thousands or even millions of spins, the 96% average return won’t always reflect a player's experience during a single session. In the short term, results can vary significantly. Some players might hit a jackpot, while others leave empty handed.

What is RTP in slots?

Return to Player (RTP) is especially relevant for slots. Unlike table games with relatively fixed odds, slots encompass many features, pay lines, and bonus rounds, leading to significant variability in RTP. This complexity, combined with the rapid play nature of slots, means even minor differences in RTP can substantially impact a player's bankroll in a short session.

In the vast landscape of casino offerings, the sheer number of slot titles available can be overwhelming. RTP is a reference point for players to discern and compare the potential returns of various games. It also provides a measure of trust, assuring players of the fairness of a game and its potential for returns. Moreover, RTP holds added significance in the context of online casino bonuses. Many bonuses come with wagering requirements, and understanding a slot's RTP can guide players in selecting games that maximize their chances of meeting these requirements.

While RTP is a valuable metric, it's just one piece of the puzzle. If you are devising a betting strategy for your next slot game, you should also consider factors like volatility, bonus features, and jackpots.

Volatility in slots

Volatility or variance describes the return to player frequency associated with a game. High volatility slots pay out less often and are thus riskier, but wins can be very significant when they do. On the other hand, low-volatility slots offer more frequent but smaller payouts. Understanding a game's volatility and RTP can help players choose slots that fit their risk tolerance and gameplay style.

Is RTP is inversely proportional to volatility? No. A common misconception is thinking that RTP is inversely proportional to volatility. This is not the case. In fact, the same slot game with the same RTP percentage could be adjusted for higher or lower volatility.

High vs. Low Volatility in Slots

Games like progressives, combined features, bonuses, stacking multipliers, "All Ways Pays" with stacked symbols, mystery stacked symbols, fewer lines, higher bet requirements, and massive free game triggers indicate higher volatility. Games with more lines, stacked symbols in standard formats, abundant wilds, lower minimum bets, and frequent low-paying features are less volatile.

Players with a higher bankroll and planning to spend longer sessions in a game will benefit more from high volatility. Those with a more conservative bankroll should generally opt for lower volatility games that are more forgiving.

Here’s how a 95% RTP slot game might turn out over a thousand spins, depending on volatility:

As we can see, both variants trend towards the same return to player over the long term. However, in the short term, players’ experience can be drastically different. Read more on low vs high volatility straight from this blog.

How to find RTP on slots?

Finding the RTP of a slot game is relatively straightforward. Most online casinos or game developers provide this information in the game's paytable or on their website. Some regulatory bodies also require that this information be readily available to players. For instance, if you're playing a popular slot game like Starburst, you can check its paytable or search online for its RTP. It's always a good idea to check the RTP before playing a slot game, as it can give you an insight into its potential returns.

In addition to checking the paytable or the casino's website, reviews are another reliable method to find a slot's RTP. Many online casinos like MrWest host a casino blog section providing detailed reviews of slot games, including their features, gameplay, and RTP. These reviews can also give players a better understanding of the game's volatility and bonuses. Some jurisdictions or licensing bodies require online casinos to display the RTP prominently, ensuring transparency and fairness. This move is part of a broader push in the industry towards more transparency and player protection.

How does RTP work?

There are two main types of slot machines regarding RTP calculation: random and compensated. Random engines rely solely on a statistical chance to meet their RTP. The odds of winning remain constant and aren't influenced by previous outcomes. On the other hand, compensated machines adjust the chance of winning based on previous results. While they are still random, they might become more or less generous depending on their current RTP compared to their target.

The intricacies of RTP calculation might seem complex, but they're rooted in simple mathematics. For instance, if over a month, players wager a total of $1,000,000 on a particular slot, and the total amount won by players is $960,000, the RTP for that period is 96%. Understanding the difference between theoretical RTP and actual RTP is also essential. Theoretical RTP is the pre-programmed return rate, while the actual RTP is the percentage return players see in real time. The actual RTP can vary in the short term but should get closer to the theoretical RTP over a more extended period.

Here’s an in-depth video overview of how RTP works for slots and the math behind it:

Which slots have the highest RTP?

Finding out which slots have the highest RTP can help you choose more profitable gaming options. Slot manufacturers often produce games with diverse RTPs, typically categorized into low, average, and high RTP slots.

Low RTP: Slots falling in the 90% - 93% RTP range are considered low RTP games. Many of these slots, such as Mega Moolah, compensate through progressive jackpots, where a portion of the wager contributes to the ever-growing jackpot.

mega moolah slot game screenshot westcasino's online casino

Average RTP: Slots with an RTP ranging from 94% to 96%, such as Book of Dead, are deemed average.

High RTP: Slots with an RTP between 97% and 99%, such as Aztec Gold Mines, are classified as high RTP games. Online casinos, however, are less likely to offer special bonuses or free spins for these games.

It is important to remember that online casinos offer higher RTPs for their slots than brick-and-mortar casinos. This is due to their significantly lower maintenance costs and the advantage of being able to host thousands of slot games at the same time. So, if you’re looking for the best chances of winning and the biggest bonuses, online is the way to go!

Roulette RTP

Roulette is a popular casino game found in two popular variants with different RTPs. European Roulette has an RTP of 97.30%, meaning players can theoretically expect to lose $2.7 for every $100 wagered. With its additional double zero pocket, American Roulette has a lower RTP of 94.74%.

Different bets come with different RTPs. For instance, betting on red/black, even/odd, or high/low in European Roulette has an RTP of 97.30%. However, betting on a single number with a 1 in 37 chance of winning offers a much higher payout but a lower RTP. The wide variation of bets effectively works as a form of organic volatility.

What is wagering in relation to RTP?

Wagering refers to betting or staking money on a casino game or event. In online casinos, wagering requirements are conditions players must meet before withdrawing any winnings from a bonus. It's a multiplier that indicates the number of times a player needs to play through a bonus before they can cash out.

Wagering goes beyond just the act of placing bets. Understanding wagering requirements is crucial in the context of casino bonuses for slot games, understanding wagering requirements is crucial. A casino might offer a generous bonus, but high wagering requirements make converting the bonus funds into real money challenging. Stay informed to understand the wagering requirements attached to any bonus.

Betting strategies for different RTPs can be used depending on a game's RTP. Players might opt for a more aggressive betting strategy for games with a high RTP, hoping to capitalize on the favorable odds. On the other hand, a more conservative approach might be suitable for games with a lower RTP, aiming to preserve the bankroll and extend playtime.

What is house edge in relation to RTP?

The house edge is the opposite of RTP. It represents the casino's advantage or the percentage of bets expected to keep over time. For example, if a game has a house edge of 2%, the casino expects to keep $2 for every $100 wagered. The house edge varies between games, with games like blackjack offering a lower house edge than others.

While RTP represents the player's perspective, the house edge is the casino's view. It's their guaranteed profit on every bet placed. Different games have varying house edges. For instance, when played with perfect strategy, blackjack has one of the lowest house edges of any casino game, often below 1%. In contrast, games like keno or certain side bets in table games can have a 25% or more house edge. Understanding the house edge and RTP can give players a more comprehensive view of their odds and potential returns, allowing for a more informed and enjoyable gaming experience.

House edge vs. holdings in relation to RTP

While the house edge represents the casino's theoretical advantage over players, holdings refer to the actual amount the casino holds after all bets are settled. It's a real-world measure of the casino's profit and can vary from the house edge due to various factors, including player behavior, game rules, betting patterns, and more. Casino holdings are usually much greater than the house edge for games such as the abovementioned roulette due to poor player strategy. If you are looking to sharpen your skills, here is a comprehensive guide on how to play live Roulette.

Conclusion

The "return to player," also known as RTP, is an essential metric in slot machines, indicating the theoretical percentage of returns over numerous spins. However, individual sessions can differ. While RTP offers insight into potential game returns, it's one of several factors influencing a player's experience. Elements like volatility, bonuses, and wagering requirements also play crucial roles. Players can make informed choices by becoming familiar with these concepts, improving their gameplay and overall casino enjoyment. Knowledge is power when navigating the world of slots. So pick a strategy, size your bets, and get spinning!

Responsible gaming advisory:

At MrWest, we are dedicated to endorsing responsible gaming as an integral part of our customer care and ethos. We aim for you to enjoy your casino experience while fully aware of the risks of problem gambling. If you or someone you know is struggling with addictive gambling behaviors, please reach out:

Gambling Therapy: https://www.gamblingtherapy.org/
Gamblers Anonymous: http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/
Responsible Gaming: http://www.responsiblegambling.org/

Additional Resources:

Return to player - how much gaming machines payout. (2020, June 4). Gambling Commission. https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/public-and-players/guide/return-to-player-how-much-gaming-machines-payout
Cowboy Slots. (2023). Slot Machine Payback and Return to Player How does a slot machine pay out? [YouTube Video]. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyftbZ4Kqhs&t=300s