Based on the fact that RTP stands for Return To Player, many slot and table game fans assume that the higher the RTP, the better their chances will be of winning a cash prize.

Take a look online and you’ll find plenty of sources claiming that a game with an RTP of 95% will return back £95 for every £100 you stake on it, but that’s clearly ridiculous. After all, what would be the point in wagering if you knew from the outset that they’d end up 5% out of pocket? So what is RTP, and what’s its purpose? Can it be used to inform your gaming choices? Let’s find out!

What is RTP?

Although RTP means Return To Player, it should more correctly be termed Return To Players, plural. Because this statistic is only arrived at after thousands upon thousands of games have been played. Essentially the RTP shows the total percentage of all money staked on a game over its lifetime that is returned back to the players.

Every bettor is hoping for that elusive Big Win, although there can only be a tiny minority of winners at that level. Some players are always going to have to lose so that others can come out ahead. That’s the nature of the game, after all!

Why it’s important to know a game’s RTP

All reputable developers ensure their games undergo thorough testing by an external agency to check their game statistics. And being able to check the RTP reassures players that games are legitimate, safe and fair.

Knowing the RTP of a game is particularly useful for telling you the house edge too. Subtract the RTP from 100 and you find out what percentage of all game takings end up in the operator’s hands. One of the great joys of playing online is that there are no expensive premises to maintain, and these savings are usually passed on to the player in the form of a higher RTP.

Do high RTP games deliver the biggest payouts?

It would seem reasonable to assume that better potential returns will be had from playing games with a high RTP. But let’s consider progressive jackpot slots for a moment. Although they usually have a lower-than-average RTP, they also offer a very small chance of winning a life-changing sum of money. That prospect could blow all RTP-related gaming strategies right out of the water!

And let’s take a closer look at online Blackjack. This is a game that comes with an incredibly high RTP, but that requires the player to make the optimum decision at every step throughout gameplay. There are very few players capable of playing Blackjack at that level, so the actual RTP is usually much lower than advertised.

Beware of wagering requirements!

A generous introductory bonus can be extremely useful in helping your bankroll go that bit further when you first sign up to an online casino. But be sure to check out the wagering requirements before you deposit money and start playing. You might have to play through your deposit, plus your bonus 30x or even 40x before you can withdraw any bonus winnings.

Hidden away within the terms and conditions you’ll often find that some games are excluded from contributing anything at all towards the playthrough requirement, whilst others – such as Blackjack – may only contribute 10%.

Making the most of potential returns means always looking for ways to extend the reach of your bankroll. Seeking out slots with no wagering requirements is just one way of helping yourself, along with picking out games that you already know how to play. This can help with creating winning strategies, as well as minimising losses.

Don’t dismiss low RTP games

Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to RTP. If you happen to be playing with a limited budget – which is most of us these days – then lower RTP games can often give better odds for smaller, short-term winnings.

According to the UK Gambling Commission volatility is also a consideration, so selecting games that are aligned to your attitude towards risk is something else that needs to be factored in. Lower-volatility, low-RTP games can keep even the most modest of bankrolls ticking over to provide plenty of fun and entertainment.  

But low RTP doesn’t mean that huge wins aren’t available! Progressive jackpot games are a case in point, proving there’s no easy way of categorising the level of RTP you should be looking for in your online casino gaming experience.

Are high RTP games better?

If it were down to the operators themselves to decide, they’d almost certainly come down strongly on the side of lower RTP games. After all, that’s where their biggest profits are to be made – but they’re prepared to be gracious about it! Low RTP games are more likely to be included in loyalty reward schemes, so playing these games often entitles you to enhanced bonuses and promotional offers..

In the end it all comes down to personal choice. Higher RTP games could give you the potential for some better returns, but that’s certainly not a given. Make sure you consider the finer points too, such as your attitude towards risk, the game themes, whether you enjoy progressive jackpots and the size of your gaming budget.

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