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What Is RTP in Casino Games and Why Is It Important?

28 Apr, 2025

Nick Davis

In the world of online casinos, there are numerous terms and concepts that may seem complex to beginners. One of these terms is RTP. Understanding this parameter can be the key to successful gameplay. Let's explore what RTP is and why it's crucial. We'll also learn how casinos deceive players by reducing this figure.

What Is RTP?

RTP stands for "Return to Player." It's a metric that indicates the portion of a player's wagers they can expect to get back over the long term. In simpler terms, RTP reveals how likely it is to win in a slot game and what part of the funds wagered will be returned to the player as winnings. It's like a "forecast" of how much money a player can expect to get back from their bets. Example: If a slot's RTP is 96%, it means that out of every $100 wagered by players, $96 will be returned as winnings, and $4 will go to the casino and the game provider. However, remember that this is a theoretical value, and in practice, things may work differently. You could play a slot for weeks without winning anything, or you could land a huge win on your very first spin. It all depends on luck and randomness. Nevertheless, by choosing slots with the highest possible RTP, you significantly increase your chances.

Why Is This the Most Important Parameter?

RTP allows players to assess the "fairness" of a casino. The higher this value, the greater the chances for a player to recoup their money or even win. For example, if the RTP is 99%, which is extremely rare, a player's chances of winning are equal to the casino's. If the RTP is low, the casino not only takes a significant percentage of each bet but also makes it nearly impossible for players to win. The key is to understand that RTP is a long-term metric, and things may work differently in the short term. For a complete understanding, we recommend you familiarize yourself with our guide, which covers all the basic information about how slots work: ➤ Guide – How Slots Work

What Can RTP Be?

RTP can vary depending on the game, provider, and casino. On average, a good figure is around 96%. However, many providers allow casinos to decrease this value to as low as 78%, so it's crucial to check the RTP for each slot before starting the game and avoid playing where casinos attempt to deceive you by lowering the return percentage.

RTP 96% vs RTP 80%: How Much Does the Casino Earn?

When playing a slot with 100 spins at $1 per spin, the return-to-player (RTP) percentage determines how much the casino keeps as profit. Let's take Pragmatic Play's "Sweet Bonanza" as an example, which has a high RTP of 96.51% in its standard version.
Scenario 1: RTP 96%
• Total bet: $100 (100 spins × $1)
• Expected return: $96 (96% RTP)
• Casino commission: $4 (100 - 96)
With an RTP of 96%, players have a decent chance to cycle their balance and possibly hit a big win.
Scenario 2: RTP 80%
Now, let's imagine a slot with only 80% RTP, which is extremely low by industry standards.
• Total bet: $100
• Expected return: $80
• Casino commission: $20
In this case, the casino takes five times more compared to the 96% RTP slot! With such a low return, the chances of winning are minimal, and players are likely to lose their bankroll quickly.

Always Choose the Highest RTP!

As seen in the comparison, slots with lower RTP drain the balance significantly faster. An 80% RTP slot is practically a money trap where meaningful wins are nearly impossible. That’s why experienced players always check the RTP and prefer games like Sweet Bonanza with 96%+ RTP to maximize their chances.
Calculating Casino Commission: Pragmatic Play's 'Big Bass Bonanza'
Pragmatic Play's Big Bass Bonanza is a popular slot game with a Return to Player (RTP) rate of 96.71%.
Scenario: 100 Spins at $1 Each
• Total Bet: $100 (100 spins × $1)
• Expected Return to Player: $96.71 (96.71% of $100)
• Casino Commission: $3.29 ($100 - $96.71)
In this scenario, the casino's commission is $3.29 over 100 spins.
For comparison, a slot with an 80% RTP would result in a higher casino commission:
• Total Bet: $100
• Expected Return to Player: $80 (80% of $100)
• Casino Commission: $20 ($100 - $80)
This demonstrates that lower RTP slots yield higher commissions for the casino, reducing the player's expected returns.

How to Check RTP in Slots?

Conclusion

RTP is a key parameter that helps players understand how profitable a particular slot is. By choosing games with high RTP, you increase your chances of successful gameplay. However, remember that gambling always involves risk, and no figures guarantee a win.We also recommend you read our guide: ➤ Reducing RTP in Online Casinos: What Is It and Why It Matters

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FAQ

RTP stands for "Return to Player" and represents the percentage of total wagers that a slot game is expected to pay back to players over time.

A higher RTP means a game will return more money to players over time, giving you a better chance of sustaining your bankroll and potentially winning.

Yes, some casinos can choose lower RTP versions of games, reducing the player's expected returns. Always check the RTP before playing.

A good RTP is typically 96% or higher. Slots with RTPs below 90% should generally be avoided.

Most reputable providers display RTP in the game’s information section. If you can’t find it, check the developer’s website or a trusted casino review site.

No, RTP is a long-term average. In the short term, results vary due to randomness, meaning you can still win big or lose quickly regardless of the RTP.