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RTP Meaning in Gambling: Your Casino Guide

oliver jackson
Written By Oliver Jackson 8 min read

Understanding RTP meaning in gambling can be your ticket to better odds and increased winnings. We cover everything you need to know in this casino guide on return to player.

RTP Meaning in Gambling

RTP, or Return to Player, is a critical factor in understanding your potential returns in gambling. It represents the percentage of wagers that a casino game is expected to return to players over time. 

For example, if you bet $100 on a slot with an RTP of 95%, you will, on average, receive $95 in winnings over the long run. In simple terms, the higher the RTP, the better your chances of winning in the long run.

Volatility vs. RTP

RTP and volatility are two essential concepts for online gamblers. While RTP indicates the long-term average return, volatility measures the risk associated with a game. Specifically, a game's volatility can be categorized as low, medium, or high.

  • Low Volatility: Frequent, smaller wins. 

  • Medium Volatility: Balance between small, frequent wins and larger, less frequent wins.

  • High Volatility: Potential for significant wins, with high risk. These games may have periods of losses before delivering a substantial payout. 

Here's the crucial connection: Games with high volatility often feature lower RTPs compared to low or medium volatility games. Why? Because the potential for big wins requires the game to allocate a larger portion of the prize pool for those massive jackpots. 

In contrast, low volatility games can afford to distribute smaller wins more frequently, resulting in higher RTPs. So, when choosing between online casino games, consider your risk tolerance. Ultimately, it's about finding the right balance between RTP and volatility that suits your preferences.

Return to Player in Casino Games

Once you understand RTP meaning in gambling and the differences between games, you can make better decisions and potentially boost your winnings. Note that RTP isn't exclusive to slots! It applies to various casino games, including roulette and blackjack.

Best RTP Slots

When it comes to online slots, some games are known for their generous RTPs. The best RTP slots include: Mega Joker (Up to 99% RTP), Blood Suckers (Around 98% RTP), and Starburst (Approximately 96% RTP).

However, you should know that the RTP of a slot can vary depending on bonus features. For instance, Monopoly Big Event has a base RTP of 96%, but when you activate the Big Bet feature, the RTP skyrockets to 99%. 

This variation highlights the importance of paying attention to these factors, as they can significantly impact your potential returns. Be sure to read the game's rules and descriptions to know what you're getting into.

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Before diving into real-money play, it's advisable to try out free slots. These are the same games but in demo mode. Many online casinos offer free slot games, allowing you to play without wagering real money.

Average RTP in Roulette Variants

Online Roulette comes in different variants, each with its own RTP percentages that can significantly influence your gaming strategy. To help you make informed decisions, below is a table showcasing the average RTP percentages for various roulette variants. 

Even if you pick the variant with the highest RTP, before you start playing, take the opportunity to test it with the free roulette version. The demo mode will allow you to familiarize yourself with the gameplay and try roulette tactics before spending real money.

Roulette VariantRTP

European Roulette

97.30%

American Roulette

94.74%

French Roulette

98.65%

Mini Roulette

96.15%

Multi-Wheel Roulette

96.60%

Average RTP in Blackjack Variants

Similar to roulette, different versions of online blackjack offer distinct RTP percentages. Below is a table of average RTP percentages for various blackjack variants:

Blackjack VariantRTP

Classic Blackjack

99.41%

European Blackjack

99.60%

Atlantic City Blackjack

99.65%

Vegas Strip Blackjack

99.65%

Blackjack Switch

99.87%

As with all other games, free blackjack is invaluable for honing your skills. Understand the rules and refine your gameplay without the pressure of real-money bets.

Finding the RTP of Casino Games

Now that you know the RTP meaning in gambling, you must be wondering how to find it. All the best online casinos provide this information within the game's settings. Here's a quick guide on how to find a game's RTP:

1. Visit the Casino Website: Navigate to the section that lists the available casino games and click on the game you're interested in playing.

2. Check the Game Information: Look for an "i" or "Help" button, usually located within the game's interface. 

3. Find the RTP: In the game information section, you should find the RTP percentage listed. 

As mentioned earlier, slots sometimes have base game and bonus round RTPs. For illustration, we've included an image from Monopoly Big Event's help menu, showcasing the separate RTPs.

rtp monopoly big event

Your Winning Casino Guide: Tips for Success

By following these tips and understanding RTP, you can enhance your gambling experience and make more informed choices when playing casino games. Remember that responsible gambling is key to enjoying the excitement of the casino safely.

  1. Choose High RTP Games: Opt for games with higher RTP percentages as they offer better long-term odds.

  2. Manage Your Bankroll: Set a budget and stick to it. Don't chase losses and know when to stop.

  3. Learn Game Strategies: Study game strategies, especially for table games like blackjack and roulette, to make informed decisions.

  4. Practice Responsible Gambling: Gambling should be for entertainment. Never wager more than you can afford to lose.

  5. Understand Volatility: Balance your game selection between high RTP and high volatility for a well-rounded gambling experience.

  6. Test Games in Free Play: As mentioned, play free casino games to practice your strategies and understand the gameplay without risking your funds.

Return to Player Conclusion

In the ever-evolving world of online gambling, RTP is your secret weapon, which is why we decided to create this casino guide. By fully grasping RTP meaning in gambling and applying it to various casino games, you can make more informed decisions and improve your chances of coming out on top. 

FAQ

What is the highest RTP slot game? chevron-down-icon

The slot game Mega Joker is renowned for its exceptionally high RTP, often reaching up to 99%. However, always check the game's information, as the highest RTPs may be reserved for bonus rounds.

Are high RTP slots guaranteed to pay out more often? chevron-down-icon

While high RTP slots do offer better long-term odds of winning, individual results can still vary due to the element of chance.

How can I find the RTP of a specific casino game? chevron-down-icon

Most online casinos provide return to player percentage information within the game's settings, under "i" or "Help," or on their website. 

Which is better: low RTP with high volatility or high RTP with low volatility? chevron-down-icon

The choice should align with your risk tolerance. High RTP + low volatility yields more consistent smaller wins. Low RTP + high volatility gives larger less frequent wins.

What's the ideal balance between RTP and volatility? chevron-down-icon

A balanced strategy might involve playing high RTP games and occasionally trying your luck on higher volatility games for potentially bigger wins. 

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