What does RTP mean in gambling?
RTP, which stands for Return to Player, is a term commonly used in the gambling industry to describe the expected payout rate of a game. It is typically expressed as a percentage and represents the amount of money that players could theoretically expect to receive back from the bets in that system over the long term. For example, any game with a 95% RTP rating would mean that, on average, £95 would be paid back out for every £100 that is bet. However, like we have already said, this is purely an expected percentage, and as a result of this, it is very important when considering a developer’s game offerings.
What is RTP?
The importance of understanding RTP lies in the fact that it can help players choose games with certain mechanics. This is especially important in online casinos, where there are often hundreds of different slot games. When faced with many choices, especially from an online casino catalogue perspective, individuals could feel unsure or hit decision paralysis. The sheer number of options can make it a challenging task, and making a decision comes with many steps, including comparing, contrasting, and in some cases, testing different games to find the one you prefer.
Choosing a new slot game can be difficult, but understanding RTP and knowing the sort of returns you want from a game could cut down the options drastically. This can make it much easier to choose a game that you are going to enjoy playing rather than having to test out hundreds before settling on one.
How to Calculate RTP?
RTP is typically calculated by dividing the total amount paid out by the total amount wagered over a certain period. For example, if a game paid out a total of £500,000 and players wagered £1 million over a month, the game’s RTP would be 50%. It’s important to note that this calculation is based on the long term and does not necessarily reflect a player’s individual experience in a short gameplay session.
For the most part, you will not need to calculate the RTP for a game because it will be defined in the game details, and these calculations are done by the game developer when the game is first created.
How does RTP affect online casinos?
A good RTP for a slot game can vary, but games with an RTP of 95% or higher are considered good. This means that, on average, players can expect to receive at least 95% of their stakes back. However, it’s important to remember that RTP is one of many factors when choosing a game. Other factors, such as the game’s Volatility, could also affect a player’s potential returns.
Does Volatility affect RTP?
Volatility, also known as variance, measures how frequently a game pays out and how much it pays out. A game with high Volatility usually pays out less frequently but in larger amounts, while a game with low Volatility could pay out more frequently but in smaller amounts. The relationship between RTP and Volatility is only sometimes straightforward, but in general, games with high RTP and low Volatility are considered to be the most favourable for players.
RTP can also affect online casinos in a number of ways. For one, games with a high RTP can attract more players, which can increase the casino’s revenue. On the other hand, games with a low RTP could lead to players losing money more quickly, which can result in them leaving the casino and potentially damaging the casino’s reputation.
Some games with very good RTP values include the following:
Ugga Bugga
This slot game by Playtech is widely regarded as having the highest RTP of any slot. The RTP for this game is 99.07%. This game is themed around Tiki and desert islands, and some of its symbols include a Tiki hut, some drums, a Tiki mask, a coconut cocktail and more. Playtech is a popular developer, and this game was taken in by its fans very quickly.
Mega Joker
Mega Joker by NetEnt has one of the highest RTPs in the slot game industry. With an RTP rating of 99%, this game sits second on our list. The game is themed around classic fruit machine design, with the symbols mainly being fruits and a lucky number 7. You can expect a small 3×3 reel set with 5 paylines across.
Jackpot 6000
Jackpot 6000, as implied by the title, has a maximum return of 6,000x your stake. This game was released back in 2014 with an RTP of 98.9%, sitting only just below the previously mentioned slot. NetEnt also produced this slot, so it could be suggested that they are one of the most generous slot game developers, providing many games with high RTP values.
Summary
RTP (return to player) measures the percentage of bets that a slot game is programmed to theoretically pay back to players over time. In demo versions of slot games, RTP may not matter as the games are not played with real money, and the outcomes do not affect players’ bankrolls. Overall, RTP is an important consideration for players when choosing which slot games to play, as it provides insight into how a game could perceptually play out. In the iGaming industry, RTP is regulated to ensure fairness for players and to maintain the integrity of the industry.
Responsible gambling is essential in the iGaming industry, as it ensures that players can enjoy their gaming experiences without harm. This includes setting spending limits, being aware of the potential risks of gambling, and seeking help if necessary. Players must be responsible and prioritise their well-being while gambling, as real risk always comes hand in hand with real money gameplay.
