What is Return to Player (RTP)?
When you are enjoying playing your favourite titles at online casinos it is important to make yourself aware of the Return to Player (RTP). This is what will help you to understand how much you can expect to win back over time when you are playing.
To learn more about RTP and how it works, we have put together this article with everything you need to know, including what it is in more detail, how it varies depending on the game you play, how to find out about each games percentage, tips for choosing games based on RTP, and more! Keep on reading to find out more.
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By LiveScore Desk, Editorial team for sports, betting and casino Last updated: 1 May 2025, 09:45AM
What is RTP (Return to Player)?
So, what is RTP? Put simply, it is the amount of money paid back to players represented as a percentage. The percentage is the total money that is wagered in a game and then paid back to the players over time.
But how is it calculated?
RTP is calculated based on thousands of plays from various users. It is important to remember that this is not just a single player. So, if a game has an RTP of 98%, it means the game will return £98 for every £100 wagered by all players.
A key thing to keep in mind is that the RTP quoted by a game or provider is usually the theoretical RTP and applies over the long term rather than in a single session. It is not a guaranteed percentage for each session. The actual RTP is what a player actually receives over the course of a playing session.
Players can potentially maximise the returns that could be earned by selecting games with high RTP percentages—but with the rate affected by many players, nothing is guaranteed.
RTP in Popular Casino Games
To help you understand RTP, we have included examples below of how it applies to the different types of casino games.
Slots
In order to identify the best slots to play, players often judge and select them based on their RTP. The RTP of online slot games most often ranges between 90 and 98 - anything in or around the 98 mark is considered a high RTP, with the standard around 95-96. For example, the popular slot game Bloodsuckers has a 98 RTP, and Starburst sits in the middle with an RTP of 96.09.
Roulette
The RTP of American and European Roulette varies. European Roulette offers the highest RTP of the two. American Roulette typically has an RTP of 94.74, while the European variation is around 97.3. This is because American Roulette offers not just one zero on the wheel but also a double zero. So even though you will still receive the same payout for a win, with less chance of winning due to the additional number on the wheel, the RTP is, therefore, lower. European Roulette has a better RTP because it features only one zero on the wheel. While this may not seem significant, it makes a huge difference.
Blackjack
Blackjack often has one of the most consistently higher RTPs when it comes to games at online casinos. This is because, unlike slot games, Blackjack involves an element of skill when playing, as opposed to the randomness of slots. Playing by such rules can make a standard game of Blackjack have an RTP of around 99%. It should be noted, however, that different variations of Blackjack can cause a variation in the RTP as the rules slightly change.
High RTP vs Low RTP Games: What's the Difference?
Typically when it comes to RTP, a higher percentage is considered good. This is why many players may prefer playing games with higher RTPs as it could mean potentially better returns over the time that they are playing.
This is as opposed to titles with lower RTPs, often with higher volatility and bigger jackpots. However, in some situations, a player may choose a lower RTP game if they want a title with plenty of bonuses or a progressive jackpot.
House edge, another common betting term, is used to describe the odds advantage that the casino has over the player. It is the average gross profit the casino ‘house’ can expect to make from a game. It contrasts with RTP as it shows what the casino can expect to earn on a game, rather than what the player can expect to win back in time.
If you are wondering what RTP vs house edge is, either can be worked out by looking at the other. For example, an RTP of 96 means there is a 4 house edge, 92 RTP means an 8 house edge.
Does RTP Guarantee Winnings?
It is important to keep in mind that the RTP does not mean that players are guaranteed to win back a certain percentage or amount in a single playing session. The role of variance and randomness in casino games contribute
How to Find RTP Information
If you are wondering where you can find the all of the information regarding a games RTPs before getting started, we advise for players to check the game information sections or a dedicated page on an online casinos website.
It is important that users remain vigilant when it comes to selecting games based off of their RTPs. This is because some online casinos, often unlicensed sites, may offer lower than initially stated RTPs. Ensure you are always playing at a licensed online casino before you get started.
Top Tips for Choosing Games by RTP
When looking for the best online casino games to play, we have some top tips to help you find the most suitable choices.
Look for RTP Above 96% – If you are after games with higher RTPs, look at slot games. Many of the best slot games will have high RTPs around or above this percentage, including some of the most popular and recognised titles such as Bloodsuckers and Starburst.
Compare RTP Across Casinos – It can sometimes be the case that online casinos will offer the same games but with amendmended RTP percentages. It is worthwhile comparing between bookmakers to ensure you are getting the best percentage.
Check Game Volatility – A high RTP game may still have high volatility, which is why it is essential to check out both before playing. Try to balance both RTP and volatility remembering that high volatility means bigger but less frequent wins.
Play Table Games for Better Odds – As we mentioned above, it is typically games like Blackjack and also European Roulette that often have the higher RTPs than other games like slots. Stick to table games if you are after the best RTPs.
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Responsible Gambling
It is important during your time at online casinos that players pratice responsible gambling wherever possible. This includes sitting down and working out a budget that you can afford to spend at casino sites and one that you know you can stick to. Also monitor the time that you are spending at each site to make sure it is not taking up all of your time. Make use of the various responsible gambling tools that are available at casino sites too including setting deposit limits to prevent spending more than you can afford. You can also apply self-exclusions to your account should you feel the need for an extended break. For further support and information regarding your habits at online casinos reach out to the various responsible gambling orgnasiations including GamCare and GambleAware.
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