What is RTP? Return to player explained
Sign up ›If you have read about slots or casino games, you have surely come across the acronym RTP. It is one of the most useful figures for understanding a game, but also one of the most misunderstood. In this guide we explain what it is, how it is calculated and what it does not mean.
What RTP means
RTP stands for Return to Player. It is the percentage of all the money wagered on a game that, on average, goes back to players as winnings.
For example, a game with a 96% RTP pays back on average 96 pesos for every 100 pesos wagered, taking into account millions of rounds by all players. The remaining 4 pesos are the house edge.
RTP and the house edge
The two figures are two sides of the same coin:
| RTP | House edge |
|---|---|
| 97% | 3% |
| 96% | 4% |
| 94% | 6% |
The higher the RTP, the lower the house edge. But the edge always exists: no casino game has an RTP of 100% or more.
What RTP does not tell you
The most common mistake is to think that RTP tells you what you will get back. It does not:
- It does not predict a session. Over 50 spins you can double your stake or lose all of it, even if the RTP is 96%.
- It does not “balance out”. If you have gone many rounds without winning, the game is not “due” to pay you soon. Each result is independent of the last.
- It is not a strategy tip. Choosing a game with a high RTP lowers the house edge, but does not remove it.
That is why we say RTP is a figure for comparing games, not a promise.
Volatility: the other key figure
Two games with the same RTP can feel very different. The difference is volatility:
- Low volatility: small but frequent wins. Your balance moves up and down only a little.
- High volatility: big but rare wins. You can go many rounds without winning.
If your budget is small, a high-volatility game can use it up quickly, even when its RTP is high. For example, Aviator has a published RTP of 97% and lets you decide how much risk to take in each round.
How to use RTP to your advantage
- Check the RTP in the game’s information menu before playing.
- Combine RTP with volatility to choose a game that fits your budget.
- Keep RTP in mind when weighing up a bonus: a high wagering requirement on a game with a 4% house edge uses up, on average, a significant part of the balance.
- Always set a spending limit and stick to it.
Understanding RTP helps you play with realistic expectations. To see the games available, visit the main site and remember that gambling is for adults 18+ only.
Frequently asked questions
Does a higher RTP mean I will win?
No. A high RTP only means that, on average and over a very long time, the game pays back a larger share of what is wagered. In any single session you can win or lose.
Where can I see a game's RTP?
Usually in the information or rules menu inside the game itself, and on the provider's official site.