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What Does (Return to Player) RTP Mean?

A casino game’s RTP refers to the percentage that a player is likely to win over a large number of bets. For instance, a game might have a 96% RTP. Here, players could receive payouts 96 times out of 100 wagers. However, each game has a different RTP, and the true rate can vary for each spin.

An example of RTP is if you played the popular Mega Moolah slot from Microgaming. This well-known game has an 88.2% RTP. As a result, you would expect a winning spin 88.2 times out of 100, on average.

Be aware that all RTPs are a guide and not always 100% accurate. The true value for a smaller number of spins or bets is much more likely to be lesser or greater. Also, when selecting a slot game, use other game information, such as volatility, to make a judgment on whether it is right for you.

RTP Ranges for Slots

Low – (90-94% rtp)

Medium – (94-96% rtp)

High – (96-99% rtp)

How Does RTP Affect Slot Games?

RTP levels can significantly affect casino slot games and player approaches. Ultimately, slots have many different features (also known as mechanics) that work with the RTP to impact your gaming experience.

Generally, anything above 96% is considered a high RTP and below 96% is a low rate. The lower RTP games, like Mega Moolah, have below-average returns. Others, such as the 99% Mega Joker game, have higher RTPs, providing more frequent payouts.

These differences in RTP rates usually impact the gameplay. Many slots with smaller RTPs have larger bonuses, progressive jackpots and other prizes. Yet, the higher RTP slots might have fewer bonuses but more low-level multipliers in the general gameplay.

However, neither a high nor a low RTP is better or worse. Often, you are likely to find that slots with higher returns have low volatility, meaning payouts are low but frequent. Similarly, high-rated slots usually have less regular payouts, but jackpots and bonuses bump up the earning potential.

The RTP also affects slots over a long period, and the rate is calculated at hundreds of thousands of spins. Due to this, the majority of short-term players are likely to see a different RTP when playing for 10, 20, 30 or more spins.

Always view the RTP of slots with an open mind and never take the value for complete truth. The best way to decide if a high or low RTP slot is right is to try it via a free demo version.

How Does RTP Affect Live Casino Games?

Often, online betting sites offer live casino games with a wide variety of RTPs. Some examples of live casino games include blackjack, poker, roulette and less popular options like keno and baccarat.

Each of these games will have its own RTP. For example, European Roulette’s RTP is around 97%, while video poker can have a rate of around 99%. The RTPs for live casino games depend on various factors like the gaming developer and game variant. Some developers may implement higher or lower RTPs, and game variants, like Texas Hold Em and Deuces Wild poker, have variable RTPs.

Ultimately, just like in brick-and-mortar casinos, live casino betting is based on chance as well as probability. The RTP is a guide to show players their potential returns over a long period. As a result, bettors must combine RTP knowledge with betting strategy and bankroll management for a rounded and considered approach.

Which Slot Games Have the Highest RTP?

Some slot games are renowned for providing the highest RTPs compared to competitors. The following games are well-known slots that have particularly high RTP levels.

  1. Mega Joker by NetEnt – 99%
  2. Jackpot 6000 by NetEnt – 98.99%
  3. Blood Suckers by NetEnt – 97.99%
  4. Immortal Romance by Microgaming – 96.86%
  5. Fat Santa by Push Gaming – 96.45%
  6. Hall of the Mountain King by Quickspin – 96.29%
  7. Starburst by NetEnt – 96.09%
  8. Divine Fortune Megaways by NetEnt – 96.09%
  9. Dark King Forbidden Riches by NetEnt – 96.06%
  10. Fortune Coin by IGT – 96.02%

From the list above, we can see that NetEnt casino game provider offers some of the highest RTP slots today. The igaming brand combines above-average RTPs with standout graphics and gameplay to offer an immersive gaming experience.

What Is the Difference Between House Edge And RTP?

House edge and RTP are opposite concepts that represent profit for the casino and the player. RTP shows the winning potential to the player, and house edge refers to the expected profit the casino will make.

RTP is represented as the larger figure, i.e. 95%. From this, the house edge is the remaining percentage (5%). Therefore, if you bet on a game with a 97% RTP, the casino would make a 3% profit over 100 bets.

An example would be if bettors played roulette, which has an estimated RTP of 97%. 97 times out of 100, the player would win at roulette. However, every 3% goes to the house (casino).

Players can utilize their knowledge of RTP to calculate the potential house edge taken by the casino. Before playing a game, review the RTP and house edge percentages and choose the games which work for your circumstances.

Which Live Casino Games Have the Best RTP?

Liver dealer casino games offer a blend of real-life action with in-play action and bets. Some of the most common and popular live dealer games online include blackjack and roulette.

Best RTP Live Roulette Games

Live roulette is where players stake whether a ball on a large spinning wheel will land on red or black. Bettors can also bet on individual numbers and zero. These are some of the highest RTP live roulette games on offer today.

  1. Royal Riches Roulette by Live888 – 97.6%
  2. Lightning Roulette by Evolution Gaming – 97.3%
  3. Salon Prive Roulette by Evolution Gaming – 97.3%

Best RTP Live Blackjack Games

Blackjack is another popular online casino game where players try to beat the dealer’s hand or score 21. Currently, some of the leading blackjack online live dealer games have higher than average RTP levels.

  1. Lightning Blackjack by Evolution Gaming – 99.56%
  2. Exclusive Blackjack by Evolution Gaming – 99.29%
  3. Bombay Club Blackjack by Live 88 – 99.29%

Best RTP Live Game Shows

Online casino live game shows are similar to TV game shows. A host will run the game and explain the rules while bettors wager on jackpot wheel outcomes and other events. Check out the RTP rates on these popular casino game shows.

  1. Evolution Live Dream Catcher – 96.58%
  2. Crazy Coin Flip by Evolution Gaming – 96.05%
  3. Crazy Time by Evolution Gaming – 95.5%

Crash Games

Crash gambling games are modern casino games where players cash out before a virtual plane or jet leaves the screen. These casino games have become popular due to low-stakes options and interactive gameplay. Below, you can view some of the most played online crash games.

  1. Aviator – 97.3%
  2. JetX – 97%
  3. Spaceman by Pragmatic Play – 96.5%

My Top 3 Tips for Playing High RTP Games

High RTP games can be an appealing choice for many bettors. New customers, in particular, often prefer the higher-level RTP slots and casino games due to their payout regularity.

However, it’s important for all players to approach slot and live dealer games with different strategies. Using just one or two well-considered approaches to betting on high RTP casino games can improve your betting decisions. Also, committing to a strategy means you are less likely to make random bets on online casinos, which comes with greater risks.

Before joining a betting site and wagering real money on high RTP games, implement one of our expert tips below.

  1. Understand game mechanics: As well as viewing a game’s RTP, look at other features, like bonuses and volatility. Combine all of this information towards choosing which game you want to play and why.
  2. Utilize demo play and free spins: Using free-to-play demos of casino games and slots is an ideal way to try a game. Here, you can play without betting any of your own money on stakes. Also, you can see how the game works and judge whether it is right for your gambling needs. Use free spins to try games, too as these casino bonuses can protect your personal bankroll.
  3. Don’t commit your entire bankroll: Avoid putting your entire bankroll into high RTP slots. While they might seem tempting for regular payouts, the actual returns could be much less. Try and use a balanced approach to casino betting and try different games with high and low RTPs. Over time, you can develop further strategies and utilize them effectively.

FAQs About RTP

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Who decides a casino game’s RTP?

Igaming companies, like IGT, NetEnt and Microgaming, create casino games and set the RTP. However, these developers are monitored by regulatory bodies and must ensure fairness and transparency with their game mechanics. Slot games are tried and tested by external companies before release to ensure fairness and to check the game’s quality.

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Which is better to play high or low RTP slots?

A high or low RTP game is not better than the other. However, you can choose an RTP slot or casino game based on your own betting experience and finances. Sometimes, new players with a small bankroll prefer higher RTP games with more regular payouts. But high roller players with much experience may prefer lower RTP casino games, which often have higher payouts.

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Which slots have 99% RTP?

Mega Joker is one of the only current online slots that offer a 99% RTP. Any games that have over 96% are considered high RTP games. These include Jackpot 6000, Bloodsuckers and Immortal Romance.

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Which casino game has the best RTP?

Lightning Blackjack by Evolution Gaming has the best RTP. At 99.56%, it has an extremely high RTP. However, some slot games also have RTPs well above 98%.

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What slots make the most money?

All slots have different RTPs and house edges. Also, the RTP is calculated over a long playing period so it’s not a true reflection of short-term play, which most players enjoy. Ultimately, it’s important to select a slot that you enjoy and that suits your betting circumstances.

Marie Claire Graham
Marie Claire Graham Author
With 9 years of experience in all things related to online casinos, Marie-Claire Graham is our online gambling expert. She has written everything from casino reviews to news stories and blogs, but her passion lies in games. Her hands-on experience te... Read more about Marie Claire Graham