What is RTP (Return to Player)?
Bob Mitchell
Last Updated:
15 Dec 2024
The percentage of total money wagered that a game returns to players over time. A slot with 96% RTP pays back $96 for every $100 bet, calculated across millions of rounds, not within a single session.
How RTP works
RTP is a long-run figure, not a per-session guarantee. A slot programmed at 96% RTP will return roughly $96 for every $100 wagered, but only when averaged across millions of rounds and all players combined. Your individual session can end up well above or well below that number.
The percentage is set by the game developer and verified by independent testing labs before the game reaches any casino. You can usually find it in the game's information panel or paytable, though the presentation varies by casino and developer.
What is a good RTP?
For slots, anything at or above 96% is solid. Many slots sit in the 94% to 97% range. Live table games work differently: blackjack played with basic strategy can return over 99%, while roulette sits closer to 97.3% on a European wheel. Below 94% for a slot is on the low side and worth knowing before you play.
What RTP does not tell you
A high RTP does not mean you will win more often or lose less in a short session. Volatility plays a much bigger role in your day-to-day experience. Two slots can share the same RTP but behave completely differently: one might pay small amounts constantly, the other might go cold for 200 spins then pay big. Use RTP alongside volatility when choosing games, not as a standalone measure.