Slot machines as we know them have been around since the 20th century. An integral part of any slot machine is its RTP, which determines the long-term course of the gameβand, ultimately, the overall experience. If you haven’t heard this term before, be sure to keep reading; weβll explain everything from the definition to the underlying mathematics.
The abbreviation RTP (Return to Player) is usually translated as Return to Player and is typically expressed as a percentage. Itβs a fixed value, but it varies from one slot to another. RTP represents the percentage of stakes that is returned to players in winnings over the long term.
RTP is essentially the opposite of the casino advantage, i.e. the house edge. While the house edge tells us what portion of all player stakes the casino keeps, RTP determines what percentage of the total amount wagered is returned to the player. RTP therefore shows how much the player wins, and the house edge shows how much the casino makes.
Some players may confuse these two terms, but they mean completely different things. While RTP expresses the percentage of stakes that is returned to the player over the long term, volatility affects how often and how big the wins are. You can read more about volatility in the article Volatility on slot machines.
RTP is calculated using a mathematical formula that works out the playerβs long-term theoretical return. The calculation is based on long-term monitoring of gameplay and rounds played. In the image below, you can see a simple formula that illustrates how RTP is calculated.
Imagine youβre playing a slot machine and betting Β£1 per spin. You make 100 spins, so your total stake is Β£100. Across those spins, your total winnings come to Β£96.
The theoretical Return to Player (RTP) for this slot is therefore 96%.
It is important to remember that RTP is a long term theoretical percentage, not a guarantee of what you will receive back during a single session.
For the UK market, I would replace that passage entirely, because Great Britain does not impose equivalent minimum RTP percentages of 75% or 85%. Unlike some countries, the UK does not set a fixed minimum RTP for slot machines. The gameβs theoretical RTP must instead be made available to players, helping you understand its expected long term return before you play.
If you want to calculate in advance what your potential profit or loss on a slot machine could be, you just need a simple formula. Bear in mind, though, that this is a calculation from a long-term perspective (millions of spins), so itβs not a very reliable prediction for short-term play.
Letβs look at an example on the slot machine Big Bass Bonanza Megaways.
Itβs worth knowing RTP for several reasons. If you donβt understand what it is, you can quickly end up going down the wrong path and lose both your money and the fun.
If you know what RTP means, as we explained above, it wonβt be difficult to filter out βbadβ slotsβin other words, those that would simply be money pits for you. Before you start playing any slot, check its RTP.
Once you start choosing the right games, your bankroll will thank you too, because it wonβt disappear straight away. With a higher return, you can look forward to longer play and more entertainment.
The easiest way to find a slotβs RTP is in the settings or information menu. Simply click the settings button while playing and it should be listed there.
Another option is the developerβs website. In a search engine, enter the developerβs name (Endorphina, Playβn GO, β¦) and go to their website. Then just find the slot you want to playβits RTP should be stated in the game description.
Many gambling portals have their own slot reviews. That includes our site bonus-menu.co.uk. On these sites, you just need to find the slot you want to play and, if a review exists, check the RTP in the description.
If none of the previous methods worked, you can try the game yourself. Of course, we donβt mean for real money, but the free versionβalso known as the demo version. Play for a few minutes and you should be able to roughly estimate what the slotβs RTP might be.
You can try many slots for free on our website.
Sometimes it can be a bit tricky to work out what RTP percentage is considered high and whatβs considered low. In general, itβs best to stick within the 90% β 100% range. Any slot below 90% is already extremely unfavourable for players, and youβre better off not playing it. But how do you get your bearings within the 90% β 100% range?
β€ Low RTP β less than 94%
β€ Below-average and average RTP β 94% β 96.5%
β€ Above-average and high RTP β 97% and above
If you are interested in specific slot games you can play yourself, look no further. In the clear table below, you can read about slots with the highest RTP that you can safely play at licensed casinos.
| Rank | Slot | Provider | RTP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mystery Joker | Play’n GO | 98% |
| 2 | Nebula Stars | Casimi | 97% |
| 3 | Wild Wild Best | Casimi | 97% |
| 4 | Big Bass Bonanza Megawaysβ’ | Pragmatic Play | 96.7% |
| 5 | Big Bass Christmas Bashβ’ | Pragmatic Play | 96.7% |
| 6 | Aladdinβs Treasure | Pragmatic Play | 96.58% |
| 7 | 5 Frozen Charms Megawaysβ’ | Pragmatic Play | 96.53% |
| 8 | Hugo 2 | Play’n GO | 96.53% |
| 9 | Big Bass Floats My Boat | Pragmatic Play | 96.52% |
How do we rate slot machines?
We evaluate slot machines based on multiple criteria, from which we make our final verdict.
How do we rate slot machines?
We evaluate slot machines based on multiple criteria, from which we make our final verdict.
How do we rate slot machines?
We evaluate slot machines based on multiple criteria, from which we make our final verdict.
How do we rate slot machines?
We evaluate slot machines based on multiple criteria, from which we make our final verdict.
How do we rate slot machines?
We evaluate slot machines based on multiple criteria, from which we make our final verdict.
How do we rate slot machines?
We evaluate slot machines based on multiple criteria, from which we make our final verdict.
How do we rate slot machines?
We evaluate slot machines based on multiple criteria, from which we make our final verdict.
How do we rate slot machines?
We evaluate slot machines based on multiple criteria, from which we make our final verdict.
How do we rate slot machines?
We evaluate slot machines based on multiple criteria, from which we make our final verdict.
One of the most common questions players ask is βWho can determine the RTP level?β Or whether it can be influenced at all, and who has the final say? Thereβs a simple answer to that.
The RTP of a slot is set solely by the game developers of the game itself. Players have no way to influence the RTP percentage in any way. The only situation where RTP can be adjusted is when the manufacturer sets an RTP range. From this range, the casino can then choose which version it will run.
The only way youβll have come across where a casino can influence RTP is when the developers themselves allow it. In the slot information, you may have noticed that RTP is sometimes listed as e.g. 96% β 98%. This means the slot doesnβt have a fixed RTP, but offers multiple versions. The casino can then choose from these versions before launching the game on its site.
However, the RTP can be selected only by the casino (not players), and only if the developers allow it. Once the casino has made its choice of which version it wants to run, it canβt change it afterwards.
RTP is a very important factor that every player should pay attention to when playing slots. However, itβs a clearly defined factor and, like everything around slots, it canβt be influenced in any way. Even so, many people have misconceptions about it or believe things that simply arenβt true.
Myth β casinos can change the RTP of different slots at any time to make players lose more, or the other way around.
Truth β a slotβs RTP is set by the game developer, and the casino can only adjust it if the developer allows it.
Myth β if a player hasnβt won anything big for a long time, the slot βowesβ them and will soon balance it out with a big win.
Truth β all slots use an RNG (random number generator), so each spin is independent of the previous one. When a win comes doesnβt depend on how long youβve been losing.
Myth β if a slot is new or not played much, its RTP will pay out more.
Truth β RTP stays the same regardless of whether the game is new or not played much.
Myth β using certain strategies, e.g. only playing at a specific time when the slot is βpayingβ, increases RTP.
Truth β RTP is always fixed and wins are always completely random. No strategy can ever change that.
RTP on slot machines can be summed up as one of the most important indicators of return, and it is always fixed. In short, the higher its value, the greater the chance of getting more of your stakes back over the long run. Donβt forget, though, that long-term return doesnβt mean just a few hundred spins. Even so, knowing the RTP of a given slot is very important.
You should also focus on volatility, which is often confused with RTP. Weβve already explained the differences between RTP and volatility, so youβll know that itβs worth understanding both for the best gaming experience and a better chance of winning.
Always keep in mind that even though RTP can help you choose the right slot, it will never guarantee a win. All slot machines are based on randomness, and no strategies or tactics can change thatβso itβs important to play responsibly.
What better way to test your newly gained knowledge than (almost) in practice. On our free slots, you can try different slots with the lowest and highest available RTP. All completely free, with no registration required and using virtual money only.
How do we rate slot machines?
We evaluate slot machines based on multiple criteria, from which we make our final verdict.
How do we rate slot machines?
We evaluate slot machines based on multiple criteria, from which we make our final verdict.
How do we rate slot machines?
We evaluate slot machines based on multiple criteria, from which we make our final verdict.
How do we rate slot machines?
We evaluate slot machines based on multiple criteria, from which we make our final verdict.
How do we rate slot machines?
We evaluate slot machines based on multiple criteria, from which we make our final verdict.
How do we rate slot machines?
We evaluate slot machines based on multiple criteria, from which we make our final verdict.
Itβs a fixed value (expressed as a percentage) that represents the percentage of stakes that is returned to the player in winnings over the long term.
RTP tells you how much of your stakes youβll get back in the long run. However, it doesnβt tell you if youβll win and how much on each spin. Thatβs what volatility is forβit can at least give you a theoretical idea of that probability.
In general, itβs a good idea to look for slots with RTP higher than 90%. Ideally, play slots with 95% or more, as they are the most favourable for players.
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How do we rate bonuses?
The overall bonus rating is determined based on several factors: the amount of the bonus, the company's rating, the ease of obtaining it, the players' rating and the conditions for obtaining the bonus.
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How do we rate bonuses?
The overall bonus rating is determined based on several factors: the amount of the bonus, the company's rating, the ease of obtaining it, the players' rating and the conditions for obtaining the bonus.
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How do we rate bonuses?
The overall bonus rating is determined based on several factors: the amount of the bonus, the company's rating, the ease of obtaining it, the players' rating and the conditions for obtaining the bonus.
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How do we rate bonuses?
The overall bonus rating is determined based on several factors: the amount of the bonus, the company's rating, the ease of obtaining it, the players' rating and the conditions for obtaining the bonus.
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How do we rate bonuses?
The overall bonus rating is determined based on several factors: the amount of the bonus, the company's rating, the ease of obtaining it, the players' rating and the conditions for obtaining the bonus.
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How do we rate bonuses?
The overall bonus rating is determined based on several factors: the amount of the bonus, the company's rating, the ease of obtaining it, the players' rating and the conditions for obtaining the bonus.
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How do we rate bonuses?
The overall bonus rating is determined based on several factors: the amount of the bonus, the company's rating, the ease of obtaining it, the players' rating and the conditions for obtaining the bonus.
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