How to Find the RTP of Online Slot Machines

Want to learn more about online slot machines? Well, this is the place. Return-to-player, or RTP, is a value you may have heard of, but what does it mean?

What is RTP?

So, RTP stands for Return-to-Player and is commonly seen as a percentage value. The value represents how much of the deposited funds will be returned to a player when a winning spin is spun. Therefore, if, say, £100 was put into an 80% RTP slot machine game if a player hits the jackpot, they will get £80 back. The operating casino retains the other 20% of its profit from operating the machine and licence. The RTP is only considered for winning spins and those that equate to a considerable payout, i.e. the jackpot. Not every player will be able to claim the RTP.

As a higher RTP yields a greater prize for a winning player, slot machine users typically prefer a higher RTP value when choosing a slot machine game.

Why RTP Matters in Online Slots

While RTP is just a theoretical value worked out across many spins, it plays a huge role in how attractive an online slot is to players. For those who enjoy comparing different games, RTP gives them a glimpse into how generous a game might be over time. Even a small difference, such as a slot with 94% compared to one with 97%, could be the deciding factor. Although it cannot predict short-term results, RTP is one of the most transparent ways of tracking fairness and value in online slots.

How to Find the RTP

The RTP should be listed on every slot machine game, either online or in the real world. When choosing a specific game online, there should be an information page or pop-up where you can read this and other vital stats that are useful to know when selecting a game to play. It might be visible on another related page if it’s not there.

However, if you read all these options and the RTP still cannot be found, then withdraw funds and log out of the site immediately. This is because not showing the RTP is a red flag for any casino operation.

When it comes to physical slot machines, users should be able to find the RTP value on the machine, either on the side or near the coin slot, potentially on a sticker. Again, if you can’t find the information, think twice about playing the game.

Once a game has a set RTP, the online casino cannot change it at will or when a winning spin has been landed. The software developers often set the values when the online casino licences the game from them, meaning that they are free from ad-hoc manipulation.

What is Considered a Good RTP?

Okay, so when considering RTP values, what are typically good values and underwhelming values? The RTP can range from 70% to 90% for real-world machines. This is common and depends on how the venue owner makes money from the machine on the premises, whether they own it or not.

Online slot machines tend to have a much higher RTP value. 90% can be considered low for online slots, where the average is 94-96%, and higher-paying machines can reach 99%.

Some interesting games do not have a set RTP. Instead, they have a changing value that fluctuates from spin to spin. However, such games should still state the basic range to be clear to their players.

RTP vs Volatility – What’s the Difference?

It’s easy to assume RTP and volatility mean the same thing, but they’re totally separate. RTP is the long-term expected return as a percentage, while volatility, or variance, is how the wins are distributed.

A low-volatility slot is more likely to give out more frequent but smaller prizes, creating a steady stream of wins over a long period of time. A high-volatility slot, however, offers fewer wins but larger payouts when they do show up. Understanding both elements helps in choosing a game style that matches the player’s personal preference. Those who enjoy steady gameplay might prefer a lower-volatility game, while those seeking bigger but less frequent jackpots may sway toward high-volatility titles, even if the RTP is similar.

How Developers Set RTP Values

The RTP of online slot games, like those hosted on PokerStars, isn’t something decided at random. Slot developers calculate it early on during the design stage, balancing aspects like the symbol combinations, payline structures, special features and bonus rounds. Once decided, the RTP becomes part of the game’s mathematics and is tested by independent regulators before it can be released. 

This process makes sure that online casinos offering the game cannot alter their payout model on their own. In some cases, developers even create multiple RTP versions of the same slot, giving online casinos the choice of which version they want to host. 

RTP and Progressive Jackpots

Progressive jackpot slots are where the calculated RTP gets interesting. This is because the percentages for these games are usually lower because a portion of every bet goes into the jackpot prize pool. This reduction in average return means it appears that regular spins are less rewarding, but there’s a trade off that is extremely appealing for some players. With progressive jackpot slots, there’s a chance of winning a life-changing jackpot, albeit a small chance, which attracts players regardless of the reduced RTP. 

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