What is RTP? All You Need To Know
So, if you’re new to the whole world of casino games and online gambling, you might be asking, what is RTP?
RTP is one of those crucial concepts that you’ll see around a lot if you’re playing at online casinos (or land-based casinos for that matter), especially if you’re going to be playing the pokies in the casino slots section.
The purpose of this guide is to provide a comprehensive understanding of RTP at online casinos. We hope to equip you with the knowledge necessary to grasp the concept of RTP, its calculation, and its implications on gameplay.
Additionally, the guide will explore:
- factors that influence RTP,
- tips for finding high RTP games, and the
- responsible gambling aspect of RTP.
- how to calculate RTP
So without, further ado, let’s take a dive into how the return to player indicator works at online casinos, and why it’s so essential in the gambling world.
RTP at Online Casinos
Understanding slot RTP (commonly known as pokies) is essential for online casino players as it allows them to make informed decisions when choosing which games to play.
By knowing the RTP of a game, players can assess the potential profitability and compare different options to heighten their chances of winning a pokie slot game. It also helps in managing expectations and budgeting effectively, as games with higher RTP tend to provide better long-term returns.
What Does RTP stand for?
The term RTP stands for “Return to Player.” In simple terms, RTP represents the average amount of money that players can anticipate winning from a game based on statistical calculations.
For example, if you’re browsing through an online casino site, and one of the online pokie slot machines has an RTP of 95%, it means that, on average, for every $100 wagered on that game, $95 will be returned to players as casino winnings.
It’s a helpful indicator to ascertain when the winning combinations will come through.
How Is It Calculated?
RTP is calculated based on an extensive statistical analysis of the game’s outcomes over an enormous number of rounds or spins to ensure an accurate indicator is achieved. The calculation takes into account all bets made by players and the corresponding payouts.
The typical formula for calculating RTP is:
RTP = (Total amount returned to players / Total amount wagered) * 100
After this sum is carried out, the resulting percentage received represents the average amount of money players can expect to win back over time from the game.
RTP and Long Term Payout
RTP percentage is crucial in assessing the long-term payout potential of a game. It provides players with an understanding of how much they can anticipate winning back from their wagers over an extended period.
Games with higher RTP values generally offer better chances of winning in the long run compared to those with lower RTP. By considering the RTP of a game, players can make more informed decisions about which games to play and allocate their bankroll accordingly.
RTP and House Edge
The house edge is the mathematical advantage that the casino holds over players in a game. It is essentially the inverse of the RTP. While the return to player RTP represents the percentage of money returned to players, the house edge represents the percentage of money that the casino expects to keep as profit over time.
The house edge applies to all casino games, not just the online pokie slot machine.
If we want to take a more mathematical glimpse at the relationship between RTP and house edge, it can be expressed as follows:
House Edge = 100% – RTP
Therefore, the higher the RTP of a game, the lower the house edge, and vice versa. A game with a 95% RTP would have a 5% house edge, meaning that, on average, the casino would retain 5% of the total wagers as profit in the long run.
Understanding the relationship between RTP and the house edge helps players gauge the profitability of a game and make informed choices based on their desired balance between potential winnings and the casino’s advantage.
What RTP to Expect
The range of RTP percentages in online casino games can vary greatly depending on the type of game and its specific characteristics.
However, as a general guideline, most online casino games tend to have RTP percentages ranging from around 85% to 98%. Slot games often fall within the range of 92% to 98%, while table games like blackjack and roulette may have RTP percentages between 94% and 98%.
It’s important to note that these are approximate ranges, and individual games may have RTP values that fall outside of these ranges.
Identifying high and low RTP games
To identify high and low RTP games, players should compare the percentages offered by different games. Generally, games with RTP percentages above 95% are considered high RTP games, as they provide a higher expected return to players over time.
On the other hand, games with RTP percentages below 90% are typically considered low RTP games, meaning that the casino retains a higher percentage of the wagers. By comparing the RTP values of various games, players can select those with higher expected returns.
Understanding Casino RTP Percentages
RTP percentages have direct implications on player winnings in the long run. Games with higher RTP percentages offer better chances of winning over time. For example, if a game has an RTP of 96%, it indicates that, on average, players can expect to win back $96 for every $100 wagered over an extended period.
It’s important to note that individual results can deviate significantly in the short term due to the inherent randomness of casino games. However, by choosing games with higher RTP percentages, players increase their chances of achieving more favourable outcomes and potentially maximising their winnings in the long run.
Understanding the typical range of RTP percentages, identifying high and low RTP games, and comprehending the implications of RTP percentages on player percentage and wagered money enables players to make informed decisions when selecting games. By opting for games with higher RTP values, players increase their chances of enjoying a more favourable return on their wagers and potentially enhancing their overall casino experience.
RTP and Gambling Responsibly
When it comes to RTP, it is important for punters to set realistic expectations and gamble responsibly.
While RTP provides an indication of the average amount of money that can be won over time, it does not guarantee specific results in individual gaming sessions. In short, don’t put all of your resources on the back of a theoretical RTP.
Players should understand that RTP is a long-term statistical measure and that their actual results can vary significantly in the short term. Setting realistic expectations helps players avoid chasing losses or developing unrealistic beliefs about their potential winnings based solely on RTP percentages.
Budgeting and bankroll management
RTP can play a role in budgeting and bankroll management strategies.
By considering the RTP of a game, players can allocate their bankroll effectively, taking into account the potential returns and volatility associated with different games. It is advisable to choose games with higher RTP values when aiming for longer gameplay sessions and more conservative bankroll management.
Conversely, when seeking higher-risk and potentially higher-reward experiences, players may opt for games with lower RTP but higher volatility. Responsible budgeting and bankroll management based on RTP can help players enjoy a sustainable gambling experience.
Results from RTP
The most important thing one must take into account about RTP is that while it is a valuable indicator, a high RTP is not a one-way ticket to the bank.
Generally speaking, the outcomes of casino games are determined by random number generators (RNGs), ensuring that the given game is marked by fairness and unpredictability on both sides of the fence. As a result, individual gaming sessions can deviate significantly from the expected RTP. Some sessions may result in significant winnings, while others may lead to losses.
Such is the nature of online games.
Understanding that RTP is a long-term measure and that luck and randomness are the real key players in short-term outcomes helps foster a responsible gambling mindset.
By incorporating responsible gambling practices in relation to casino game RTP percentage, players can maintain a healthy and enjoyable gambling experience. Setting realistic expectations, aligning budgeting and bankroll management strategies with RTP considerations, and acknowledging the limitations of RTP in predicting individual results promote a balanced and responsible approach to online casino gaming.
RTP in Different Game Categories
RTP applies to online slots and pokies by representing the percentage of money wagered on the game that is expected to be paid back to players over time.
Pokies
Pokie games typically display their RTP percentages, allowing players to assess the potential returns. It’s important to note that RTP in slots is determined by the game’s design, including the number of reels, pay lines, symbols, and bonus features.
Players looking to have a slap should expect digits ranging between 80% and 95% in the brick-and-mortar establishments (depending on location/casino of choice) while pokies online typically have higher RTPs.
In saying this, online pokies often have wildly varying RTP percentages, ranging from around 92% to 98% or even higher. Players can choose to make slot RTP work with higher RTP values to jack up their chances of winning.
Table games (e.g., blackjack, roulette, poker)
Table games like blackjack, roulette, and poker also have RTP variations based on their specific rules and variations. In blackjack, for example, the RTP can vary depending on the number of decks used, the rules regarding doubling down and splitting, and the dealer’s actions on a soft 17.
Similarly, in roulette, the presence of a single zero (European roulette) or a double zero (American roulette) affects the game’s RTP.
It’s essential for players to be aware of these variations and choose table games with favourable rules and lower house edges, leading to higher RTP percentages. Players can make the best decisions when selecting games within each category by taking note of how RTP applies to different game categories.
Whether it’s the pokies, table games, video poker, or specialty games, understanding the RTP variations on each casino game allows players to identify options with higher expected returns and enhance their chances of winning in their preferred game category.
High RTP Casino Games
The games on the higher end of the RTP spectrum are those that will give the punter a higher return if they play the title for a long period of time.
These are the games that people should be playing if they’re gambling thanks to their offering of the least house edge, heightening the chance of going home with a positive balance.
- Blackjack (99.50%)
- Video Poker (99.54%)
- Baccarat (98.94%.)
- Craps (98.60%)
- French Roulette (98.65%)
- Casino Hold’em (97.84%.)
Low RTP Casino Games
The low RTP casino games are those that come with low percentage returns when playing for long periods of time, which isn’t the most ideal prospect if you’re looking to get comfortable and have a few hours of fun.
These are the games punters looking for wins should avoid playing when gambling (unless they really love the game and don’t care about burning cash) thanks to high house edge figures.
Players looking to play these should expect to see the bankroll go down quicker than the higher RTP titles above.
- Lotteries
- Side Bets
- Progressive Jackpot Games
- Sic Bo
- American Roulette
- Keno
Emily is our seasoned content writer. She writes easy to read and helpful game guides, so you can quickly understand the rules of each game and get some useful tips that can help boost your chances of winning.
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