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Online slots RTP explained

It may sound like a confusing term - but here is a simple breakdown of everything you need to know

One of the most important things to look at when playing online slots is the RTP. You’ve probably seen it a few times and wondered what it means to you. In a nutshell, it’s an important part of slots as it literally means Return To Player.

In this guide, we’ll explain to you the basics of RTP and how it essentially affects you as a player. Hopefully, you’ll be more familiar with the term and be able to understand what it actually means.

What is RTP?

As mentioned, RTP stands for return to player. This essentially translates to how much of the total amount wagered on the slot is paid back to players.

Let’s take a look at NetEnt's beloved slot Dead or Alive 2 to make it clearer. The slot states that the RTP is 96.82% which means that players will get 96.82% of what they wager back. Whilst the remaining 3.18% is the percentage that the ‘house edge’ will gain.

By knowing the RTP, you can gauge how much you could roughly lose whilst playing a specific game. In the case of Dead or Alive 2, it would be 3.18%.

The best way of looking at an RTP percentage is to view it as cash, so if you were to invest £100 into a game with 96% RTP you could theoretically expect to get back around £96 on average (obviously this figure can be lower, or higher when you account for big wins).

How is it calculated?

There’s a common misconception that RTP is calculated on every single wager rather than a long period of time. It’s more of an average over time than every individual spin, and usually only accurate over thousands or millions of spins. Whilst there are some calculations into processing the RTP, this doesn’t mean that the RTP will be fully accurate all the time. Like mentioned earlier, it’s an average so there may be a few anomalies.

The industry average RTP for most online slot games is 96% and anything above that level is good for a slot. An incredible RTP would be anything over 98% and is definitely worth playing, but they’re few and far between. Of course, different bonuses such as free spins and re-spins change the RTP for better or worse. This is because the RTP that is shown by developers only measures the base game - so be aware of this.

Progressive jackpot slots generally have a lower RTP that fluctuates between 85% - 95% but is compensated by the fact that a percentage of your bet will go towards the progressive jackpot. So keep this in mind if you see a slot with a low RTP at 85% to check if there’s a progressive jackpot attached.

Where can you find RTP? 

Make sure to check the RTP of a slot game before playing as it can give you an indication of what your game could be like. Keep an eye out for anything that is under 96% and question why it has the low RTP. Also take into consideration that a lower RTP may have valid reasons such as a progressive jackpot or not taken into account the bonus features.

Points to remember

Make sure to check the RTP of a slot game before playing as it can give you an indication of what your game could be like. Keep an eye out for anything that is under 96% and question why it has the low RTP. Also take into consideration that a lower RTP may have valid reasons such as a progressive jackpot or not taken into account the bonus features.

High RTP slots

Now that you know the basics of RTP, it’s time to look at some of the slot games that offer high RTPs. Take into consideration that these may not necessarily give you massive wins but are less likely to completely wipe out your bankroll.

Rainbow Riches Pick ‘n’ Mix

Name:

Rainbow Riches Pick 'n' Mix

Developer:

Barcrest

RTP:

96.00%

Max payout:

500x stake

Volatility:

High

Reels:

5

Win lines:

20

Theme:

Irish

Release date:

9th Mar 2016

On the surface, Rainbow Riches Pick ‘n’ Mix has a fair RTP at 96% - but bonus features such as Big Bet allows players to increase their stake and trigger an extra three bonuses which applies to free spins. With multipliers, free spins and bonuses, the RTP can go up to 98% which is mindblowing.

Gorilla Gold Megaways

Name:

Gorilla Gold Megaways

Developer:

Blueprint Gaming

RTP:

97.00%

Max payout:

20,000x stake

Volatility:

High

Reels:

24

Win lines:

470,569

Theme:

Animal

Release date:

13th Apr 2020

Not only do you have even more chances to win with Megaways, but the RTP is at an impressive 97.00%. Gorilla Gold Megaways is one to check out for the outstanding RTP, 470,596 ways to win and so many extra bonuses. 

Rainbow Riches Leprechaun Gold

Name:

Rainbow Riches Leprechaun Gold

Developer:

Barcrest

RTP:

97.75%

Max payout:

1,085x stake

Volatility:

Medium

Reels:

7

Win lines:

50

Theme:

Irish

Release date:

29th Jan 2019

After the fanfare from Rainbow Riches Pick ‘n’ Mix, the developers at Barcrest decided to return with Rainbow Riches Leprechaun Gold. Just like the other title, the RTP increases with the Big Bet feature that changes it from 95.17% to a mighty 97%. 

Gold Rally

Name:

Gold Rally

Developer:

Playtech

RTP:

96.70%

Max payout:

5,000x stake

Volatility:

Medium

Jackpot:

Gold Rally Jackpot

Reels:

3

Win lines:

8

Theme:

Wild West

Release date:

13th Feb 2004

This western themed slot has an average RTP between 94.71% - 96.70% as it has a jackpot and a bonus round. It becomes higher in RTP once you put in higher bets as it grows to 96.70%. Gold Rally may seem like a typical slot but the potential to increase the RTP is spectacular. 

Tequila Fiesta

Name:

Tequila Fiesta

Developer:

BF Games

RTP:

98.08%

Max payout:

1,500x stake

Volatility:

Low

Reels:

5

Win lines:

20

Theme:

Food, Mexican

Release date:

21st Apr 2017

Whilst 96% is considered great, this slot has an RTP that is literally as good as it gets. With an outstanding RTP at 98.08% - you’d be a fool to miss this one. Tequila Fiesta has everyone modern online slots need with free spins, multipliers, wilds and a fantastic RTP. It’s the ideal slot for newcomers or players who love slots with low volatility.