What is RTP in Slots: The Definitive Guide

If you have been playing slots online for a while, then you have probably heard the term RTP mentioned various times. 

Continue reading to learn more about RTP slots. If you don’t know exactly what it means, then on this page you will receive all the information you need.

We will explain everything you need to know about RTP, how it is integrated with slots, and how it can influence your decision about what games (not) to play. 

Check out this useful guide about RTP slots and return-to-player payout percentages. Where to find it, how to calculate it, and how it can help you win at online slots.

The Definition of Return-to-Player (RTP) in Slots

Are you wondering what RTP is in slots? Well, RTP is the total of a slot’s wagered amount returned to you as wins or jackpots. In other words, Return-to-Player is the odds of winning at a specific slot game. 

The Math Behind RTP in Slots

Setting up Return-to-Player for slots is a quite complicated process. Furthermore, it gets even harder the more complex the game is. 

If there are a large number of pay lines and lots of features, game developers must figure it all out so that the game returns exactly the expected percentage.

All slot games are programmed in such a way to offer back a percentage of the amount of money that goes into it. 

Also, note that the distribution of the RTP can vary. Overall, a slot with 98% RTP will offer back 98% of the amount of money that goes into it over an infinite number of spins. 

RTP is, in most cases, used to decide on the payback to gamblers over a certain time. Not only do the percentages describe the RTP, but they also estimate the wins. The bigger the bets are, the higher the number of wins returned to you.

KEEP IN MIND

Every slot game features its own particular RTP percentage in every casino. On average, casinos can program the RTP between 80% and 98%. After a certain time, a VLT or slot machine pays you back for the RTP percentage assigned on a specific device. 

This is a huge benefit for both players and houses as well, and it is calculated on a long-term basis. A slot machine that features a 20% house advantage, will have 80% RTP.

Over time, that specific machine will get a 20% revenue, while you and other players will have a fair chance of getting back 80% of all bets. 

RTP and Variance. Is There Any Difference?

Many players confuse RTP with Variance. For a better understanding, variance is the main reason why two slot games that payout at different frequencies can feature the same Return-to-Player. 

Slot games that have a lower variance will feature small, frequent payouts. On the other hand, slot games with higher variance will pay out large amounts of money through bonus features or infrequent jackpots. 

For example, two slot games may feature an RTP of 95%. Over 100 1$ spins, the low variance one will pay out more often but in smaller amounts. The high variance slot pays out less often but in higher amounts.

PLEASE NOTE

The slots RTP calculation is theoretical because online slots will never pay out at regular intervals. That’s because slot games that pay back $95 after 100 spins are not exciting at all. Instead, the RNG ensures that anything can happen for each spin. 

Top 10 Online Slots with Best RTP

Now that you have a better understanding of slots RTP, you may want to start enjoying these games. So, we are going to help you make the best choice. 

Here are 10 of the best online slots developed by reliable software providers, that feature the highest Return-to-Player. 

• Ugga Bugga – Playtech – 99.07%

This amazing slot game was released in 2006, and it features tropical fruits, bongos galore, and tribal masks themes. Ugga Bugga lines up 10 rows and 3 reels each, in 2 groups. 

Each reel spins independently, and there are 10 pay lines built-in. Playtech gambling sites are a great choice for playing slots.

• Mega Joker – NetEnt – Up to 99% RTP

This slot game is a classic one, featuring three reels and fruit symbols. Its RTP slots vary depending on the stake level you play at. If you want to reach the best return, then you must bet 10 coins. 

• Ooh Aah Dracula – Barcrest – 99%

Ooh Aah Dracula features an exciting soundtrack to match its whacky design. The slot has 10 bet lines and it is built on a 5x3 reel set. Furthermore, it has a medium variance as well as free spins. 

• Jackpot 6000 – NetEnt – Up to 98.8% RTP

If you are into classic slots, then this is another excellent choice. Jackpot 6000 is quite similar to Mega Joker. You must also bet 10 coins. Plus, you should study very well the Supermeter strategy to reach the best possible returns. 

• Chess Mate – Multi Slot – 98.7%

This slot game is a colorful and beautifully animated one. It provides 15 pay lines and a very high RTP of 98.7%. Moreover, it offers several bonus features. You will have the chance to enjoy free spins with a win multiplier up to 9x. 

• 1429 Uncharted Seas – Thunderkick – 98.6%

This is one of the oldest casino games developed by 1429 Uncharted Seas. If you are looking for slot games with high RTP, then this option is worth a try. If you love slots and you are looking for a game with a high RTP, then opt for Thunderkick casino sites. 

• Monopoly on the Money – Barcrest – Up to 98.1%

This slot game is themed after one of the most appreciated board games in the world. The Big Bet mode gives you an RTP as high as 98.1%. On the other hand, the base game features an RTP of only 94%. 

• Jokerizer – Yggdrasil – 98%

This exciting slot game brings a classic fruit theme into the modern world. Its sharp graphics and innovative features are more than attractive. The game was developed in 2016, and its new variance is super appealing. For the best slots, choose Yggdrasil online casinos!

• Bloodsuckers – NetEnt – 98%

Another great slot game produced by NetEnt is Bloodsuckers, featuring an RTP of 98%. Unlike the other NetEnt slots mentioned above, this variant is a proper video slot. 

The game features very low volatility, 2 different bonuses, and 25 pay lines across 5 reels. Play at NetEnt casinos your favorite slot game!

• Starmania – NextGen Gaming – 97.87%

This is a 10-pay line slot with very colorful symbols on the reels. The game pays both ways and it has a quite high RTP of 97.87%. NextGen Gaming casinos online are an excellent choice for anyone who loves playing slot games. 

Land-Based vs Online Slots

Lots of gamblers that switch from land-based to online casinos have come to the conclusion that online slot games seem to play better. 

Many of the online slots feature significantly higher RTP. Land-based slot machines are, in most cases, set to return anywhere from 70% to 90%. There are only a few games that ever go over 92%. 

Online slots that are under 94%-95% are considered bad. Lots of the newer slot games feature RTPs north of 96%. There is no doubt that slot machines in land-based casinos are set to return less. 

That’s because physical venues are limited in space. They must make money from these machines to keep up with expenses and make a profit.

On the other hand, gambling sites can have hundreds or even thousands of slot machines available for play. You can play any game you want, at any time you want, because there are no physical restrictions. 

Plus, online casinos can afford to provide slot games with much higher RTP, which is a great advantage. We recommend you choose no deposit casinos for a risk-free gambling experience.

Know the Myths about RTP Slots 

Over the years, gamblers have had different opinions about how RTP works. While some opinions were close to the truth, others were completely wrong. 

Here are the most common myths about RTP in slots:

Gambling sites manipulate their RTP slots

This is not true at all. It is important to understand that RTP gambling sites do not own the slot games they offer to players. They just rent the slot games from software developers. Usually, these casino games are stored on the software developer’s servers. 

Therefore, the casino site doesn’t have any access to change core settings like RTP. Some software developers indeed provide games with RTP variations, but online casinos cannot change the randomness of the game. 

RTP is not relevant at all for just one session

Well, this is true and not true as well. Anything can indeed happen in just one slot session, and actual RTP is unlikely to be reached either way. Yet, this piece of information is not as important. 

A slot with an RTP of 96% will pay better than one that features an RTP of 85%. You can win and lose on both, but you surely have more chances to win on a slot game that has a higher RTP. 

IMPORTANT

The real RTP of a slot game can be influenced by progressive jackpots

Well, this is true in many cases, but not in all of them like so many gamblers believe. Slot games that have progressive jackpots may advertise an RTP of 94%. Yet, you must know that a part of that RTP is usually made through progressive jackpots. 

Unless you win the jackpot, you will be playing the slot with RTP a lot lower than what is advertised. For the best experience, choose a higher RTP casino. 

Use RTP to Find Your Favorite Online Slot Game

It is always more fun to play a casino game if you are winning every now and then. This is why it is important to use the RTP values of slots to find which ones to play. There is always a correlation between the rankings on the popularity lists for casino games and the RTP numbers. 

As mentioned earlier, lots of players love slot games that have a higher RTP. The good news is that there are many options to choose from. By taking into account the information provided on this page, you can make an excellent choice for getting started. 

The bottom line 

When it comes to selecting a slot game, it is important to know exactly what RTP means in gambling. Playing a game that you don’t know anything about can be really disappointing, not to mention the fact that you might lose money.

The best slots will have favorable RTP, a unique style, an engaging theme, and plenty of features. There must be a great balance between gorgeous art styles and compelling gameplay. Overall, good knowledge about RTP slots will help you make the best choice. 

SLOTS RTP FAQ

1. Is a higher RTP advantageous?

Yes, a higher RTP offers you a higher chance of winning. The return-to-player is a theoretical statistical calculation of averages. Therefore, it determines the value that will be returned to you. It doesn't guarantee a win, but it offers you a better advantage to get back a portion of the bets you made over time. 

2.Is RTP connected with frequency?

RTP and hit frequency are different. There are slots with a lesser win frequency, but higher payouts. Also, there are slots with higher chances of winning, but small prizes. 
Both these slot games can have an RTP of 97%. Yet one can feature a win frequency of 8%, whereas the other can have 3%.

3. Is the RTP value available for any slot game?

RTP must be displayed in all slots. They should be made publicly available by all casinos, whether we are talking about online casinos or land-based casinos. 
Usually, gambling sites publish the RTP in the information section. Alternatively, RTP slots can also be found on their software developer’s website.