The online slot world is filled with a multitude of terms that can often leave players perplexed. One of these terms is the Return to Player (RTP) rate, a vital concept for anyone interested in playing slot games.
RTP, or Return to Player, is a term referring to the potential payback a slot game offers to its players over time. It's a theoretical figure expressed as a percentage, where most slot games display an RTP value between 85% and 98%. However, it's crucial to note that this doesn't act as a guarantee of any winnings from a slot game. Instead, it provides a general indicator of the potential payout behaviour of a slot game.
What Does Return To Player (RTP) Mean In Slots?
The Return to Player (RTP) in slots signifies a theoretical percentage, indicating the amount of money a slot game averages out as paying back out to players over an extended period. For instance, if an online slot has an RTP rate of 96%, it implies that, theoretically, it averages out as paying £96 back out to players for every £100 wagered in the long run.
However, this shouldn't be misunderstood as a guarantee. The actual results of a player's session may not mirror the indicated RTP rate, as slots are random games of chance. Therefore, while the RTP rate offers general insight into a slot game's potential payout behaviour, it isn't indicative of the definite winnings a player might receive.
How Is RTP Calculated?
The developers calculate the RTP rate. They take an extremely large sample of spins over a long period and then evaluate the total amount paid in and paid out over that period. They then calculate the average payout and give it as a percentage.
Understanding how RTP is calculated can provide an added edge for players. Let's suppose you're playing an online slot with a 96% RTP. In theory, this means that the slot averages as paying £96 back out to players for every £100 wagered. Remember, this is a theoretical average based on millions of simulated spins.
For instance, if a particular slot has a 92% RTP, takes in £1,200,000, and pays out £1,085,000 in wins, the RTP for this specific time period would be calculated by dividing 1,085,000 by 1,200,000, equating to 0.9042. Thus, the RTP of this session would be 90.42%.
The developers essentially do this but on an extremely large scale.
Is It Better To Play A Slot Game With A Higher RTP?
The answer to this question largely depends on the player's individual preferences. Some players might prefer games with higher RTP rates due to the impression of greater average payouts. However, games with lower RTP rates, such as jackpot slots, can offer the potential for larger prize wins, attracting many players despite their comparatively lower RTP.
It's also crucial to remember that higher RTP slots do not promise higher winnings. The RTP is a theoretical value, and actual gameplay outcomes may vary significantly due to the random nature of slots.
What Is A Good Slot Game RTP?
Defining a 'good' RTP can be subjective as it often varies among players. Generally, the average RTP for most online slot games hovers around 95%. Therefore, any slot game with an RTP rate above this figure is usually considered to have a 'high' RTP rate rather than a 'good' RTP rate.
However, it's vital to remember that a high RTP does not necessarily guarantee winnings. Some players might prefer games with lower RTP rates that offer a chance for larger jackpot wins. Ultimately, the choice of game depends on the individual player's preferences.
What Slot Game Has The Highest RTP?
There are several online slot games known for their high RTP rates. Some of these include:
- Blood Suckers: 98%
- Zeus Lightning: 97.73%
- Golden Tour: 97.71%
- Halloween Fortune: 97.06%
- A Pirate's Quest: 96.10%
- Steam Tower: 97%
- Rainbow Riches Pick N Mix: 98%
It's pivotal to remember that a high RTP rate does not guarantee winnings. Slot games are predominantly games of chance, and outcomes are determined by a Random Number Generator (RNG), which ensures that all results are random and unpredictable.
Does How Much You Bet Affect The RTP?
RTP is a theoretical value that doesn't change based on the amount you bet. It's calculated over millions of spins and remains constant, regardless of individual player's bet sizes.
So, the amount you wager can impact your potential winnings, as higher bets can result in higher potential wins. However, it doesn't affect the RTP rate.
Is Variance The Same As RTP?
While both RTP and variance are theoretical indicators of a slot's behaviour, they aren't the same thing.
Variance, often referred to as volatility, pertains to the win frequency and size of a slot game. High-variance games offer larger but less frequent payouts, whereas low-variance games provide smaller, more frequent payouts.
On the other hand, RTP is a theoretical figure representing the percentage of all wagered money a slot will eventually average out as paying back out to players over a long time.
Why Is Slot RTP Important?
Understanding the RTP rate of a slot game can be a valuable tool when trying to decide which online slot games to play. While it's not a strict guarantee of winnings, it does provide an indicator of potential payouts over a long period. Therefore, knowing the RTP rate can help players make an informed choice when selecting a slot game to play.
It's crucial to remember that all outcomes in slot games are entirely random, so your results may not reflect the RTP rate. You could win more, you could win less, or you could win nothing at all.
Always gamble responsibly by setting limits and playing within your means. If you are no longer enjoying the session, it may be time to take a break or walk away.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to these slot games are subject to change at any time.