What RTP means in slots, and what it is for
RTP is the figure you will see most often on a slot, and the one most often misunderstood. Here is what it means, what it does not mean and what it is for, with a real example.
RTP is the share of stakes a slot pays back in theory, worked out over millions of spins. It is for comparing games, not for predicting your session.
What RTP means
RTP stands for Return to Player.
If a game has an RTP of 96.50%, then out of every 100 staked by all players over a huge number of spins, the game pays back 96.50 in wins on average.
The house edge
What is missing to reach 100 is the house edge. With an RTP of 96.50%, the edge is 3.50%.
It is the part the game keeps, on average and in the long run.
Why it does not predict your session
RTP is a theoretical average over millions of spins. In a short session anything can happen: you can win more than you stake or lose it all.
A 96% RTP does not mean you get back 96 of every 100 you stake. What happens in your session also depends on volatility.
One game, several RTPs
Many studios offer the same game with several RTP versions, and each casino picks one.
For example, according to Pragmatic Play’s official data sheet, Gates of Olympus has three versions: 96.50%, 95.51% and 94.50%.
Before playing for real money, check the RTP in the game info («i» button or menu).
How to use it to compare
- Look at RTP: all else equal, a higher one pays back more in theory.
- Look at volatility: it tells you how wins are spread.
- Look at hit frequency, if the studio publishes it. In Gates of Olympus, 1 in 3.47 spins has some win, though often smaller than the stake.
Games are ranked by official RTP on highest RTP slots.