Return to player is one of the most important components every player needs to understand in online casino games. This term is included with every game played against random number generator systems, but it can seem confusing to those unfamiliar with the concept.
On this page, we’ll explore all of the key aspects of RTP. From how it works to what you can expect from RTP percentages, it’s easier to understand than it might seem, so let’s take a look.
What RTP Means in Casino Games
The RTP meaning helps you figure out what you can expect from a game, and it’s an important part of how a title is designed to operate. So, what is RTP?
In simple terms, RTP is a long-term percentage that a game is designed to statistically pay back to the player over long periods of play. It essentially acts as a kind of average to illustrate outcomes in games which depend highly on luck.
The return to player meaning doesn’t imply that all players can always expect the exact RTP percentage back to them over every game session. Individual outcomes in these games always depend on chance. This chance on a small scale is not predictable as an RTP percentage.
How RTP Is Calculated Behind the Scenes
How RTP works is a multi-step process behind the scenes. This is performed by the game developers and verified by testers multiple times. RTP calculation essentially works by modelling the mathematics built into each slot game, and then running these through simulations.
Each game with RTP is run through millions of testing rounds. Such a high quantity of testing rounds eliminates any risk of outliers, helping find a reliable and accurate RTP. This method helps determine the theoretical performance of RTP, but again, this doesn’t necessarily apply to real-time and shorter play sessions.
It’s also important to note that testing is performed by the developers and their oversight companies. Casino RTP testing relies on verified and licensed groups and their reports. This is why it’s vital for us to only offer games from the most trusted and reputable developers.
RTP in Slots vs Table Games
Return to player in software games is always calculated through code and maths, but the way this works can vary slightly. The big differences here are found in slot games and table games.
Slots work from random numbers built right into the game. These can be rather abstract, as they’re working with many moving parts to determine how often each symbol can land.
Table game RTP works from a more direct and understandable set of rules-based systems. In roulette, for example, the RTP is tied directly to even odds spread across every pocket. This more closely emulates what you’d expect from live games and their natural randomness.
In either case, casino payout percentages and the random nature of both forms of games keep the releases fair and trustworthy. Both use RTP to refer to long-term expected payouts, and in neither case should RTP be used as a predictor of short-term play outcomes.
What RTP Does and Doesn’t Tell You
For RTP explained as simply as possible, RTP is only a reliable predictor of long-term payment results. RTP doesn’t reflect so much in regular play, because gameplay payouts for individuals sometimes feature considerable variance.
What RTP shows is not when wins happen, how often they’ll occur, or what level of payout players should expect. The RTP meaning just refers to averages over a period that no human player can ever reliably draw from to affect their gameplay.
Volatility and RTP – Understanding the Difference
RTP vs. volatility are two concepts which are often confused and misunderstood. Though both include odds in their definitions, they operate quite differently.
Slot volatility explained simply, refers to the frequency of wins and the size of wins. A high volatility game features less frequent wins, but the wins that do hit will tend to be larger. Low volatility games tend to win more frequently, but average smaller individual payouts.
No level of volatility is inherently tied to RTP. One game with a 95% RTP can be high volatility, and another game with low volatility can also feature a 95% RTP. In this case, the payment levels and frequency would even out.
Just like RTP, volatility is also not a reliable prediction of outcomes. Random chance still plays the largest part in how these games operate.
Why Games Have Different RTP Values
Casino RTP values differ because of the varied ways games are designed. Different games can feature a huge range of varied elements like the number of symbols and paylines, symbol values, bonus features, and developer goals.
This is why RTP differs, because no two games are alike, and neither developers nor players want them to be alike. Selection variety is key in the betting market, and elements like slot RTP differences play an important part in this.
Responsible Play and Understanding RTP
Game RTP should never be used to predict outcomes. Responsible play is about understanding that it’s not a reliable indicator of wins, and shouldn’t be turned to as some kind of guarantee.
To play at your best and avoid making mistakes, RTP should be understood as just one descriptive component of a game, alongside elements like theme and volatility. Keep this in mind, remember to set limits on time and bankroll, and you’ll be in a better place to enjoy safe play with as at kwiff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does RTP tell me how much I will win?
No. RTP shows the long-term design behaviour of a game. It does not predict individual results or short-term outcomes for any player.
Is a higher RTP always better?
Not necessarily. RTP is a theoretical percentage and does not guarantee outcomes. Players may still have very different experiences even in games with high RTP.
Why do some games have different RTP values?
Different game designs, features, paylines and rules create different RTP percentages. Providers set each game’s RTP during development.
Does RTP change during a game session?
Not usually. RTP stays the same because it is built into the game’s design. Individual results vary, but the underlying RTP does not change. There are rare exceptions in games that offer toggled special game modes that modify RTP, however.
