What Is Return to Player (RTP)? | Online Gambling Guides

Understanding RTP is a game-changer for players looking to make smarter choices. Think of it as a handy guide to help you pick games that match your playing style. RTP gives you a peek into what you can expect over the long haul, but remember, it’s not a magic formula for instant wins.

Defining RTP

RTP, or Return to Player, is the percentage of money wagered that will return to players over time. So, if a slot game has an RTP of 96%, it means that for every $100 wagered, the game is designed to return $96 to players over the long term.

But here’s the important bit: RTP doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed to win on every spin. You also need to consider the game's volatility. Even a game with a high RTP can have huge swings in the short term. So the volatility of a game affects how the RTP plays out in practice.

How is RTP calculated?

Calculating RTP is a straightforward process. Here’s how online casinos, game providers, testing labs, and independent auditors calculate it:

Simulate a large number of spins/rounds. It’s often around 100 spins.
Divide the total amount returned by the amount wagered to find the percentage.

Online slots or games with theoretical returns of 96% or higher are considered high RTP games, while an RTP below 90% is considered low.

RTP vs. House edge

House Edge is the opposite of RTP. RTP is the return you get and the house edge is the return the operator gets from your wagers. For example, on a game with a 96% RTP, the online gambling site will get $4 ($100–$96) over a long period. So the higher the RTP of your game, the lower the casino's house edge.

How to find RTP information

You can find RTP information in several places. Here are the potential areas to look out for:

From a Canadian online casino: Find and go to the “Payouts,” “Average RTP,” or “Payout Percentages” page at the footer of your casino site. That is if the site makes it public.
From game provider sites: Google the title and go to the game’s page on the developer’s website (e.g., Pragmatic Play, Yggdrasil, etc.). You can usually find the RTP in the description they provide.
In an online slot: Launch the game you like. Then select the “Information” or “Game Rules” option in the menu to find the RTP. I’ve also seen some games put this in the “Settings” option.

Remember to play free slots first, before you start betting real money. This will give you a good idea of the game's RTP without any initial risks.

How to use RTP to your advantage

By now, you already know the RTP of the game you’d like to play. Let me show you how to use it to your advantage in real money casino play.

Choose games with higher RTP for longer playtime

If you think you’ll have a lengthy session or play a game for a long period, go for high RTP games. I like to choose a game offering 96% or more because it will give me comparatively higher returns over the long term.

Set realistic expectations

Yes, a game with a 97% RTP is supposed to return that percentage over time, but it’s easy to lose patience. Remember, it’s just a theoretical estimate. Every spin of the reels is entirely random, RNG-generated, and independent of previous outcomes. Plus, volatility has a role here, too.

Keep this in mind when making informed decisions and gambling responsibly. Set a gambling budget, stick to it, and never chase losses. Remember, gambling is a form of entertainment you pay for; it’s not a means of earning an income.

Balance RTP with game volatility

As I already said, the combination of RTP and volatility determines the gameplay and payout. I prefer low- to medium-volatility games coupled with high RTPs because they give me more or less consistent payouts, even though they’re comparatively smaller.

However, I can understand the adrenaline rush of playing a high-volatility game. If you’re a risk-taker, go for those. Wherever you fall in the risk spectrum, balance your games’ RTP and volatility for the best playtime.

Check the RTP of different versions

Some games offer different RTPs in the normal and bonus modes. So always check all the details to make the right choice. It’ll help you choose games and decide whether or not to buy the bonus round.

Play bonuses on high RTP games

Try to claim casino bonuses that are associated with high RTP games because they give you a chance to win more. It’s a win-win for you. You can play with free money and get higher returns while doing it.

Final thoughts

Every online casino player in Canada must understand what RTP is and how it works. It helps you choose games better and improve your strategies. However, I don’t think RTP should be the only consideration when you choose a slot. Consider other features like volatility, paylines, gameplay features, bonus rounds, etc., and find a good combo.