Slots, also known as fruit machines, are among the most popular games in the online casino world. Every day, countless players around the globe choose online slots for entertainment, with the hope of landing big cash prizes. However, there are several terms related to how slots work that many players may not be familiar with. For example, what exactly is RTP?
Novibet Blog breaks down all the details you need to know to ensure you are fully prepared before choosing your favourite slot.
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RTP in Online Casino
RTP (Return to Player) in slots refers to the percentage of wagered money that is paid back to players over the long term. It is an important factor to consider when evaluating and choosing a game. RTP is usually expressed as a percentage, varies from game to game, and can be found in the paytable or information menu of each individual slot.
Typically, RTP for online slots ranges from 92% to 99%, with the most common values falling between 95% and 96%.
- Low RTP slots: around 92%
- High RTP slots: around 99%
What Does the RTP Percentage Mean
When an online slot has an RTP of 95%, it means that, over the long run, 95% of all the money wagered on that game is expected to be paid back out to players collectively, while the remaining 5% represents the house edge. This percentage is shared between the operator the player is using and the casino provider, meaning the studio that developed and supplied the game.
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For example, the popular Slot Gates of Olympus Super Scatter by Pragmatic Play has an RTP of 96.5%, while Fire Blaze White Witch by Playtech has an RTP of 95.9%.
That said, it is important to clarify that RTP is not a guaranteed payout percentage for any individual player. In other words, if a player wagers €100 on a slot, it does not mean they will receive €95 back (assuming the game has an RTP of 95%). Instead, RTP is a long-term statistical measure that indicates the theoretical return based on the total amount wagered compared with the total amount paid out to all players collectively.
Put simply, a high RTP slot has a higher theoretical return rate compared to a lower RTP slot, making it useful to check the RTP of any game before playing. However, it is important to understand that RTP does not influence the outcome of any individual spin, as each result is entirely random due to the Random Number Generator (RNG) technology built into slots.
What Affects Whether You’ll Win on Slots
There are several factors that can influence how much a player wins on online slots and their chances of winning. One of these is RTP, as it determines the theoretical return rate and provides an indication of a game’s expected long-term payout. Another key factor is the RNG (Random Number Generator), an algorithm that ensures every spin outcome is random and completely unaffected by human input.
Another key factor is variance, also known as volatility, which refers to how frequently a slot pays out and the size of the wins it typically delivers. Therefore, alongside RTP, other important factors that can influence the overall slot experience include the RNG (Random Number Generator) and volatility.
Does RTP Affect How Often You Win?
The answer is multi-layered. A game can have a 99% RTP but still not pay out frequently. However, when it does, the payouts tend to be substantial. As a result, even a slot with a high RTP may give players the impression that it “doesn’t pay.” Similarly, a slot with a 92% RTP may pay out more frequently, but with smaller wins. It is volatility, rather than RTP, that determines how often a player receives payouts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is RTP?
RTP (Return to Player) refers to the percentage of wagered money that’s paid back to players on online slots over the long term.
What’s the RTP on slots?
Typically, RTP on online slots ranges from 92% to 99%, with the most common RTP falling between 95%-96%.
Why does RTP matter?
RTP is one of the key factors used to evaluate the reliability and fairness of online slots.
How does RTP work on online slots?
RTP is calculated based on the total number of spins and the amount of money wagered, compared with the percentage of that money returned to players over time.
Who sets the RTP on online slots?
Slots are designed and developed by software providers such as NetEnt, Play’n GO, Playtech, Pragmatic Play, and others. These studios determine the RTP for each game and are required to declare it to the relevant regulatory authority.
What factors affect RTP?
Factors that can influence RTP include the type of slot and the game settings, which are determined by the game providers themselves.
What does RTP offer players?
A high RTP offers players a higher theoretical return over time, as a greater percentage of the money wagered is expected to be returned to players compared with a lower RTP slot.
How do I choose slots with a good RTP?
To choose a slot with a good RTP, check the game’s information panel to see the RTP percentage it offers.


