Trixino: RTP explained
RTP tells you how much of all money staked on a game it is designed to pay back over the very long run. It is useful for comparing games, but it says nothing certain about your next session.
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The short answer
RTP (return to player) is the percentage of all stakes a game is expected to return to players over a very large number of rounds. A slot with 96% RTP is designed to pay back €96 for every €100 staked across millions of spins, keeping €4, or 4%, as the house edge. Over one session, your result can be far above or below that.
RTP and house edge
RTP and house edge are two sides of the same coin: house edge = 100% minus RTP. A 97% RTP game has a 3% house edge; European roulette's 2.70% edge means an RTP of 97.30%.
Note that "€100 staked" means total bets, not your deposit. If you deposit €50 and keep re-betting your winnings, you can easily stake €500 or more in a session.
| RTP | House edge | Average cost per €100 staked |
|---|---|---|
| 98% | 2% | €2 |
| 96% | 4% | €4 |
| 94% | 6% | €6 |
| 92% | 8% | €8 |
Why your results differ from the RTP
RTP is calculated over millions of rounds. In a short session, randomness dominates: a big feature win can put you far ahead, and a long dry spell can put you far behind. How much results swing depends on volatility; see slot volatility explained.
Where to find a game's RTP
Look in the game's help or info screen, where many regulated markets require the RTP to be shown. Many studios release the same slot in several RTP versions, so a game may have a different RTP at different casinos. Always check the figure inside the game you are playing, not a figure published elsewhere.
RTP in table and live games
For table games, RTP depends on the rules and, in blackjack, on your decisions. Blackjack with basic strategy under good rules can return over 99%; a 6:5 blackjack payout lowers it. Baccarat's Banker bet returns about 98.9%. Side bets usually return less than the main game. See casino games explained.
Using RTP sensibly
RTP is also why bonuses with high wagering lose value: see wagering requirements explained.
- Compare RTP between similar games, and choose the higher one when you can.
- Remember that RTP does not change with your stake or the time of day.
- Do not treat RTP as a prediction; treat it as the price of the entertainment.
- Check whether bonus wagering excludes high-RTP games.
The bottom line
A higher RTP lowers the average cost of play, but the house still wins over time. Set a budget you can afford to lose, and visit our responsible gambling page if gambling stops being fun.
Frequently asked questions
What does 96% RTP mean?
Over a very large number of spins, the game is designed to return 96% of all money staked as winnings and keep 4%. In a single session, your actual return can be very different.
Is a higher RTP always better?
For the long-run cost of play, yes: a higher RTP means a lower house edge. But volatility, features and your budget matter too, and no RTP guarantees a win.
Can a casino change a slot's RTP?
Many studios offer games in several RTP versions, and the operator chooses which one to use. Once a version is live, the game should display its RTP in the help screen.