Slots often feature a term called RTP in game descriptions and casino guides. It sounds technical, but it is simply a way to explain how a slot is designed to pay out across many spins.
If you have ever wondered why some slots feel different from others, or what to expect over the long run, RTP helps make sense of that.
This guide breaks down what RTP means, how it is calculated, how it relates to the house edge, and how volatility fits in. You will also see where to find a game’s RTP, whether it can change, how reliable these figures are, and how to use them when choosing a slot.
Read on to learn more.
What Does RTP Mean In Slot Games?
RTP stands for Return To Player. It is the percentage of all money wagered that a slot is designed to pay back to players across a very large number of spins.
For example, a slot with 96% RTP means that, in theory, £96 is returned in prizes for every £100 wagered, looked at across all players and a long span of play. It is not a target for any one person or any single session.
Outcomes for individuals vary widely from this average. Some players may see more returns, others less, even on the same game with the same RTP. So how do developers arrive at that number in the first place?
How Is Slot RTP Calculated?
RTP is worked out by comparing the total amount a slot pays to players with the total amount wagered on it, measured over millions of simulated spins. The result is expressed as a percentage to show the game’s long-term payback profile.
Developers run computer simulations to produce the figure, and regulators may verify that the result matches what is displayed. It reflects combined play across all users rather than one person’s experience, which is why short-term sessions can look very different from the stated percentage.
Simple RTP Calculation Example
Imagine a slot that receives £1,000,000 in wagers over an extended period. Across the same period, it pays £960,000 back in prizes.
RTP = (Total Paid Out / Total Wagered) x 100
RTP = (£960,000 / £1,000,000) x 100 = 96%
That 96% shows how the game is modelled to return a portion of stakes over time. Individual sessions can be above or below this average.
With the number in hand, it helps to see how it sits alongside the house edge.
RTP Versus House Edge
RTP and house edge describe the same picture from opposite sides. RTP shows the share of total wagers that a game is designed to return to players in the long run. House edge shows the share the casino expects to retain.
If a slot’s RTP is 96%, its house edge is 4%. Put another way, on average and across many spins, £96 out of every £100 staked is paid out in prizes, while £4 is kept by the house.
These figures help compare games, but they do not predict what will happen in a single session. Once the relationship is clear, the next question is why RTP should matter when choosing a slot.
Why RTP Matters For Players
RTP gives a simple way to compare the long-term payback design of different slots. A higher percentage suggests a larger share of stakes is returned to players as a group over time, while a lower figure means a greater share is retained by the casino.
It will not tell you how your next spin will go, but it can help shape preferences. Some players look for higher RTPs because they want a game designed to return a larger portion of stakes overall. Others may accept a lower RTP if the game’s features or style appeal to them.
RTP is only one part of the picture, though. Volatility explains how those returns are distributed, which has a big effect on how a game feels to play from moment to moment. RTP is only half the picture; volatility shapes how those returns feel from spin to spin.
How Do RTP And Volatility Affect Your Game?
RTP shows the long-term average payback. Volatility describes the pattern of payouts.
High volatility slots tend to pay less often but can produce larger individual prizes. Low volatility slots usually pay more frequently, although amounts are typically smaller. Two games can share the same RTP yet feel very different because their volatility profiles are not the same.
Considering both gives a fuller view of how a slot might behave across many spins. That way, players can match games to their preferences, whether that means steadier returns or more variable outcomes. If you want to check these figures on a game you like, here is where to find them.
How To Check A Slot's RTP?
Finding a slot’s RTP is usually straightforward. Most casinos show it on the game’s information or help page, often within the rules or paytable. Many games also include an info icon in the interface where RTP and other details are listed.
Some studios publish RTP figures on their websites or in catalogues. Comparison sites may list them too, but it is best to use trusted sources. If you still cannot find the figure, customer support should be able to confirm it.
Reliable information helps you choose a game that suits your preferences.
Can Online Slots Change Their RTP?
Some slots are released with multiple RTP settings. The version you play depends on which setting the casino selects when adding the game to its site.
The chosen setting should be displayed in the game’s information panel, and in the UK, it must be accurate. The RTP does not switch during a player’s session, but it can differ if the operator later updates to another approved setting. Any change should be reflected in the information shown to players.
If in doubt, check the game details or ask support to confirm the current setting at that casino. That leads to another common concern: can you trust the number you see?
Are Slot RTP Figures Reliable?
RTP figures are calculated using large-scale simulations and are subject to regulatory oversight in the UK. Licensed operators must display accurate information and can be monitored to ensure compliance.
Even so, RTP is a theoretical average across many spins. It informs expectations about the game’s design but does not forecast individual outcomes.
Independent Testing And Certification
Independent testing bodies review games to confirm they pay out according to the stated RTP. Organisations such as eCOGRA, iTech Labs, and GLI use mathematical analysis and sample data to check compliance.
Games that display certification from recognised labs have been through these checks, which adds confidence when playing at regulated casinos. Even with testing in place, a few myths still linger.
Common RTP Myths Debunked
Myth: A higher RTP means you are more likely to win each time. Reality: RTP is a long-term model. Individual sessions can be above or below the average, sometimes by a wide margin.
Myth: Games with the same RTP feel the same. Reality: Volatility, features, and prize structures can make two 96% games feel very different.
Myth: A game is “due” to pay after a quiet spell. Reality: Slot results are independent from spin to spin. Previous outcomes do not influence the next one.
Myth: Casinos secretly change RTP without telling players. Reality: At regulated sites, any change must use an approved setting and be clearly disclosed in the game information.
With the myths out of the way, here is how RTP can fit into everyday choices.
Practical Ways To Use RTP When Choosing A Slot
RTP is a helpful comparison point when browsing slots. A higher figure indicates that, in theory, more of the total stakes are returned as prizes over the long run. Looking at RTP alongside volatility and bonus features can help you find games that suit how you like to play.
Some players prefer consistently higher RTPs, while others focus on themes or payout styles. There is no single right choice, only what aligns with your preferences and budget.
If you choose to play slot games, set personal limits that fit your circumstances, take regular breaks, and never stake more than you can afford to lose. If gambling starts to affect your well-being or your finances, seek support early. Independent organisations such as GamCare and GambleAware offer free, confidential help for anyone who needs it.
Understanding RTP will not predict results, but it does make it easier to pick games with open eyes and enjoy them on your terms.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.