RTP Meaning – What is RTP in Gambling

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Written by Dmytro Sipko | last updated 14 November 2025

The term RTP, or return to player, describes the portion of deposit funds punters can potentially win back over time from online casinos. Our team would like to explain the main features of this notion, how it’s calculated, what makes it different from the house edge, the rules of selecting games based on the metric, and its importance for platforms and gamblers.

Rtp

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ПWhat Is RTP?

In online casinos, RTP means a percentage of wagered funds individuals can regain in the long term. 

Each game can have a different RTP rate, depending on its rules and mechanics. For most slots, this metric is around 94-95%. We want to stress that the notion doesn’t refer to the odds of winning individual slot spins of card hands.

RTP has nothing to do with winning. We really wish that it did, but there would be no fun in playing otherwise. 

Punters can experience a losing streak on a game with a high RTP or spin one slot on a low RTP machine and score a jackpot. For example, a player who bets $100 a month can potentially earn $90 on a machine with a 90% RTP rate during the same period. Still, it's all up to the RNG if they can accomplish this. The return to player percentage directly affects volatility, meaning these two metrics are closely interconnected. However, the higher the RTP, the more comfortable and player-friendly the gaming experience becomes.

How is RTP Calculated?

This percentage is determined by dividing the amount of all wagered funds against the game payouts over a particular period. Usually, developers need data on many spins to come up with an estimate. Slot games provide this information to inform players about the percentage of funds they can expect to win back. An RTP formula looks like this:

RTP = (Total Bets/ Total Payouts) × 100

Theoretically, if players bet $100,000 and win $90,000 back, the game has an RTP of 90%. However, due to the random nature of slot machine outcomes, there’s no guarantee that punters will return most of their deposits within the exact timeframe.

Return To Player & House Edge – What’s The Difference?

House edge is similar to RTP and refers to the percentage of expected casino earnings. Platforms get an idea of the potential profitability of a game based on its current return to player percentage. If the RTP of a slot machine is 90%, the casino’s house edge is 10%.

RTPHouse Edge
How much can players get back their deposits?How much can the casino earn on a game?

5 Steps to Pick the Best RTP Pokies in Australia

Many new players don't know how to choose an online slot with a generous RTP rate. We’ve made things easier for such individuals via this simple step-by-step instruction.

Focus on high RTP games Focus on high RTP games

Punters should look for this info in the rules or the paytable portions of slot machines and focus on options with better RTPs.

Examine payout amounts Examine payout amounts

Once players find a high-RTP slot, they must read the information about winning symbol combinations and their payouts.

Check for options with bonus rounds Check for options with bonus rounds

Another important step is for punters to find games with additional spins, as they offer increased payouts or additional attempts at rolling a winning spin.

Research extra features Research extra features

We also recommend that players establish whether the RTP slot games have additional features like scatter and wild symbols, as these can lead to winning combinations, trigger free spins, and bonus rounds.

Experience the game in demo mode Experience the game in demo mode

Lastly, punters should spend time with a free game version to have a fair grasp of its features and mechanics.

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Why is Return to Player significant?

There are several reasons why the RTP rate is a crucial parameter for players:

  • The information helps them better understand expected winnings or losses.
  • RTP data lets punters compare various games and choose the best candidates.
  • Understanding the rate allows individuals to adjust their betting strategies.

Casinos also benefit from being upfront with the RTP rates on their slot games:

  • It shows that players have a fair chance of earning and returning their investments.
  • The information also ensures continued profitability and player retention.
  • RTP data helps platforms establish and promote the most profitable games.

RTP is just one of the metrics that players can use to determine their chances with particular slot games. 

While our experts research and write detailed guides on these topics, new punters can check out their previous articles on the rules of responsible gambling and what to do if playing pokies becomes compulsive.

FAQ

What does 96% RTP mean?

An RTP of 96% means that for every $100 bet on a game, a player can potentially receive $96 over time while the casino keeps the 4%.

How does RTP work in casinos?

In licensed online casinos, the RTP provides information on the percentage of bets players can get from operators for a long time.

How do you find the RTP on a slot machine?

Information about the RTP percentage can be found in the machine’s game rules, on third-party websites, and in casino reviews.

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Dmytro Sipko Head iGaming Expert
I have over 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. At Pokiesworld, I handle in-depth analysis of brands and bonus promotions.