Return to player (RTP) rates
When I first started playing online casino games, I didn't fully understand how RTP (Return to Player) influenced my winnings. RTP is the percentage of all wagered money a casino game pays back to players over time. Each game has its own RTP, often clearly displayed, guiding players toward smarter choices.
Many players don't realize that RTP varies significantly between games and even between casinos. While most online slots offer RTP rates above 90%, some games provide far better returns, increasing your odds of winning more frequently. High RTP slots naturally attract players aiming for the best possible payout.
It's important to distinguish between theoretical RTP, set by game developers, and actual RTP, reflecting real gameplay experiences. Knowing this helps me choose games offering the best value for my wagers.
In this guide, I'll cover everything you need to know about RTP. You'll learn how it's calculated, why it matters, the factors influencing it, and the differences between online and land-based casino RTP.
By Adiela de Bruyn - Last modified 2025/03/19 - Estimated reading time: 6 minutes.
Table of contents
- » What Is A Payout Percentage?
- » How to Calculate RTP Percentage
- » Importance of RTP to Players
- » Factors That Determine the RTP of Casino Games
- » RTP and House Edge
- » Is It Different At Land-Based Casinos And Online Casinos?
- » Who Sets The Payout Percentages?
- » Can You Check The Payout Percentages?
- » Who Are TST?
- » Conclusion
- » Frequently Asked Questions about Return to Player Rates


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What Is a Payout Percentage?
A payout percentage shows how much money casinos pay back to players over time. It's often called RTP (Return to Player). Each game has a different RTP, set by the game developers. Popular online slots and casino games openly show these percentages. It helps you know what to expect for every Rand you bet.
If a slot machine shows an RTP of 96%, you'll typically get R96 back for every R100 wagered. The remaining R4 is the casino’s advantage, also known as the house edge. This doesn't mean you lose every time; you can still land significant wins.
The RTP is verified using Random Number Generators (RNG). These generators create random outcomes to ensure fairness. Trusted bodies regularly test games to confirm accuracy. Another factor is "hit frequency," which shows how often wins happen. Higher hit frequencies usually mean higher RTPs.
Experienced players always check RTP before wagering money. Higher RTP games attract more gamblers, as they offer better chances to profit in the long run.
Games with lower RTPs typically give smaller chances of regular wins. You can easily find RTP details in the game’s help section provided by developers.

Online Casinos with the highest return to player rate
Casino | Return to player % | Play |
---|---|---|
SpringBok casino | 98% | Play now |
Fun Casino | 97.53% | Play now |
Yebo Casino | 97.34% | Play now |
Lucky Days | 97.20% | Play now |
Tusk Casino | 97.10% | Play now |

How to Calculate RTP Percentage
Calculating RTP helps you understand the game's potential return. It shows how profitable a game might be over time. To calculate RTP, divide the total amount won by the total wagered amount. Then, multiply the result by 100 to get a percentage.
There’s a difference between theoretical and actual RTP. Theoretical RTP is set by the game provider, while actual RTP is the real return players experience over time. Actual RTP can fluctuate depending on big wins or the number of players.
Here are average RTP rates of common casino games:
- European Roulette: 97.30%
- American Roulette: 94.74%
- Classic Blackjack: 99.40%
- Online Slots: 93%-99%

Importance of RTP to Players
Better Bankroll Management
Knowing RTP helps you manage your bankroll efficiently. High RTP slots give better returns and a lower casino advantage. Using RTP information helps avoid unnecessary losses.
Transparency and Trust
Casinos that share RTP details gain trust. Transparent RTP rates mean fair gaming and reassure you of a trustworthy gaming experience.
Smarter Gaming Decisions
Choosing games based on RTP leads to smarter bets. High-RTP slots deliver regular payouts, offering more consistent gaming enjoyment.
Fairness Indicator
RTP also indicates fairness. Extremely low RTPs may hint that a game isn't fair. Balanced RTP ensures neither casinos nor players have an unfair advantage.

Factors Determining Casino Game RTP
Software Providers
Popular developers often provide games with better RTP. Smaller or lesser-known providers usually offer lower RTP games. Selecting games from known providers can offer higher returns.
Bonuses and Jackpots
Games featuring progressive jackpots and special bonuses usually have lower RTPs. While these games offer big prizes, the base game payouts tend to be smaller.
Game Type and Design
Skill-based games like blackjack and poker typically have higher RTP compared to slots. Your playing strategy significantly impacts RTP in skill games.
Game Variants
Different game versions have different RTP rates. Games with many paylines, bonus features, and free spins usually offer higher returns. Always check game details to choose the best RTP variant.

Understanding RTP and House Edge
RTP and house edge directly oppose each other. A game with an RTP of 93% has a house edge of 7%. Higher RTP means lower casino advantage and better player odds.
Games like European Roulette and blackjack typically offer better RTP. Before playing any casino game, always confirm the RTP and house edge to enhance your chances of winning.

Land-Based vs. Online Casino RTP
Online casino slots typically offer RTPs of 95%-96%, much higher than land-based casino slots (usually around 70%-75%). This difference is due to lower overhead costs at online casinos.
Playing online not only provides better returns but also offers easy navigation and faster payouts. You can also try demo games to understand slots before betting real money.

Who Decides RTP Rates?
Game developers usually determine RTP percentages, especially for slots. Casinos typically choose games with balanced RTPs to maintain profitability while keeping players satisfied.
While game RTP might fluctuate short-term due to big wins, it remains stable in the long term. Developers must strike a balance to keep casinos profitable and players happy.

Checking RTP Percentages
It's challenging for individuals to test RTP independently due to cost and time. Thankfully, independent testers like TST verify and certify RTPs regularly.
You can confirm RTP percentages by checking certificates provided by trusted testing organizations or directly through casino and game provider websites.

Frequently Asked Questions about RTP
What is considered a good RTP for online slots?
From my experience, a good RTP for online slots is generally 96% or higher. Games with these rates offer better odds of winning consistently.
Can casinos change the RTP of their games?
No, casinos cannot easily change the RTP. The rate is set by game developers and certified by independent testing agencies, ensuring fairness for all players.
Why do online casinos usually have higher RTP than land-based casinos?
Online casinos have lower operating costs, allowing them to offer games with significantly better RTPs than physical casinos. This gives players better chances to win online.
Where can I find the RTP of a specific casino game?
You can usually find RTP information within the game's help or info section. Many online casinos and providers also list RTP clearly on their websites.
Does RTP guarantee winnings in the short term?
No, RTP is an average over long-term play. It doesn’t guarantee short-term winnings but gives a good indication of your winning potential over many rounds.
Are higher RTP games always better for players?
Generally, yes. Games with higher RTP provide better returns over time. However, factors like volatility, jackpots, and your playstyle can also influence your experience.