What is RTP in Slots & Why is It Important?

Ever wondered, "What is RTP in slots?" You're not alone! If you've played a few online slots before or watched streamers playing casino games on Twitch, you've probably come across the term "RTP" at some point. But what does it mean, and how can it impact your games?

Don't worry—we're here to shed some light on the situation, whether you're new to slots or just curious about getting more out of your game. Here's everything you need to know about slot RTP, why it matters, and the best RTP slots to play on Rivalry.

Understanding RTP

When playing slot games, whether at an online casino or gambling in Las Vegas, you've likely encountered the term "RTP." But what does RTP actually stand for? Simply put, RTP is an abbreviation for the "Return to Player" percentage. RTP is a crucial concept in a casino game, especially slot machines, as it represents the percentage of all wagered money that a slot machine is designed to return to players over time. Although it's most commonly seen in slot machines, RTP also applies to live dealer games, table games like Blackjack and Baccarat.

For example, if a slot machine has an RTP of 97%, it will -theoretically- give back $97 for every $100 wagered on it. However, this doesn't mean that every player will win exactly 97% of their wagers back—RTP reflects long-term statistics, not individual gameplay. Many player casino goers prefer to play high RTP slots as it's more likely they'll receive some money back.

Remember that theoretical RTP is only one aspect to consider when choosing online slots. Other features like slot volatility, max wins, bonus features, and other gameplay elements can all impact your chances of winning and your overall slot experience.

How RTP is calculated

To truly understand this concept, it helps to know how to calculate RTP. RTP percentages aren't random numbers pulled out of thin air— they're based on extensive simulations run by the game developers involving thousands, if not millions, of individual spins.

Here's a simplified breakdown of an RTP calculation.

• Game Simulation: Game developers will simulate millions of spins on the slot machine.
• Total Bets and Total Wins: They'll then record the total amount wagered and the total winnings paid out over these spins.
• RTP Formula: RTP is then calculated by dividing the total winnings by the total amount wagered, converting this figure into a percentage.

House Edge vs. RTP

So, now you know what RTP is and how it's calculated, but where does the house edge factor in? While RTP reflects the theoretical percentage returned to players, the house edge represents the online casino's expected profit margin from each game. Basically, the house edge is the opposite of RTP.

In the previous example, if the RTP of the unspecified slot machine is 97%, the house edge would be 3% over time for that specific casino game. The higher the RTP, the lower the house edge, making high RTP slot machines and games more appealing to players who want better chances of winning over time. This is also crucial for managing your bankroll and maximizing your game time.

Volatility vs. RTP

What is volatility? Slot volatility, or variance, is a separate concept from RTP but closely relates to how a slot pays. It typically refers to the risk level of slot games, referring to how often they pay out and the typical size of those payouts.

• High Volatility Slots: Offer larger jackpots and payouts but less often. Classed as "risky."
• Medium Volatility Slots: The best of both worlds, striking a balance between rare big wins and frequent smaller hits.
• Low Volatility Slots: Payout smaller, more frequent wins to provide a steady gaming experience.

Volatility doesn't change the RTP itself, but it does affect how players experience that RTP. For instance, a high-volatility game with a 97% RTP might have fewer payouts but with bigger jackpots when they do hit. In contrast, a low-volatility slot with the same 97% RTP might offer small, frequent wins that feel more consistent but might not lead to large payouts.

Players should always factor in RTP and volatility when choosing slot machines. If you prefer a steady stream of small wins, a low-volatility game with an RTP above 95% may be the perfect fit. If you're chasing after big wins and are comfortable with risk, a high-volatility slot with a similar RTP will provide a more thrilling experience.

Why High RTP Slots Don't Guarantee Wins

A common misconception that many players fall foul of is that a high RTP slot will increase their odds of winning big in the short term. However, RTP represents the long-term payout potential of a specific slot. In individual sessions, the game results are determined by a "random number generator" (RNG), meaning the outcomes are unpredictable. RTP should only be used as a tool for choosing games with better long-term potential but not as a guarantee for immediate returns.

For instance, two players trying the same 97% RTP slot on the same day may experience two different outcomes. Player 1 may hit an incredible win streak, going home with more cash than they started their session with, while Player 2 may have a massive series of L's and lose their entire bankroll. Both results are statistically possible and valid under the same RTP framework, highlighting the difference between theoretical RTP and actual player experiences.

Best RTP Slots on Rivalry

Now that you know what RTP means in slots, it's time to start playing games! Here are our top seven best RTP slots on Rivalry's online casino. These have various bonus games, exciting features, and max wins, all broken down for beginner players and experienced gamblers.

Paired with our exciting casino welcome bonus and other ongoing promotions (including NUTZ!), you're guaranteed endless entertainment. If that's not enough, these online slots all come from established, trusted, and respected online casino software providers, such as PG Soft, NetEnt, and Pragmatic Play, to name a few examples. Our casino features over 400+ slots and 24/7 customer support, with new slots being added to the growing catalog near-daily!

Sweet Bonanza 1000 by Pragmatic Play

Pragmatic Play has revamped and evolved some of its iconic old-school slots, grouping them under the "1000" category, maintaining their familiar features while increasing max wins, and providing modernized visuals and gameplay.

Enter Sweet Bonanza 1000, the sugar-coated sequel to the revolutionary original slot game — Sweet Bonanza. Here are the key features of Sweet Bonanza 1000 to satisfy your sweet tooth:

• RTP: 96.53%
• Volatility: High
• Max Win: 25,000x
• Minimum Bet: $0.20
• Maximum Bet: $125
• How to Win: Match a minimum of eight matching symbols anywhere on the 6x5 grid
• Paylines: Scatter Pays system
• Bonus Features: Tumble Mechanic, Free Spins, Candy Bomb Multipliers

Blood Suckers by NetEnt

Sink your teeth into Blood Suckers, the Halloween-themed slot game by NetEnt. This cult-classic offers the chance for fang-tastic wins with every spin. With this game's RTP of 98%, the highest seen on this list, Blood Suckers has an incredible bite to make it one of the most rewarding slots to attract players craving high returns.

• RTP: 98%
• Volatility: Low
• Max Win: 1,014x
• Minimum Bet: $0.25
• Maximum Bet: $0.50
• How to Win: Land on three or more matching symbols, starting from the leftmost reel on the 5x3 grid.
• Paylines: 25
• Bonus Features: Free Spins, Vampire Slaying Bonus Game,

Fortune Tiger by PG Soft

PG has created a line of online slots inspired by the Chinese zodiac with a modern urban twist, appealing to millions of slot players worldwide. While we have Fortune Rabbit, Fortune Ox, Fortune Dragon, and Fortune Mouse available at Rivalry, the iconic Fortune Tiger continues to be the king of the competitive casino jungle.

• RTP: 96.81%
• Volatility: Medium
• Max Win: 2,500x
• Minimum Bet: $0.25
• Maximum Bet: $75
• How to Win: Land a minimum of three matching symbols across the 5 paylines on the 3x3 grid
• Paylines: 5
• Bonus Features: Fortune Tiger Feature

Gates of Olympus by Pragmatic Play

Do you have what it takes to enter the realm of the Gods? Enter the Gates of Olympus, where the legendary Greek God Zeus sits atop his throne, waiting for you to claim your bounty.

Gates of Olympus is one of the most successful slots online from Pragmatic Play, drawing hundreds of players to Rivalry's online casino daily to seek their divine fortune.

• RTP: 96.50%
• Volatility: High
• Max Win: 5,000x
• Minimum Bet: $0.20
• Maximum Bet: $125
• How to Win: Land a minimum of eight matching symbols anywhere on the 6x5 grid
• Paylines: Scatter Pays system
• Bonus Features: Cascading Reels, Free Spins, Multiplier Symbols up to 500x

Wild Bounty Showdown by PG Soft

Saddle up and get ready for a Wild West adventure in Wild Bounty Showdown! This iconic mobile-optimized slot brings the Wild West action straight to your smartphone, with galloping horses and ringing gunshots to evoke the era.

• RTP: 96.75%
• Volatility: High
• Max Win: 5,000x
• Minimum Bet: $0.20
• Maximum Bet: $100
• How to Win: Land at least three matching symbols on adjacent reels, starting from the leftmost reel
• Paylines: 30
• Bonus Features: Cascading Reels, Free Spins, Progressive Multipliers, Gold-Framed Symbols

Starburst by NetEnt

Experience out-of-this-world wins with the legendary Starburst slot by NetEnt, taking you on a journey beyond the stars. As a low volatility machine, the Starburst slot is one of the most popular and frequented slot games available on Rivalry's online casino platform.

• RTP: 96.09%
• Volatility: Low
• Max Win: 500x
• Minimum Bet: $0.10
• Maximum Bet: $100
• How to Win: Match at least three symbols, starting from the leftmost reel
• Paylines: 10
• Bonus Features: Win Both Ways, Starburst Wilds

Bonanza Megaways by Big Time Gaming

Bonanza Megaways is one of several Megaways slots created by the legends at Big Time Gaming. This time around, they take you on a trip back to the Gold Rush, packed full of dynamite riches to mine.

• RTP: 96%
• Volatility: Medium-High
• Max Win: 26,000x
• Minimum Bet: $0.20
• Maximum Bet: $15
• How to Win: Land on three matching symbols on adjacent reels, starting from the leftmost reel on the 6x3 grid
• Paylines: Up to 117,649
• Bonus Features: Megaways, Cascading Reels, Free Spins

How to Find the RTP on Slots

Before playing any new online slots, you can always review the RTP percentage, which is usually mentioned in the in-game rules of each game when you click on the settings. Slots scoring above the average RTP of 95% theoretically offer a higher payout and a higher chance of winning.

Final Thoughts

Understanding RTP is the golden ticket to getting the most out of your slot gaming experience. While RTP doesn't guarantee short-term outcomes, it offers insight into the potential long-term returns of a game so you can make more informed decisions. By considering RTP and volatility, you can better align your slot game selection with your personal preferences, bankroll, and risk tolerance.

To make the most out of high RTP slots, always remember to play responsibly, manage your bankroll, set a budget, and choose a slot game that strikes a balance between high RTP and low-to-medium volatility. This will allow you to enjoy the roller-coaster thrill of playing slots while minimizing risks and maximizing rewards. Don't forget to create a Rivalry account today to lock in our welcome bonus, matching your first deposit up to $200. GLHF!

FAQs

How does RTP work slots?

Here's a simple breakdown for RTP percentages with slot machines (these can vary depending on the casino or region):

• High RTP: 96% and above – generally considered favorable for players.
• Average RTP: Around 94% to 96% – common for most slots, offering a balanced return.
• Low RTP: Below 94% – less favorable, meaning a higher house edge and, in theory, lower returns to players over time.

What is a good RTP for slot games?

The industry average for online slots tends to hover around 95% RTP, so anything higher than this (96% or above) is a good RTP.

Do online slots have a different RTP to physical slot machines?

Online slot games usually have a higher RTP compared to physical slot machines in land based casinos. This is mainly due to the reduced overhead costs online casinos have, in terms of staffing and facility maintenance.

What's considered a low RTP slot?

In general, a low RTP slot is any slot with an RTP percentage of anything below 94%. Some examples of low RTP slots might includes ones with progressive jackpots. These games often have an RTP in the range of 88% to 93% because a portion of each bet goes toward building the jackpot prize pool.

What are the highest RTP slots?

High RTP slots tend to hover above 96%. Some examples of this at Rivalry include Blood Suckers (98%, Reel Rush (96.96%), Fortune Tiger (96.81%), and Sweet Bonanza 1000 (96.53%).

Disclaimer: Gambling should always be approached responsibly. The information provided in this article, including insights on RTP and slot strategies, is intended as general guidance to help players make informed choices. However, RTP percentages, slot strategies, and gameplay outcomes are not guarantees of any specific results. Slots are games of chance, and outcomes are inherently unpredictable.

If you choose to play, set limits for yourself, and only gamble with money you can afford to lose. Remember that the house always holds an edge in casino games, and gambling should be viewed as a form of entertainment rather than a means to make money. If gambling stops being enjoyable or becomes difficult to control, consider seeking support from a responsible gambling organization or reach out to our customer support team.