In our last site refresh, we added online slot games, as they’ve long been a big part of both online and retail bingo play. Sure enough, as soon as the mid-session interval hits, bingo players leap up and start playing the slots. Given their popularity, you can see why slots are the most popular online bingo and casino game in the world. We’ve come a long way from tapping a button and simple spinning reels. Slots now offer incredible visuals and immersive gameplay that you might expect from a classic video game.
There are all kinds of reasons that players pick certain games to play online, whether it’s a familiar brand, eye-catching visuals, or cute characters. Those looking for wins, however, pay attention to the game’s return to player (RTP). But what is a return to player and what does it mean for you the next time you’re looking for some online gaming at the slots?
What is RTP?
Return to player is the term used in online casinos to describe the percentage of money that a game is expected to pay back to players over a period of time.
Some slot games can have an RTP as high as 99%. Quite simply, this means that for every £100 wagered, the slot is expected to pay out £99 in winnings. These aren’t bad odds at all.
However, when it comes to RTP, the game is not just looking at you. RTP is calculated over thousands, possibly millions of spins for a slot. It does not mean that if you wager your £100, you’re guaranteed £99 back in one session. RTP is a long-term calculation and although it gives players an insight into how much a game will pay, it’s never a guarantee of a win.
How RTP is calculated
It’s a very simple calculation to work out RTP despite it factoring in thousands of gameplays and sessions over a period of time.
An average slot might pay 97%, but the reality is the calculation involves much more than one £100 wager. RTP will be calculated across millions of spins. If £1m is wagered across those spins, then an RTP of 97% would result in £970k of that being returned to players. The other £30,000 is the casino’s edge and what keeps them in business.
Players need to remember RTP is not the same for every slot. Game developers decide what the RTP will be and it will vary between different casino games. Higher RTPs are often used to attract more players to a game in the hope of a better chance of success.
How to find RTP information
The RTP of any game should be viewable in the game’s paytable or its information section. Reputable platforms want to publicise this information to players in the interests of transparency. These casinos want players to know all the information upfront so they can make informed decisions about their gaming.
The game description or technical details section on a casino’s website might also provide the RTP information for all games, allowing you to compare games. Trusted sources such as Online Slot UK also provide extensive information on a huge selection of games, including their RTPs. The more information you have as a player, the more informed choices you can make when it comes to gaming.
If a casino doesn’t detail the RTP of each of its games, then the best advice is to ditch that casino and find one that does. Any lack of transparency from a platform could indicate more serious issues, and it’s best to spend your money elsewhere.
Why RTP matters
In a crowded market, RTP can be the difference between choosing one of thousands of slots over another. While it does not guarantee a win, a higher RTP can offer a better chance at one, especially over the long term.
It’s a balance of risk and reward. Volatility can also play a part in helping you decide which games to play. A slot with low volatility, can result in more frequent but smaller wins. Slots with high volatility tend to result in fewer wins but bigger payouts. So, it’s all about what matters most to you, the higher the risk, the higher the reward. Understanding a game’s RTP and volatility means you can choose a game to suit how much risk you’re willing to take.
RTP is also vital in game management and how players manage their stakes. Higher RTP games usually see players playing for longer with the same deposit as they often win back some of their money more regularly. Those playing at lower RTP slots might see their deposit dwindle a lot faster. This is an important consideration if you like to game all evening or if you’re just looking for a quick fix.
Is a higher RTP always better?
How long is a piece of string? Although higher RTPs offer a more favourable return in the long term, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s right for you.
Some players want the excitement of chasing a big win and have the funds to do so. For them, lower RTP games, whether it’s online bingo or another casino favourite, could be the right choice for them.
Lower RTP games, including lower RTP slots, also generally offer more bonus features and even more immersive gameplay. Weighing up all considerations, the bonuses on offer for some of these games might make them more cost-effective due to the free spins or multipliers on offer.
RTP is just one consideration to make when choosing an online game and that means different things to different people. The only one that can make the right choice is you.
Conclusion
Like so many other aspects of online gaming, RTP should be understood and considered by players. It can be crucial for players to choose what games to select and how it could affect their win ratio in the long term if they stick with a particular game.
Whether you prefer the regular returns of a higher RTP game or the bigger risk that comes with a lower RTP game, understanding what it means puts you in the driver’s seat and in control of your gaming.
