RTP casino meaning

RTP meaning is an indicator that reflects the profitability and fairness of a game in the long term. It stands for ‘return to player’, which literally means ‘return to the player’. RTP (Return to Player) represents the percentage of the total amount bet by players that can be expected to be returned to them over the long term when betting in a casino.

What is RTP?

RTP meaning gambling (Return to Player) is a percentage that reflects the portion of funds wagered by players that can be returned to them in the long run when gambling at a casino. Essentially, it shows how fair and profitable a particular slot version is for the gambler. 

To put it simply, if the return to player rate is 97%, then for every $100 wagered, the player will get back $97, with the casino keeping the remaining $3 as profit. 

RTP is calculated based on a large number of gameplay sessions, so it represents a long-term average. Only this way can a statistically accurate picture be achieved. The indicator allows players to prefer games with higher chances of winning. However, always remember that RTP is only a theoretical estimate and it does not give a 100% probability of return, especially in short gaming sessions. It’s more like a guide for gamblers who want to understand how profitable and beneficial the gameplay will be in the long run.

Who verifies the RTP in casinos?

The casino’s RTP is checked by independent testing laboratories and auditors. They specialize in the certification and auditing of gambling products. Some of the most well-known companies include: 

• eCOGRA (eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance) – an international organization that tests and certifies gaming platforms for fairness and security;
• iTech Labs – the laboratory conducts testing and certification for online games to ensure they meet international standards;
• GLI (Gaming Laboratories International) – one of the leading labs that tests and certifies gambling products worldwide;
• TST (Technical Systems Testing) is a part of GLI, which also specializes in testing and certifying online products. 

These independent auditors conduct thorough testing of games. This ensures that the stated rate matches the actual gameplay experience. Certification from such organizations guarantees that the products are fair and that players can trust the stated RTP.

How is RTP verified in casinos?

The process of checking a casino’s RTP follows the standardized algorithm. It includes several stages that ensure the accuracy and reliability of results. Among them are: 

• Data collection. Testing laboratories gain access to the game’s source code and generate a significant number of gaming sessions. This typically involves millions of spins for slot games or a large amount of hands dealt for card games.

• The random number generator (RNG) responsible for game outcomes is checked for fairness. Its randomness and unpredictability are tested to ensure it does not manipulate results.
• Mathematical model. Real results are compared with the mathematical model of the game. This ensures that the slot operates in accordance with its stated RTP. 
• Long-term testing. Results are analyzed over a long period to confirm the stability of the return percentage. 
• Report and certification. Upon completion of testing, the laboratory provides a report with detailed analysis and conclusions. If the machine meets the declared standards and has no violations, it is issued a certificate of compliance.

This process guarantees that games on the platform provide fair and random results, in line with the stated RTP. Thanks to these test checks, players can be confident in the transparency and fairness of the gaming platform.

Who can influence the RTP?

RTP in any casino game is fixed during its development phase and cannot be altered by the site or operators afterward. However, there are several parties who may indirectly affect the perception of RTP:

• Game developers. It is the providers who set the RTP in slots during game creation. They determine the mathematical model that the game operates on. Some developers may offer several versions of the same game with different return rates. There are also gambling products with a dynamic indicator or one that changes in the bonus round.

• Regulators and auditors. Independent regulators and audit firms check and certify RTP to ensure that games meet the stated and announced characteristics. They monitor compliance with standards of fairness and transparency. 
• Casinos. Although gambling platforms cannot directly alter the return-to-player rate of a game, they do have the ability to choose which versions of games to offer gamblers. For example, one gaming site may select a game with an RTP level at 96%, while another offers the same game at 94%. This seemingly small difference can become noticeable during gameplay.

• Players. Indirectly, players influence the RTP by their choice of games. The more popular a high-RTP game is, the more other platforms strive to offer such products, supporting them in the market.

There are no other influences on this metric.

What is House Advantage?

House Advantage, literally translated as “casino advantage,” is a term that describes the mathematical advantage gambling platforms have over players in slot games. It’s a percentage value that indicates the average amount of money the gaming site expects to retain from the total sum of bets made by players in the long run. For example, if the House Advantage is 5%, it means that the site expects to keep $5 for every $100 bet by gamblers. 

The House Advantage can vary depending on the gambling product and its rules. Different variants have different levels of platform advantage. For instance, it might be high for slots, whereas for table games like poker or blackjack, it’s often significantly lower – all this considering the correct gaming strategy.

House Advantage vs. Return to Player

These two metrics are related but are considered opposites. They describe the same phenomenon but from different perspectives.

RTP in casinos is the share of money that players expect to get back. If the percentage is 93%, it means gamblers anticipate returning 93% of all their bets. House Advantage reflects the portion of money that a gambling site wants to retain. For instance, if this indicator is set at 7%, it means that the casino expects to keep no less than 7% of all bets.

These two indicators are opposites but also complement each other. In total, they always make up 100%. Therefore, if a slot’s RTP is 92%, the House Advantage for that game will be 8%.

How to find a slot’s RTP

Knowing how to find the RTP of a slot can help in selecting a suitable game, planning bankrolls, and ensuring overall fairness. There are several ways to find out the RTP:

• Official sources. Many game developers indicate the return rate of their products on official websites. This is the most reliable source of information. 
• In-game information. Most online platforms display the information about the return to player within the game itself. To find it, all you need to do is open up a slot and go into the “Information” or “Help” section where they often list all technical specifications, including RTP.

• Online resources and reviews. There are numerous websites and forums dedicated to platform and slot reviews, where you can also find information about RTP. Popular resources are easily found through browser searches. 
• The PIN UP platform. For user convenience, slots with high RTP are separately listed. This makes searching for a suitable option much more comfortable and efficient.

It’s important to remember that RTP is a theoretical metric based on thousands or millions of spins. Accordingly, it does not guarantee a specific outcome in each gaming session. It is aimed at long-term rather than short-term prospects.

Volatility and RTP

These two indicators are considered fundamental in describing slot machines, their capabilities, and the accessibility of winnings for gamblers. They allow us to describe the chances of potential wins and are overall important for a general understanding of risks. 

By understanding what RTP is in a casino, you can see that it represents the percentage of all bets made by gamblers that is returned in the long run. A value of 91% indicates that out of 100 user bets at $1 each, approximately $91 could potentially be returned. 

Volatility describes the frequency and size of winnings. A high value means that wins will be infrequent but large. Low volatility suggests that the slot machine will produce frequent but smaller wins. There is also a medium value. 

These two metrics must be considered when choosing a gambling product. If you prefer a game with high RTP and high volatility, expect that the wins will be significant but rare. Therefore, it’s important to plan and prepare your bankroll in advance, as the gaming session will be lengthy if you aim for a win.

Variance and RTP

Variance is a statistical term important for describing the spread of winning amounts in a specific slot machine. If the variance is high, the size of winnings will vary widely, giving players a chance to win a large amount, though such wins are infrequent. On the other hand, If the variance is low, wins occur often, but the amounts are modest. 

Regardless of the stated variance size, the RTP remains unchanged. The return rate stays constant unless otherwise specified by the rules of a particular slot game. For instance, some games have a dynamic RTP. However, gambling products with identical RTPs can have different variances, directly affecting the perception, frequency of wins, and the overall gaming experience. Players can choose a suitable gambling product based on their preferences, needs, and financial and temporal capabilities.

The dangers of high RTP for players

A high RTP inevitably attracts visitors, as it is considered the most profitable option. However, it’s important to remember that it may conceal certain risks: 

• False sense of security. Users may believe that a high RTP guarantees frequent winning combinations, which is not always the case. The RTP does not eliminate risk, and other slot features, such as volatility and variance, must also be considered.

• High volatility. Slots with high RTP may have a large volatile value, which means rare but substantial symbol combinations. Players might go for long periods without wins, leading to a loss of bankroll. 
• Unrealistic expectations. Visitors may expect immediate wins, whereas the RTP is designed for a long-term perspective and does not guarantee returns in every session.

In general, you need to approach the study of the RTP issue responsibly, taking into account other indicators as well. Then, you’ll have a positive result and substantial profit.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions