Online Casino Experts Breakdown RTP (Return to Player)

Quick Answer

⚡ RTP, or “return to player”, is a statistical measure representing the percentage of wagered money a game will pay back to gamers over time. It's expressed as a percentage and shows the player’s anticipated ROI (return on investment). For example, an RTP of 96% means that, on average, the game will return €96 for every €100 wagered.

What Makes RTP Important for Players?

Understanding the RTP is important, especially if you want to maximise your chances of winning. It also helps you make informed decisions throughout your gaming session.

Good Decision Making

Comparing the RTP rates of different games allows players to select those with favourable pay-outs.

Identifying Game Fairness

RTP is a measure of game fairness, and all casino games from reputable operators undergo stringent testing by independent auditors to guarantee their RTPs' accuracy. 

Trustworthy casinos don’t shy away from openly displaying their RTP rates. This allows players to evaluate the fairness of the casino games before investing their cash.

Transparency and Trust

If an operator offers accurate information about the RTP values of their games, they are likely to be trustworthy and committed to protecting players. 

Setting Expectations

RTP can help you set realistic expectations since you know that online casino games are designed to give out to players less than they take in over time. Knowing this, you’ll avoid disappointment and enjoy games for what they offer – entertainment.

Bankroll Management

Understanding the RTPs of different games helps you manage your bankroll effectively. 

What Can Affect RTP?

Some of the things that can affect the RTP value include: 

Bet Size

Your bet size can affect the RTP in various ways, especially in progressive slots. For instance, you might need to play a maximum bet to unlock the highest RTP or an opportunity to hit the jackpot.

Jackpots and Bonus Features

Jackpots and other highly rewarding bonus features can influence the calculation of RTP. Jackpot games tend to have a lower RTP rate in the base game as the top prizes are reserved for players who trigger a jackpot. 

Meanwhile, games with action-packed bonus rounds may have slightly higher RTPS as these rounds are taken into account when calculating the overall RTP of the game.

Skill

Certain games, like blackjack and poker, involve an element of skill and knowledge. This means that expert players have a better chance of achieving the highest possible RTP, while novices may never come close. This is very different to spinning a slot, where your individual RTP rate is based purely on luck.  

Online Slots With the Highest RTP

Let's look at some of the best online slots that offer the highest RTP for Irish players.

The Interplay Between RTP and House Edge

The RTP and house edge are two sides of the same coin. If a casino game has an RTP of 98%, its house edge is 2% (100–98). That means the operator expects to keep €2 for every €100 staked on that game.

Knowing the house edge and RTP gives you a complete picture of the odds when placing your bets. For instance, games with a bigger house edge, such as American roulette or keno, might seem exciting due to their likelihood of huge wins. However, their lower RTP means that over time, they are less likely to pay back the staked cash than games with a low house edge.

Our Experts Verdict

Understanding RTP is fundamental to choosing the best games and having an excellent gaming experience. However, it should not be the only factor you consider. You need to understand that different online casino games offer different experiences, and go for casino games that you enjoy and fit your risk tolerance.

Furthermore, consider things like bonus features, game rules, and casino reputation. Even games with the highest RTP won't be fun if the operator doesn’t offer a secure and fair gaming environment.