What is RTP (Return to Player) and how it affects a player's chances
1. Defining RTP
Return to Player (RTP) is a mathematical expectation of the return of bets to the player for a large number of spins. Expressed as a percentage: with RTP = 96%, on average, out of 100 ₽ bets, the player will receive 96 ₽ back, and the casino will leave 4 ₽ (house edge).
RTP is calculated only for the base game and bonus features, excluding promotions and temporary freespins.
The metric describes the long-term return: hundreds of thousands of spins bring the actual return closer to theoretical RTP.
2. How RTP is calculated
1. Theoretical formula
$$
\ text {RTP} =\frac {\sum (ext {payments for each combination }imesext {probability of it falling out})} {ext {average rate}}
imes 100%
$$
2. Example of a simple slot
Two characters A and B, payout for two A = 10 ₽, for two B = 5 ₽.
Probabilities: P (A) = 0.4; P(B)= 0,6.
RTP = $ (10 × 0.4 + 5 × 0.6 )/ 1₽$×100% = (4 + 3 )/1 × 100% = 700% (to demonstrate simplicity; real slots are harder).
3. Accounting for bonuses and freespins
Payments in bonus rounds are included in the general RTP slot.
Different modes can have their own RTP within a common range.
3. Long-term indicator and short-term fluctuations
Law of large numbers: The more sessions and spins, the closer the actual payouts are to the stated RTP.
Short-term fluctuations: Within 100-1,000 spins, actual returns can vary greatly (+/- 20% or more).
Practical conclusion: RTP does not guarantee a specific result in one game session - this is only an average over a long period.
4. RTP and house edge communication
House Edge = 100 % – RTP.
If RTP = 96%, house edge = 4%: on average, the casino holds 4 ₽ per 100 bet ₽.
It is more profitable for players to choose slots with high RTP (closer to 98-99%) in order to reduce the advantage of the casino.
5. Impact of RTP on player chances
1. The higher the RTP, the smaller the mathematical advantage of the casino
With RTP = 98% house edge = 2% → a more profitable machine.
2. RTP doesn't talk about volatility
High RTP can be combined with high volatility (rare large winnings) or low (frequent small).
3. Bank management strategies
With high RTP, the bankroll stays in the game longer.
For low-voltage slots, a smaller bankroll is enough, but the winnings are also low.
6. Regulation, certification and transparency
Independent laboratories (GLI, BMM, iTech Labs) check the compliance of the declared RTP with the actual results in the simulation.
Jurisdictions require RTP to be published for each machine (online casinos are required to specify RTP in the slot description).
Online casinos often provide reports on the average RTP per month to confirm honesty.
7. Practical recommendations for players
1. Learn RTP before the game
Prefer RTP slots ≥ 96%.
2. Combine RTP and volatility to suit your style
Long game lovers: high RTP + low volatility.
Jackpot hunters: average RTP + high volatility.
3. Run a bankroll
Divide the amount into short sessions to smooth out "high" and "low" periods.
4. Check casino protocols
Reliable operators publish payment reports and demonstrate independent audits.
8. Common RTP myths
"RTP changes on the fly"
No: the mathematical model and RTP are fixed during development and certification, only volatility due to bonuses changes dynamically.
"Low RTP → more likely to hit the jackpot"
There is no direct connection: the jackpot may be a component of high RTP, but more often a large prize comes out less often and is not guaranteed.
9. Example of win probability calculation
For a slot with RTP = 95%, a rate of 1 ₽ and an average payout of 20 ₽ for winning with a probability of 4.75%:
10. Conclusion
RTP is a key parameter that determines the long-term expectations of the player and the advantage of the casino. Understanding its calculation, connection with house edge and the role of volatility allows you to make informed decisions when choosing slots, manage a bankroll and calculate real chances of success.
Return to Player (RTP) is a mathematical expectation of the return of bets to the player for a large number of spins. Expressed as a percentage: with RTP = 96%, on average, out of 100 ₽ bets, the player will receive 96 ₽ back, and the casino will leave 4 ₽ (house edge).
RTP is calculated only for the base game and bonus features, excluding promotions and temporary freespins.
The metric describes the long-term return: hundreds of thousands of spins bring the actual return closer to theoretical RTP.
2. How RTP is calculated
1. Theoretical formula
$$
\ text {RTP} =\frac {\sum (ext {payments for each combination }imesext {probability of it falling out})} {ext {average rate}}
imes 100%
$$
2. Example of a simple slot
Two characters A and B, payout for two A = 10 ₽, for two B = 5 ₽.
Probabilities: P (A) = 0.4; P(B)= 0,6.
RTP = $ (10 × 0.4 + 5 × 0.6 )/ 1₽$×100% = (4 + 3 )/1 × 100% = 700% (to demonstrate simplicity; real slots are harder).
3. Accounting for bonuses and freespins
Payments in bonus rounds are included in the general RTP slot.
Different modes can have their own RTP within a common range.
3. Long-term indicator and short-term fluctuations
Law of large numbers: The more sessions and spins, the closer the actual payouts are to the stated RTP.
Short-term fluctuations: Within 100-1,000 spins, actual returns can vary greatly (+/- 20% or more).
Practical conclusion: RTP does not guarantee a specific result in one game session - this is only an average over a long period.
4. RTP and house edge communication
House Edge = 100 % – RTP.
If RTP = 96%, house edge = 4%: on average, the casino holds 4 ₽ per 100 bet ₽.
It is more profitable for players to choose slots with high RTP (closer to 98-99%) in order to reduce the advantage of the casino.
5. Impact of RTP on player chances
1. The higher the RTP, the smaller the mathematical advantage of the casino
With RTP = 98% house edge = 2% → a more profitable machine.
2. RTP doesn't talk about volatility
High RTP can be combined with high volatility (rare large winnings) or low (frequent small).
3. Bank management strategies
With high RTP, the bankroll stays in the game longer.
For low-voltage slots, a smaller bankroll is enough, but the winnings are also low.
6. Regulation, certification and transparency
Independent laboratories (GLI, BMM, iTech Labs) check the compliance of the declared RTP with the actual results in the simulation.
Jurisdictions require RTP to be published for each machine (online casinos are required to specify RTP in the slot description).
Online casinos often provide reports on the average RTP per month to confirm honesty.
7. Practical recommendations for players
1. Learn RTP before the game
Prefer RTP slots ≥ 96%.
2. Combine RTP and volatility to suit your style
Long game lovers: high RTP + low volatility.
Jackpot hunters: average RTP + high volatility.
3. Run a bankroll
Divide the amount into short sessions to smooth out "high" and "low" periods.
4. Check casino protocols
Reliable operators publish payment reports and demonstrate independent audits.
8. Common RTP myths
"RTP changes on the fly"
No: the mathematical model and RTP are fixed during development and certification, only volatility due to bonuses changes dynamically.
"Low RTP → more likely to hit the jackpot"
There is no direct connection: the jackpot may be a component of high RTP, but more often a large prize comes out less often and is not guaranteed.
9. Example of win probability calculation
For a slot with RTP = 95%, a rate of 1 ₽ and an average payout of 20 ₽ for winning with a probability of 4.75%:
- Mean return = 20 ₽ × 4.75% = 0.95 ₽ → RTP 95%.
- House edge = 5 %.
- Winning 20 ₽ falls ≈1 times out of 21; all other backs are a loss.
10. Conclusion
RTP is a key parameter that determines the long-term expectations of the player and the advantage of the casino. Understanding its calculation, connection with house edge and the role of volatility allows you to make informed decisions when choosing slots, manage a bankroll and calculate real chances of success.
