How does RTP work for online slots?

Online casinos’ most popular games are typically slot machines, but not all slots are created equal whether online or in-person. Players are often looking for online slots with high RTP rates, but what exactly does “RTP” mean, and why is it so important for bettors looking to find the best slot games to play?

RTP stands for “Return to Player.” The number represents a percentage of the player’s total wagered money that they’ll be able to win back over time while playing a given slot game. For example, a slot with an RTP of 96% will return $96 for every $100 that’s been wagered, on average. This means players will see their potential returns increase if they play a slot with a high RTP.

However, RTP is not guaranteed — it’s calculated based on the total wagers and winnings that have occurred over a long period of time. The RTP is an average rate of return, not a guaranteed percentage for each play session. Players can, and very often will, win or lose more than the RTP indicates. So even if an RTP is set at 94%, players still have the opportunity to win big every time they spin the reels. But if they were play the slot over and over again, they would eventually take back winnings equitable to that RTP rate.

What is considered a good RTP for a slot game?

Generally, players seek online slots with an RTP rate of 96% or higher. This is considered a high RTP, with some going up to 99% or more. An RTP of 95% or less is considered low.

Interestingly enough, even online slots with a low RTP can still be lucrative and worth playing if a slot has high volatility. This means that even if the returns are not as high, players can win more often, and this trade-off is typical. Slots with the highest RTP rates may not have the greatest potential payouts, while slots with lower RTP numbers may have the potential to offer huge wins to players willing to try their luck.

What’s the best RTP slot online?

While the measure of best is subjective, one popular example of an online slot with a high RTP is Blood Suckers, a Dracula-inspired slot that has all of the iconic movie vampires like Count Orlok and Nosferatu. It’s an old-school style slot machine but it has plenty of fun elements available to bettors. One bonus game has players open coffins until they reveal a cash prize, all in the name of slaying a dreaded vampire. There’s also a Free Spins bonus round that increases the number of scatter symbols available, triples big wins, and leads to larger jackpots. This online slot has a high RTP of 98%, meaning that even over time, players are statistically likely to win back 98% of what they bet.

Another online slot with a high RTP is Mega Joker, a slot of a very different kind. This online slot has an incredibly high RTP of 99%, as well as a progressive jackpot mechanic. Basically, 3% of each bet that players make over time contributes to a massive jackpot amount that can be won by a one lucky player. There’s also a super meter mode that features higher payouts. Despite Mega Joker having so many interesting features, the slot style is of the classic variety, featuring the classic fruit machine design of yore.

Should you play high or low RTP online slots?

Players can use RTP to determine which online slot they want to play, but whether they should play high or low RTP slots online will come down to personal preference and risk appetite. While high RTPs are the often most popular choice for gamblers because they can feel more reliable over time, there are multiple factors to consider.

Players with more patience may want to choose high RTP slots because they can perform better over a greater number of spins. On the other hand, lower RTP games often have greater risk and volatility, which can lead to bigger wins. Players just have to choose the style that’s right for them.