Slot RTP explained
RTP, or return to player, is the percentage of all stakes a slot is designed to pay back over its lifetime. It is the most quoted number in slots and one of the most misunderstood.
By Ryan Jessop. Last checked .
Key takeaways
- RTP is a lifetime average over millions of spins.
- 100% minus RTP is the house edge.
- The same slot can run at different RTPs at different casinos.
- The figure is shown in every game's help screen.
What RTP is
A slot with a 96% RTP is built so that, across an enormous number of spins by all players, £96 of every £100 staked is paid out as winnings. The remaining £4 is the house edge. The percentage is a property of the game's maths, set by the developer and tested before release.
What RTP is not
It is not a forecast of your session. A hundred spins on a 96% slot might return 20% or 400%. The average only emerges over a number of spins no individual will ever play. RTP also says nothing about how often you win; that is volatility.
RTP as a price
The useful way to read RTP is as the cost of play.
| RTP | House edge | Average cost of £100 staked | Average cost of £1,000 staked |
|---|---|---|---|
| 97% | 3% | £3 | £30 |
| 96% | 4% | £4 | £40 |
| 95% | 5% | £5 | £50 |
| 94% | 6% | £6 | £60 |
| 90% | 10% | £10 | £100 |
Remember that £100 staked is not £100 deposited. Winnings are re-staked, so a £20 deposit can easily produce £100 or more of total stakes in a session.
Why one slot has several RTPs
Developers supply many games in a range of RTP versions so that operators can choose. Starburst's default is 96.09%, but versions down to 90.05% are reported. Two casinos can show the same game with returns six points apart. Reviews, including ours, quote the default.
Where to find the real figure
You can read the same screen in demo mode before staking anything, and line up two games' defaults in the comparison tool.
- Open the slot at your casino.
- Tap the information, help or paytable button, often an 'i' or a menu icon.
- Scroll to the game rules. The RTP is stated as a percentage.
- Compare it with the default in our slot library.
RTP traps
- Feature-buy RTP. Some games quote a higher return for the bonus-buy version, which is not offered in Britain.
- Mode-specific RTP. A few classics reach very high figures only in a special mode with optimal play.
- Jackpot contribution. Progressive slots divert part of the return to the jackpot, lowering the base game return.
- Old figures. Developers revise games; reviews do not always keep up.
RTP and UK rules
UK-licensed casinos must make each game's RTP available to players and must monitor live games against their expected return. They are not required to run the highest version. The wider rules are in our UK slot rules guide, and slots ranked by return are on the high RTP page.
Play safely
Slots are fast, and they are designed so the house wins over time. Decide what the session is worth to you before you open a game, set a deposit limit, and stop when the money is gone. Free, confidential help is available from the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133. Our safer gambling page lists the tools and services.
Frequently asked questions
What does RTP stand for?
Return to player.
Is a higher RTP better?
Yes for long-run cost. It does not make any single session more likely to win.
What is the average slot RTP?
Around 96% for online slots.
Can I see a slot's RTP before playing?
Yes, in the game's help or information screen.