Ever scrolled through an online casino site, eyeing the jackpot slots, pondering over what game to play next? You may have spotted something called the RTP — a three-letter acronym that may appear complicated but is central to understanding your gaming experience. This blog post unpacks the concept of Return to Player, or RTP, to illuminate its importance in your gameplay and potential earnings.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newbie, stick around to get clued up on how RTP can inform your game choices and potentially improve your winnings.
What Is RTP in Gambling?
What is RTP in slots or any other casino game? RTP stands for Return to Player. In simple terms, it is a measure of the total bet that a player can expect to win back over a prolonged period of gameplay. If a game boasts an RTP of 95%, then — theoretically, at least — a player could expect to get $95 back from every $100 wagered.
However, this isn’t a promise of winnings every time you play. Instead, it’s a long-term average calculated over thousands (or even millions) of gameplays. It’s important to remember that individual gaming sessions can vary widely due to the element of chance — so don’t take it as a guarantee.
The Interplay Between RTP, Volatility and House Edge
So, you now understand that RTP can give an indication of what percentage of your bets you might recoup. But how does it tie in with other vital concepts like volatility and house edge? To start with, here are some definitions.
Volatility measures the level of risk associated with a specific game. High-volatility games often equate to bigger but less frequent wins, while low-volatility games typically yield smaller, more regular wins. Interestingly, there’s no direct link between RTP and volatility — a high RTP doesn’t necessarily mean low volatility or vice versa.
Now, to the house edge. If you’ve been around the online casino circuit or have delved into the history of slots, you’ll know that the house edge is the casino’s advantage over the player. The higher the house edge, the more the odds are in the casino’s favor. But how does this link to RTP? It’s simple math — subtract the RTP from 100% and you get the house edge. So, a game with a 95% RTP has a 5% house edge.
Popular Games With High RTP
Keen to know which games could offer you a better RTP? The list can be pretty long, but it will focus on a few fan favorites.
- Blackjack: This popular card game can have an RTP as high as 99.5% with optimal play.
- Certain slot games: Not all slots are created equal. Some games, like the much-loved “Blood Suckers,” have RTPs higher than 96%.
- Video poker: Games like “Jacks or Better,” when played with a perfect strategy, can boast an RTP of up to 99.54%.
It’s worth noting that a high RTP doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll win more often — remember, volatility also plays a significant role.
How To Calculate RTP
The process of calculating RTP is complex and involves the game’s specific design parameters. The parameters would include the probability of each symbol appearing on the reel, the paytable and the specific game rules. Additionally, it’s important to remember that RTP is based on a theoretical model, not actual game outcomes.
In essence, the RTP for a particular game is calculated using a detailed mathematical model developed by game designers. But unless you fancy becoming a game designer yourself, you probably don’t need to know the nitty-gritty. What’s important is knowing how to use the RTP to inform your gameplay decisions.
The Significance of RTP to Players’ Potential Earnings and Gameplay Decisions
Knowing the RTP of a game can certainly help with your gameplay decisions, as games with higher RTPs could be more profitable over the long run. But remember: they’re not a guarantee of winning — you’re gambling, after all. On the flip side, while games with lower RTPs might not seem as appealing, they often provide higher entertainment value with their game design and features.
It’s also essential to bear in mind your own risk tolerance. Some players thrive on the thrill of high-volatility games, knowing that a massive win could be just around the corner, while others prefer the more consistent payouts of lower-volatility games.
The RTP Rundown – A Vital Tool for the Savvy BetMGM Player
In a nutshell, understanding RTP in casino games is a key tool in any savvy player’s arsenal. It’s a balancing act, though. While a high RTP might be appealing, don’t forget to consider other aspects like volatility and house edge, as well as your own comfort level with risk. At the end of the day, the games should be fun — that’s what they’re there for.
If you’d like to put your newfound understanding of RTP into practice, register an account at BetMGM and try out some of the games mentioned in this article. BetMGM offers the best types of casino games like online slots, poker or blackjack. They’re also the leader in customer service, player security and tech and offer great bonuses. BetMGM — the smart option for the savvy player.
