RTP Return To Player Understanding What It Means
If you are interested in playing online slots, it’s important to understand what Return To Player (RTP) means. Many experienced players advise seeking out online casino slots with a high RTP, but what does this number really tell you? When choosing the right online slot, there are several factors to consider, and RTP is one of the key details to keep in mind.
This guide will clarify what RTP means and how you can use it to make more informed choices when playing online slots.
List of Casinos Using Genuine RTP
- UK License:
- Yes
- Bonus Wagering:
- -
- Free Spins Wagering:
- -
- UK License:
- Yes
- Bonus Wagering:
- 50x
- Free Spins Wagering:
- -
- UK License:
- Yes
- Bonus Wagering:
- x40
- Free Spins Wagering:
- x40
- UK License:
- Yes
- Free Spins Wagering:
- 1x in 7 days
- Bonus wagering:
- -
- UK License:
- Yes
- Bonus wagering:
- 30x
- Free Spins Wagering:
- 30x
- UK License:
- Yes
- Bonus Wagering:
- 35x
- Free Spins Wagering:
- -
What is RTP and How it Works
When browsing online slots in 2025, you will regularly see the term RTP. This stands for return to player and it is always given as a percentage. RTP defines the proportion of total stakes placed on a game that will be paid back to players over time. Game developers use established formulas to calculate this figure.
How RTP is Calculated
The Return To Player percentage is calculated with this formula:
RTP = (Total returned amount) / (Total bet amount)
- Total returned amount: This is the net sum that players collectively win in each round or over a longer period. For online slots, it means the overall winnings across all plays.
- Total bet amount: This reflects the total sum wagered by all players for each round, or over an extended duration such as a month.
A higher RTP percentage generally indicates a greater share of wagered money will be returned to players in winnings over time.
However, while online casino auditors ensure listed RTP figures are accurate, they remain theoretical and based on long-term play. RTP does not mean that if you bet £100, a 97% RTP guarantees you’ll receive £97 in return. Instead, results are random and will vary from one session to another. The RTP acts as a long-term estimate, not a precise guarantee for individual players.
Purpose of RTPs
If the RTP does not assure individual results, it remains an important piece of information for several reasons. Gambling is based on chance, but data such as RTP enables players to make more informed decisions, helping them manage their play responsibly and potentially increase enjoyment over time.
Online casinos display RTP values mainly for two reasons:
- To provide transparency so players understand how much of their bets are, on average, paid out as winnings in the long run. This information helps players select games where their chances of return are statistically higher.
- To outline that the casino also receives a share of stakes as revenue. The RTP shows the proportion returned to players, while the remaining difference is the casino’s margin, often called the house edge.
Keep in mind that while RTP gives an overview of expected returns, it does not show win frequency or payout distribution. For example, in two slot games with the same RTP, one may pay small frequent wins, while another could pay infrequent but larger wins. The fairness and randomness are maintained by regulated random number generator technology and regular auditing, making RTP a reference point rather than a guarantee.
How to Use RTP
To make RTP work in your favour, understand that RTP values are based on very large numbers of spins — often tens or hundreds of thousands. Over short sessions, actual results can differ greatly from the theoretical RTP due to the randomness built into each slot game. For most slot games, the expectancy is measured over many spins, not just a handful of rounds.
It’s always recommended to read each site’s terms and conditions to learn more about how RTP is determined for specific games. Being aware of how RTP works will help you make more informed slot choices and better manage your playtime and budget.
Online Casino Slots with Highest RTP
With a good understanding of RTP, you may want to focus on online slots that statistically return more to players. Generally, RTPs below 91% are considered low, while 95% is average and anything from 98.5% upwards is viewed as excellent.
Among all online casino slots, these games offer some of the highest RTPs:
Mega Joker
This classic title from NetEnt provides an RTP as high as 99%. Mega Joker has some of the biggest theoretical payouts online and includes a Supermeter feature. The RTP increases with maximum bets, so wagering 10 coins instead of 1 coin raises your potential return.
Jackpot 6000
Also developed by NetEnt, Jackpot 6000 boasts up to 98.8% RTP. As with Mega Joker, maximum bets activate higher RTPs and unlock the Supermeter feature for enhanced win potential.
Uncharted Seas
This Thunderkick slot reaches an RTP of 98.6%. Aside from a high return rate, Uncharted Seas features free spins and rich visuals inspired by medieval sea legends. The blend of bonus features, immersive design, and rewarding payout ratio makes it a favourite among experienced players.
Blood Suckers
With an RTP of 98%, Blood Suckers from NetEnt remains an attractive option. It also features wilds, free spins, bonus games, and trigger bonuses for added value.
Starmania
NextGen’s Starmania offers an RTP of 97.87%. Coupled with 10 paylines, free games, wilds, and an engaging theme, this slot remains a solid choice for value and entertainment.
While many top RTP slots are created by NetEnt, there are exceptions. For example, Mega Fortune Dreams carries a 96.4% RTP. The overall appeal of a game can also come from bonus features, graphics, themes, or jackpot potential, not just its RTP. Look for a balance of all qualities when choosing a slot game.
Online Casino Slots with Lowest RTP
In contrast, some online slots offer lower RTP percentages. While a lower RTP means a smaller proportion of bets are theoretically returned to players over time, it does not make these games less entertaining or engaging.
Games from certain providers, such as Novomatic, show a varied range of long-term payout percentages. For instance, Book of Ra has an RTP of 94.6%, which is below average, yet it maintains a dedicated following due to its features and design. Other lower RTP slots include Mega Moolah (88.12%), The Dark Knight Video (88.96%), Wow Pot (89.25%), Major Millions (89.37%), and Lotsaloot (89.95%).
Some online casinos may select lower RTP versions of games due to licensing costs or agreements with game producers. However, a lower RTP does not mean a game lacks entertainment value or quality features. Players should always review all characteristics of a slot before deciding to play, using RTP as one of several points to consider.
Last updated 2025
Emily Thornton boasts a degree in Digital Media from the University of Bristol, accompanied by an obsession for the online casino world. Over the past six years, she's combined her tech-savvy skills with a flair for writing, producing in-depth reviews and slots analyses for various casino platforms. A frequent contributor to free-spins.org, Emily's articles are grounded in research, ensuring readers gain trusted insights into the dynamic world of online gaming.