If you’ve ever played a slot or table game online, you’ve seen three little letters pop up in the game info: RTP. But what is it, really? And how does it impact your chances?

In this guide, we scope and explain everything to make it clear. Whether you’re new to online gaming or want to understand the numbers behind the spin, we will provide all the important details on the subject.

We built an RTP calculator to give players a clearer picture of what’s happening behind the reels. It’s not about guarantees or predicting wins—it’s about helping you understand the numbers so you can make smarter choices while playing.

All you need to do is enter three simple things:

The RTP calculator does the rest, giving you an idea of how much you might get back based on long-term odds. It’s a great way to manage your budget, compare games, or just see if the numbers stack up the way you expect.

This isn’t some fancy system or trick. It’s just a straightforward way to take a bit of the mystery out of gambling—because knowing your numbers means you’re playing smart, not just lucky.

So, what is RTP? Let’s start with the basics—it stands for Return to Player, and it’s the percentage of total wagered money that a casino game is expected to pay back to players over time.

Knowing what RTP is matters. It’s important because it can help you make better decisions and play it smart. Of course, the outcomes are still based on pure luck, but games with a higher RTP value will give you better long-term value because it means you lose less money over time. Well, it doesn’t guarantee short-term wins, but over many bets, you will likely keep more of your money than you would in a low RTP game.

Here’s why you should pay attention to it:

Based on our research, the key idea is that every time you replay your money, you’re giving the house another chance to take its cut. Moreover, cashing out at the right moment helps protect your winnings from being chipped away over time.

For example, imagine you start with $200 and play a low-volatility slot with a 97% RTP, betting in small amounts. After enough spins, your balance might drop to around $194. If you keep playing with that $194, you’ll eventually have about $188, and so on. Repeating this process over and over — say, 30 or 40 cycles — your balance could shrink to half or less, even without any major losses in one go.

Now that you understand RTP, let’s talk numbers. RTP is calculated during extensive game testing. Game developers run simulations with millions of rounds to track how much is wagered versus how much is paid out, giving them a reliable statistical average.

For example:

Once verified, these figures are usually reviewed by independent testing labs like eCOGRA, GLI, or iTech Labs. This means these numbers are fair and accurate as they are officially tested.

As stated before, you should keep in mind that not all RTPs are created equal —  it depends on the game you are playing. Let’s compare the most popular game types – slots and table games!

So, the RTP tells you how much a game pays you back over time, but volatility describes how often and how big the payouts are.

Most reputable casinos show RTP stats in:

Yes — and no. Some modern slot games offer configurable RTP ranges to operators (e.g., 88%, 94%, 96%). This means one casino might offer the same game with a lower RTP than another.

Absolutely — but it’s not the whole picture.
It helps you make better choices, but luck, timing, and gameplay habits all play huge roles in your session outcomes. Think of RTP as your map—it shows the terrain, but you’re still the one behind the wheel.

If you’re playing for entertainment and know the math, RTP becomes a useful tool rather than just a number. Always combine RTP awareness with responsible play. We understand that sometimes it can be confusing, so we encourage you to check out the RTP calculator we made for our dear readers. Scroll down to get easy instructions on how to use the RTP calculator.

According to our research, you may want to cash out regularly. Moreover, if you keep reinvesting your winnings into the same game, the RTP (Return to Player) applies each time, slowly eating away at your balance, even if you’re winning small amounts along the way.

So, now you know why understanding RTP matters and how to use it to your benefit. Good luck!

Take a look at some trusted game developers which provide officially tested high RTP slot games.

Slot Game	RTP %	Developer
Book of 99	99.00	Relax Gaming
Mega Joker	99.00	NetEnt
Blood Suckers	98.00	NetEnt
Codex of Fortune	98.00	NetEnt
Starmania	97.87	NextGen Gaming
White Rabbit Megaways	97.72	Big Time Gaming
Medusa Megaways	97.63	NextGen Gaming
Secrets of Atlantis	97.07	NetEnt
Steam Tower	97.04	NetEnt
Reel Rush	97.00	NetEnt