Casino Guides: Understanding Return to Player (RTP)

What is RTP?

The RTP is the percentage of all money staked, that any given game will in the long run pay back to players. Consider it the inverse of the house edge, which is the casino’s profit. The better the RTP, the better your chances of winning over a long period. RTP doesn’t ensure success at all but shows how good of a game it is over a long time frame.

For example, if a pokie has a 95% RTP it means that over time, players can expect to receive back an average of 95% of their bets while the gambling company retains the other 5%. Keep in mind that RTP is a long-term calculation, meaning that it might take thousands of spins or hands for the percentage to reflect the actual return.

How Do Casinos Display RTP?

The best online casinos have pretty clear RTP information. You can typically find it listed on the game’s icon or in a section titled “Payout Percentages” or simply “Information”. Many sites will list the RTP across all gaming activities, especially for popular ones like poker and blackjack.

Here’s a real-life example from one Aussie online casino:

• 10 Play Power Poker – Aces and Faces: RTP – 99.26%;
• 10 Play Power Poker – All Aces: RTP – 99.92%;
• Bonus Poker: RTP – 99.17%.

If you bet AU$100 on Bonus Poker, then you can anticipate getting AU$99.17 back in the long run. Remember that it works for all players. For instance, 100 players invested in the game AU$10,000 total. One gamer has received a win of AU$9,917, and the other 99 players received nothing – it still means the RTP of 99.17% has worked.

RTP and Hit Frequency: Understanding the Difference

Many gamblers do not realize that RTP and hit frequency are not synonyms. They are both important, but they do not refer to the same thing. RTP measures the long-term payout percentage, while hit frequency refers to how often a game will land on a winning combination.

For instance, a pokie game can have a 10% hit frequency, which means you will land in a winning combination in every 10 spins out of hundreds. But it does not mean every single time you will win a lot. For some gambling activities, they might be small winning, or for others a bigger one depending on the payout structure for that particular game.

Why RTP is Important for Players

The RTP of a game gives you insight into when and what to play. Here’s why:

• Higher payout over time. Games with higher RTPs give Aussie players a better chance of recouping their money over time;
• Choosing games: Since not every game is the same in terms of RTP, you can pick gaming activities with better odds;
• Expectation management. RTP helps set realistic expectations, especially for players who plan to spend a significant amount of time on a particular game.

RTP is very important, but it is not the only factor to look at. You should also consider volatility and bonus factors when choosing your games.

High RTP Games: What to Look For in Oz

Although RTP in no way means guaranteed wins, it is however a good sign that the games have better potential for hitting payouts on a more consistent basis. Here are some examples of games best known for their high RTP percentages:

• Blackjack. There are many different types of blackjack, but most have an RTP of around 99%, meaning that they are among the best choices for Australian players looking for a low house edge;
• Video Poker. With optimal strategy, the RTP for games like “Jacks or Better” often exceeds 99%;
• Roulette. The return to player is typically higher with European roulette (~97.3%) than with American roulette (94.74%) — attributed to the lack of a double zero.

You Might Also Want to Know Casino Guides: The House Edge

Does a Higher RTP Mean a Better Australian Casino?

High RTP games are not the only sign of a great online casino. Other considerations include:

• Game diversity. A quality site will provide a decent combination of high RTP games and many other services with multiple volatility and thrill levels;
• License and security. Reliable casino sites are licensed by known gaming authorities and offer safe transactions;
• Bonuses and promotions. Gambling sites that offer regular incentives will give you a higher chance of being able to continue playing for longer;
• Reliable helpdesk. Good customer support will help resolve any problems, technical or payment issues as and when they arise.