RTP — Return to Player — is the most cited statistic in online casino gaming. Understanding what it actually means (and what it doesn't) helps you make better choices about what games to play.
RTP Defined
RTP is the theoretical percentage of all wagered money that a game returns to players over millions of rounds. A 96% RTP slot returns €96 for every €100 wagered on average over a very long run, across all players. The remaining 4% is the house edge — the casino's mathematical advantage.
RTP is Long-Run Theory, Not a Session Guarantee
In any individual session of 100 or even 1,000 spins, your result can vary enormously from the theoretical RTP. RTP is calculated over tens of millions of spins. Thinking "this slot has 96% RTP so I'll get back €96 of my €100 today" is a misunderstanding — your session result is determined by variance.
Volatility vs RTP
RTP and volatility are related but different concepts. A high-RTP game can be high volatility (infrequent big wins that bring up the average). A low-RTP game can be low volatility (frequent small wins that deplete your bankroll slowly). For session planning: low volatility = more consistent results; high volatility = wider range of outcomes.
Where to Find a Game's RTP
Every regulated slot must display its RTP. Find it in the game's information or help screen (usually accessed via an "i" or "?" icon). Some casinos also list RTPs in their game library. If a casino doesn't display RTPs anywhere, that's a red flag.
RTP Ranges by Game Type
- Slots: 92%–99% (most 94%–97%)
- Video Poker (optimal strategy): 97%–99.5%
- Blackjack (basic strategy): ~99.5%
- Baccarat (Banker bet): 98.9%
- European Roulette: 97.3%
- French Roulette (La Partage): 98.65%
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Frequently Asked Questions
96% or above is generally considered good for a slot. Some high-RTP slots exceed 98% (Book of 99 from Relax Gaming is 99%). The industry average for video slots is around 95%–96%.
No. RTP is a theoretical long-run average across millions of spins and all players. Your individual session can be far above or below the stated RTP.
Most casinos run the standard developer-published configuration. Some providers offer casinos a choice of RTP variants (e.g. 94%, 96%, or 97%). A reputable casino will disclose which configuration it runs.
RTP + house edge = 100%. A 96% RTP slot has a 4% house edge. A 98.9% baccarat bet has a 1.1% house edge. Higher RTP = lower house edge = better theoretical value for the player.
RTP by Casino Game Type: Reference Table
| Game Type | Typical RTP Range | Variance | Best Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| European Roulette | 97.3% | Medium | Single number bets = high variance |
| Blackjack (basic strategy) | 99.0–99.5% | Low-Medium | Always use basic strategy chart |
| Baccarat (Banker bet) | 98.9% | Low | Avoid Tie bet (RTP ~85%) |
| Video Poker (Jacks or Better, optimal) | 99.5% | Medium | Use optimal hold strategy |
| Slots (high RTP) | 96–98% | High | Varies greatly by title |
| Slots (average) | 94–96% | Medium-High | Read paytable before playing |
| Craps (pass line) | 98.6% | Medium | Avoid prop bets (RTP 83–90%) |
RTP vs House Edge: How to Calculate
- House edge = 100% minus RTP. A 96% RTP slot has a 4% house edge
- RTP is theoretical, calculated over millions of spins – short sessions will vary widely
- GRAI-licensed casinos must display certified RTP figures on request (from 2026 rules)
- Volatility (variance) matters: high-RTP slots can still have long losing runs
Written by Mark Craic, editor at CraicBet. See how we review.