The RTP (return-to-player) percentage is the portion of the total bet amount refunded to the user during the entertainment session. This coefficient is a key factor for gamblers when choosing a specific game. It reflects the establishment’s financial advantage and is most effective in the long term.
Casino Market has prepared comprehensive information about the types of RTP and its impact on player retention. Learn more about the nuances of increasing audience reach in the gambling segment and order the development of an iGaming startup from our managers.
Essence of the RTP Metric
The parameter shows the percentage of all wagers that will be refunded to the user in the long run. This figure also indirectly determines the amusement platform’s advantage. In the short term, any outcome is possible in slots, but the coefficient, which is as close as possible to 100%, allows gamblers to expect higher prizes.
The index calculation is based on complex statistical analysis. First, a basic formula is used: the total wagers are divided by the amount of rewards won. Then, additional options are applied to the metric, making the final figure more transparent and accurate.
Let us imagine that the RTP of a slot is 97%, meaning that it will pay the player 97 coins for every 100 bets. The more spins, the closer the indicator approaches the ideal value. At the same time, gamblers do not know how long the session should be for the coefficient to realise itself fully.
Another example is roulette:
- in the American version, the average rate reaches 94.74%;
- in the European variation, the number is closer to 97.7%.
Depending on the parameter’s volume, the house edge grows or decreases. Nevertheless, as in the case of slots, an unknown number of rounds must be played for a total payoff.
Types of the RTP Coefficient
The iGaming market features 3 basic categories of return indicators:
- Theoretical. This rate reveals which approximate part of user wagers will be refunded in the long term. Developers publish such a metric after a product’s release.
- Actual. The figure is calculated by dividing total deposits by the amount of winnings per session. The coefficient is determined over a fairly long period, recorded by special testing commissions, and later written in certificates of conformity.
- Displayed. Most gambling establishments prefer to present the value as a percentage of all bet funds the product will return to customers over time.
Some content creators also design content with several levels of return. In these slots, the initial supplier-selected parameter is called default. Other variants are considered side or extra.
Impact of the Indicator on Gamblers’ Final Choices
If users want to receive larger rewards, the ideal option is games with high or medium volatility. For instance, the most popular coefficient in digital slots is 96.9% or more. At the same time, niche software developers often offer a record return rate of over 99%.
If casino visitors do not pursue the goal of getting a large win and are more interested in the product’s theme and specific mechanics, content with low variance will be a good solution. Such titles guarantee gamblers fairly frequent but small prizes and also allow them to conduct a session with lower minimum bets.
Widespread Myths About the Return Percentage
One of the most common misconceptions about RTP is that this parameter works in the short run. In fact, the indicator specified by the manufacturer can only be achieved with long-term play.
Another myth is that punters can influence the coefficient by increasing the bet. Some users believe that the maximum deposit enlarges the chances of success. However, this mistake can lead to gamblers depleting deposit balances in just a few spins.
One more misconception among players is that they consider the RTP indicator alone when selecting a game. The metric matters only in the long term. Therefore, gamblers should also consider other components and offers when picking a specific entertainment title to enjoy.
The following features are essential:
- jackpots;
- multipliers;
- extra modes;
- the Gamble round;
- Buy Bonus options, etc.
Calculating the precise time or number of rotations for the total payoff in slots is impossible. Nevertheless, the situation differs entirely in the table games and video poker segment. For instance, in roulette, the RTP coefficient will directly depend on the amount of zeros and figures on which the bet is made.
In poker, the parameter often depends on standard mathematics and user choice. A gambler with extensive experience and a well-calculated strategy can count on large payouts.
Short-term performance indicators are much more influenced by volatility. Games with high variance bring larger rewards but less often than similar products with an average or low metric.
The Main Things About the RTP Parameter in Online Casinos
What is RTP?
The percentage of total bets refunded to players over time
Key Factor: influences player choice and reflects the establishment's financial advantage 
Types of RTP Coefficient
Theoretical RTP
Estimated return published by developers post-release
Actual RTP
Calculated over time by dividing total deposits by winnings
Displayed RTP
Percentage shown by casinos representing long-term returns
Impact of RTP on Player Choices
High Volatility Games
Higher potential rewards for those seeking larger wins (e.g., slots with 96.9%+ RTP)
Low Volatility Games
Frequent smaller prizes, ideal for players interested in themes and mechanics
Common Myths About RTP
Influencing Factors
Volatility
Affects short-term payouts
Larger but less frequent rewards
More frequent but smaller wins
The return-to-player rate is one of the most substantial factors for users choosing a gambling product and the key to sustainable audience retention for operators.
Let us explore the central notions from the article:
- The RTP coefficient is most significant in the long run. This metric is not informative for a single session. Instead, it shows the payoff amount for a large number of rounds.
- A slot return-to-player per cent cannot be affected by punters. Due to the specifics of the basic mechanics built into the product, the niche has no working strategies for increasing the prize pool. The situation is entirely different in poker, where the winnings can be calculated with simple mathematics.
- The RTP indicator directly influences the choice of a specific title. The higher the parameter, the more rewards a gambler can receive for long-term participation in an amusement session.
The Casino Market studio’s specialists can provide detailed advice on personalising iGaming content settings and recommendations for expanding audience reach.
We offer a wide selection of convenient solutions for launching a profitable online gambling business and promoting the project successfully in regulated markets. Our catalogue of services also includes casino game development. Feel free to contact us to enlist the support of a reliable aggregator.
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