Slot RTP Variables: Why casinos don’t want you to know about different RTPs

Author: Peter Wilson

Peter Wilson Editor-in-Chief

Peter is our Editor-in-Chief at Gamblingauthority. He has more than eigth years of experience from the iGaming...

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Peter Wilson Editor-in-Chief

Peter is our Editor-in-Chief at Gamblingauthority. He has more than eigth years of experience from the iGaming...

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Sam Taylor

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Sam Taylor is our Slots Expert here at Gamblingauthority. He has vast experience from behind the scenes...

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Sam Taylor Slots Expert

Sam Taylor is our Slots Expert here at Gamblingauthority. He has vast experience from behind the scenes...

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Last updated: 6 November 2024

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Return to Player (RTP) is a critical metric used in online slots. But did you know that each online casino uses different RTP variables? Well, in this article, we will prove how choosing the fairest casino with a competitive RTP will make a positive impact on your chances of winning.

Online casinos now commonly set different RTPs for the same slot games. This leads to significant disparities that impact your chances of winning and your gaming experience. By highlighting these differences, you can make more informed choices about where to play. Let's begin…

How do RTP variables impact you as a slots player?

Recognising and utilising RTP differences allows you to make informed decisions, maintain a healthier bankroll, and improve your overall gaming value. By selecting casinos that offer higher RTPs, you can maximise potential returns and reduce the risk of unnecessary losses.

Variable RTPs in slot games and why it matters

Game providers can offer different Return to Player (RTP) rates to various online casinos. Understanding how and why these RTP variations occur is crucial for players aiming to maximise their gaming experience and returns.

Reasons for RTP variables at online casinos

Saving costs, as a result of increased tax and responsible gaming pressures, is one of the primary reasons for RTPs being increasingly lowered at many online casinos. More reputable online casinos may opt for a mid-range RTP for new slots, but will retain the existing RTPs for slots players are already familiar with. However, there are casino sites that retroactively lower RTPs. For example, a game like Thunderstruck II, which has traditionally had a 96.65% RTP since its release, can now be altered to have as low an RTP as 90.01%.

An online casino operator does not need to give justifications for lowering an RTP or advertise that an RTP has been lowered. This is why it is crucial to check a slot’s RTP in-game, even if you have played it before at the casino.

The bottom line: online casinos lower RTPs to cut costs. The less often players win, the more profit a casino makes.

Real casino examples of variable slot RTPs

To illustrate exactly what we mean by RTP variables, let's use some examples from online casinos in the UK…

Fire Joker (Play'n GO) RTP case study

Here, we can see that playing at 32Red Casino will increase your chances of winning on Fire Joker. However, if you were to play exactly the same slot game at Genting Casino or Spin Hill, your expected returns would dwindle.

Chaos Crew 2 (Hacksaw Gaming) RTP case study

Next, we can see a slight disparity between the same game at two different casinos. Still, we know where we would prefer to play…

The impact of RTP variables on gambling decisions

In this section, we delve into how RTP affects your gambling choices. The house edge on many casino games is fixed, so players are aware of their odds of winning. In European Roulette, for example, the house edge is approximately 2.70%, while the additional zero in American Roulette alters the house edge to 5.26%.

Thinking about RTP in the same way, as a player you have to ask: would I let a casino add more zeros to the roulette table? There is only one answer: nope! So why opt for a lower RTP on a slot?

Analysing the 6.99% RTP difference on Fire Joker

Understanding the Return to Player (RTP) percentages across different casino operators is essential for players aiming to maximise their gaming experience and bankroll management. In this case study, we will examine the 6.99% RTP difference observed in the Fire Joker slot by Play'n GO across three different casinos: Spin Hill Casino, Genting Casino, and 32Red Casino.

• At 87.24% RTP (Spin Hill Casino): For every £100 wagered, you can expect to receive £87.24 in returns.
• At 94.23% RTP (32Red Casino): For every £100 wagered, you can expect to receive £94.23 in returns.

Let’s imagine that a regular slots player extends their play over time, and on average loses £20 per week playing Fire Joker, totalling £1040 for the year. By playing at Spin Hill Casino, the additional 6.99% equates to a further loss of £363.48, amounting to a total of £1403.48.

Long-Term Bankroll Implications

A higher RTP has a profound impact on how long your bankroll lasts and your overall gaming experience.

Sustained Playtime

• Lower RTP (87.24%): Your bankroll depletes faster, resulting in shorter play sessions and more losing sessions.
• Higher RTP (94.23%): Your bankroll lasts longer, allowing for extended play and more opportunities to hit winning combinations.

Potential for Higher Payouts

• Lower RTP: Fewer returns mean fewer opportunities to capitalise on winning streaks.
• Higher RTP: More frequent returns increase the chances of experiencing winning streaks and capitalising on them.

Real RTP variables scenario

To illustrate the practical impact of a 6.99% RTP difference, let's compare theoretical outcomes over 100 spins with a bankroll of £200 at both RTP levels.

Bankroll of £200: Compare theoretical outcomes over 100 spins

With a higher RTP of 94.23%, your expected loss over 100 spins decreases by £13.98 compared to an RTP of 87.24%.

Conclusion

Arming yourself with comprehensive knowledge about RTP and its variability across different platforms is crucial for long-term value. Never play at a casino which regularly opts for the lowering RTP offering. If you’re unsure, just imagine that the casino is adding two, three or four zeros to a roulette table. By choosing an online casino, you should aim to get as much value for your money as possible. With the highest RTP variables, you're in the best place to beat the house. Good luck!

Variable RTP FAQs

What is RTP (Return to Player) in slot machines?

RTP, or Return to Player, is the percentage of all wagered money that a slot machine is expected to pay back to players over time. For example, an RTP of 95% means that, on average, the machine returns £95 for every £100 wagered.

How do variable RTPs affect my chances of winning?

Variable RTPs significantly impact your long-term profitability and bankroll management. Higher RTPs (e.g., 96%) reduce the casino’s house edge, increasing your chances of sustained play and potential winnings compared to lower RTPs (e.g., 90%).

Why do different casinos offer different RTPs for the same slot game?

Different RTPs are offered due to varying casino agreements with game providers, customisation to attract specific player demographics and promotional strategies. These factors allow casinos to differentiate their offerings and appeal to different segments of players.

How does RTP relate to the casino's house edge?

RTP is inversely related to the house edge. A higher RTP means a lower house edge, which translates to better odds for the player. For instance, a slot with a 95% RTP has a 5% house edge, whereas a slot with a 90% RTP has a 10% house edge.

Can you provide a real-world example of RTP variation and its impact?

Certainly! Gonzo’s Quest has an RTP of 90.7% at William Hill and 95.97% at 32Red. This 5.27% difference means that over €1,000 wagered:

• William Hill: Expected return is €907, resulting in an expected loss of €93.
• 32Red: Expected return is €959.70, resulting in an expected loss of €40.30. This illustrates how higher RTP can significantly reduce expected losses and extend your gameplay.

How can RTP variations influence my gambling decisions?

Understanding RTP variations helps you choose casinos and slot games that offer better returns. By selecting games with higher RTPs, you can manage your bankroll more effectively, sustain longer play sessions, and potentially increase your overall winnings.

How can I identify and compare RTPs across different casinos and slot games?

Reputable online casinos will ensure the RTP information for their slot games is clearly viable in the game’s help section, information or paytable tabs.

Can RTP differences lead to significant long-term bankroll growth?

Yes, even small differences in RTP can accumulate over time, leading to substantial variations in long-term bankroll sustainability. For example, a 5% increase in RTP can result in nearly half the expected losses over thousands of spins, allowing for longer play and more opportunities to win.

Peter Wilson Editor-in-Chief

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Peter is our Editor-in-Chief at Gamblingauthority. He has more than eigth years of experience from the iGaming industry and is a valuable resource for everything related to online casinos.

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