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What are Return to Player Percentages (RTPs)?

by Bojan Taleski,July 25, 2025
8 min read
Key Takeaways
  1. RTP Explained - Return to Player (RTP) shows the percentage a game pays back to players over time, helping assess long-term value.

  2. What’s a Good RTP? - Games with 96% or higher RTP are considered good; anything below 94% is generally low.

  3. RTP vs House Edge - RTP and house edge are linked - if a game has a 97% RTP, its house edge is 3%.

  4. RTP by Game Type - Slots, table games, and game shows all have different RTP ranges, with table games typically offering higher returns.

  5. Why RTP Matters - Higher RTP games usually give more value over time, even if they don’t guarantee short-term wins.

  6. Jackpot.bet Advantage - Jackpot.bet displays e-RTP, reflecting real-time payout data so players can make smarter choices.

Return to Player Percentages (RTP) show how much a game pays back to players over time. This number helps you choose games with better value.

RTP does not guarantee wins on individual sessions. However, it reveals which games offer better odds in the long run. Most slots have RTPs between 94% and 97%, though some reach higher.

The difference between low and high RTP games matters. Players who understand this can make smarter choices on Jackpot.bet.

How RTP Works And What Are Return to Player Percentages (RTPs)?

Return to Player (RTP) percentages show the theoretical payout of a game. Casinos calculate this figure over millions of plays.

In online gambling casinos like Jackpot.bet, this is often represented as e-RTP (effective RTP), which accounts for real-time adjustments based on actual gameplay data.

  • Here's a practical example. Two slots catch your eye. One offers 98% RTP, the other 88%. After 1,000 spins at the same bet size, the 98% slot will likely preserve more of your bankroll. This holds true even if neither game delivers a major win. That 10% difference adds up fast.

RTP reflects long-term expectations only. It won't guarantee returns in any single session. The house edge (a built-in percentage the casino keeps) balances the RTP over time. This is how casinos stay profitable.

Does RTP guarantee wins? No. Short-term results swing wildly. You might hit big on a low RTP game or lose streaks on a high RTP one.

However, RTP knowledge helps you make smarter choices over time. It's one of the few real advantages you have.

RTP vs House Edge: What’s the Difference?

The house edge represents the casino’s built-in profit on each bet, and it’s directly tied to a game’s RTP.

  • Example: A slot with a 93% RTP has a 7% house edge, meaning the casino expects to keep about $70 out of every $1,000 wagered over time.

It’s especially useful when comparing titles or reviewing an RTP chart to find games with better long-term value.

That’s why Games with lower house edges generally offer better odds, which can lead to longer sessions and more value from your bankroll.

Typical RTP Values by Game Type

RTP can vary widely depending on game mechanics, provider, and category. Here's how it typically compares across different casino games:

Original Games

Our exclusive titles at Jackpot.bet are designed with competitive payout potential and transparent e-RTP. Top performers include Plinko (99.50%), Blackjack (99.73%), and Roulette (98.65%), offering some of the highest returns available.

Slot Machines

Slot games' RTPs range from 85% to 98%, depending on volatility and bonus mechanics. Classic and non-progressive titles often return more over time. Examples like Brute Force (98.04%) and Rad Maxx (98.16%) stand out with strong payout rates.

Table Games

Table games typically offer RTPs between 94% and 99%, especially when strategy is involved. Video Poker (99.77%) and Dragon Tiger (98.26%) are among the most favorable for players who make smart decisions.

Game Shows

Game shows mix entertainment with betting, with RTPs usually falling between 94% and 98%. Popular picks like Lightning Storm (98.72%) and Funky Time (98.00%) provide both excitement and solid returns.

How RTP Is Calculated: Behind the Numbers

RTP is calculated by multiplying every possible outcome by its payout, across millions of spins or rounds.

Since outcomes can vary a lot, developers use simulations and math to get it right.

Formula: RTP (%) = (Total Winnings ÷ Total Bets) × 100

  • Example: If a game returns $980 from $1,000 in total bets, its RTP is 98%.

Remember, bonuses and wagering requirements will affect your actual return, so it’s slightly lower than the RTP.

What Affects RTP

Some titles also offer adjustable RTP ranges (e.g., 92%, 94%, 96%), making it important to check the real vs advertised RTP before playing.

Several built-in features affect a game’s RTP, like the number of reels, paylines, symbols, and how the paytable is set up.

Bonus features such as wilds, multipliers, and free spins can slightly lower the base RTP to support bigger potential payouts.

Volatility matters too, high volatility games tend to pay out larger amounts less often, while low volatility ones give smaller wins more frequently.

Some games even have different RTP settings (like 92%, 94%, or 96%), so it’s always a good idea to check the actual RTP being used before you start playing.

What’s Considered High or Low RTP?

RTP below 94% is generally considered low, while 96% or higher is a solid benchmark for good returns. Rates of 98% and above are typically seen as high RTP and offer stronger long-term value.

At Jackpot.bet, our original games like Wheel (99.00%), Baccarat (99.50%), and HiLo (98.00%) are created with top-tier e-RTPs, giving players better odds right from the start.

Why RTP Matters to Players

RTP shows the expected percentage of money a game returns over time. This helps you understand how a game pays in the long run.

Take two similar slots. One offers 90% RTP, the other 97%. They might feel identical at first, but after a few hundred spins, the difference becomes clear. The 97% slot typically leaves more credits in your account. That 7% gap matters more than most players realize.

This makes RTP a practical tool to compare game value. Smart players prioritize high RTP slots and skip the low ones. This approach won't eliminate losses, but it reduces how fast they happen.

Jackpot.bet displays e-RTP upfront for every game. You don't need to search forums or guess. The information sits on the left side below the game.

Conclusion

Return to Player Percentages helps you compare games and know what to expect over time. It won’t tell you short term results but helps set realistic expectations and points you to games with more long term value.

When you play on a trusted site like Jackpot.bet where e-RTP rates are verified you’re not just spinning for fun; you’re making informed decisions with clarity behind every game. That’s what we aim to do every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Return to Player percentage?

Return to Player (RTP) percentage is the expected amount a game might pay back to players over time.

This concept is especially helpful when understanding what is RTP in slots, where payout rates vary more widely than in table games.

At Jackpot.bet, we display e-RTP values so players can review them before they start spinning.

What is a good RTP percentage for online casino games?

A good RTP is typically 96% or higher. Games with higher RTP may offer better long-term value, especially when comparing slots or video poker.

Many titles on Jackpot.bet fall within this favorable range. Players interested in making smarter choices often use RTP rates comparison tools to find the most rewarding games.

What does 98% RTP mean?

A 98% RTP means the game is structured to return $98 for every $100 wagered, on average. It doesn’t reflect short-term wins but shows strong long-term return potential.

This kind of RTP is considered high, especially in slots, and may appeal to players seeking more value per session.

What is the meaning of RTP%?

RTP% means Return to Player percentage, a measure of how much a game is expected to pay back over time.

It’s a key factor in evaluating different casino games, and especially relevant when looking at what is RTP in slots versus table games. Jackpot.bet highlights e-RTP values so players have the information they need to choose games with confidence.

Key Takeaways
  1. RTP Explained - Return to Player (RTP) shows the percentage a game pays back to players over time, helping assess long-term value.

  2. What’s a Good RTP? - Games with 96% or higher RTP are considered good; anything below 94% is generally low.

  3. RTP vs House Edge - RTP and house edge are linked - if a game has a 97% RTP, its house edge is 3%.

  4. RTP by Game Type - Slots, table games, and game shows all have different RTP ranges, with table games typically offering higher returns.

  5. Why RTP Matters - Higher RTP games usually give more value over time, even if they don’t guarantee short-term wins.

  6. Jackpot.bet Advantage - Jackpot.bet displays e-RTP, reflecting real-time payout data so players can make smarter choices.