How To Find The RTP Of A Slot Game

A slot's RTP rate indicates how much is the expected return of a game. This articles shows you how to find the RTP of a slot game in any casino.

finding the rtp of a slot
How To Find The RTP Of A Slot Game

A slot's Return to Player (RTP) is a terminology used by online casino operators to indicate the percentage of bets made on a slot machine or game that will eventually be returned to players.

This article will guide you on how to find the RTP of a slot game within online or land-based casinos.

What Is Return to Player (RTP)?

Slot RTP

In gambling, "Return to Player" (RTP) is utilized to designate the amount of money that, theoretically, a slot or casino game pays back to its users.

It is analyzed and premediated from games over a long period and is reported as a percentage. RTP is essentially the opposite of "house edge," referring to the Casino's mathematical advantage for any of their games. Players often use a slot's RTP to determine which one to play.

You will find a wide range of games with different return rates, such as low-RTP slots with small returns over a long period but can grant a massive payout for lucky players. There are also medium-RTP slots that present a decent return for some time. Finally, the high-RTP slots give you a steady return after several spins.

Frequently, the terms "return to player" and "payback percentages" are used in the context of slot machines. Return to player (RTP) and slot machine payback percentage refer to the amount of money a slot machine pays out over the long run. These are pragmatic games, and their RTP is only revealed after tens of thousands or millions of spins. This return results from a slot's RNG that always creates unpredictable results to create fair gameplay.

Finding RTP for Online Slot Machines

You can decide when and how much to bet by knowing the RTP percentage of your favorite highest RTP slots in 2022. According to most jurisdictions, a casino or other gaming establishment must publicly show the RTP percentages for its video slots. To give you an idea, here are a few methods for determining an online slot machine's RTP:

Look for Individual Games and Their RTP 

The solution to the question of the RTP of a specific game is relatively simple. You can easily google the slot name of the machine you wish to play and the name of the game studio or its manufacturer. You can do this whether you are planning to visit land-based slot machines or online casinos. Add the RTP acronym after the game's name.

In comparison to slots in online casinos, land-based slot machine RTPs can usually be lower and a little harder to find. According to the Nevada Gaming Control Board, casinos in Las Vegas are mandated to have an RTP of at least 75%. Some casinos display 97-99% RTP signboards in a specific cluster of slot machines, yet they only apply it on one device. Although customer service is always available, they generally won't be able to provide you with a clear response.

Check the Help Feature of the Online Slot Machine 

Like land-based slots, older online slots do not display their RTP. However, most of the newest online slots do provide this data. To verify the payback, you must go to the help screen of an online slot machine. 

For instance:

You may occasionally play games with a help screen that has several pages. In this case, you must scroll down until you discover the repayment percentage.

You'll see that some online slot developers always include the RTP in the help screens of their more recent titles. Thunderkick, Quickspin, and NetEnt are a few examples.

Research About Online Slots Makers 

Perhaps you haven't thought about looking into this, but researching and choosing a slot from a reputable game developer or software provider can significantly impact your gaming experience. Slot games from different providers can have quite different levels of quality, just like there is a distinction between Reebok and Nike shoes. With that said, you can find the RTP of a slot by visiting a slots maker's home page.

Some developers are recognized for creating popular slots because they offer those huge payouts and RTPs. You don't want to be forced to play a slot machine from a lousy developer where the only acceptable payouts occur in the bonus round, lot from reputable manufacturers.

Ask Casinos Through Their Email

Another method is to email a casino directly and inquire about the RTP for a particular slot machine. The issue is that customer support claims they don't have access to this data. But occasionally, you can get this info through a developer's email. But you shouldn't rely on this strategy most of the time. Emailing them is at least worth trying if you're desperate to learn the RTP for a specific slot.

Graphical guide to finding a slot's RTP
Infographic on finding a slot's RTP

Finding the RTP of A Land-Based Slot Game

On the other hand, if you're interested in finding the RTP of a Land-Based Slot Game, here are the things that you should consider:

Look at The Gaming Reports

Analyzing reports from gaming authorities is one of the most effective techniques to get RTP information for slot machines. You can always look for state gaming reports instead of making personal generalizations about coin sizes. These records provide a general overview of the payback rates you might predict from various casinos. You might even obtain payback percentages for the most popular games by chance.

The average win for the state across a spectrum of coin denominations is shown in this 2017 data from the Nevada Gaming Control Board, along with Megabucks.

  • Megabucks = 87.93% payback (12.07% house take)
  • $100 Slots = 93.21% payback (6.79% house take)
  • $25 Slots = 95.03% payback (4.97% house take)
  • $5 Slots = 94.16% payback (5.82% house take)
  • Dollar Slots = 93.94% payback (6.06% house take)
  • Quarter Slots = 93.06% payback (6.94% house take)
  • Nickel Slots = 94.54% payback (5.46% house take)
  • Penny Slots = 90.17% payback (9.83% house take)

Although you won't get the exact RPT for every game, these reports will at least give you a better general idea.

Assume the Coin Denominations of RTP 

In general, slot machines that accept higher coin denominations pay more money. Statistics don't always reflect this. The 2017 Nevada report mentioned above provides a good example, as all slot machines, from $100 to nickel, are relatively distributed. But also remember that the $25 slot machines offer the best return on investment (95.03%). The lower payout rate for the $100 slots can be attributed to the smaller sample size. Very few gamblers can afford to wager $100 per spin. This implies that the statistics of the $100 slot machines will be more unpredictable than those of other denominations.

Compare the Overall Payback Percentage for Casinos

You won't have much luck with slot machines. But considering the average payback between casinos, you can at least create a composite average. State gaming reports help achieve this. Here is an example that shows the typical slot RTP for the Ohio casinos in 2017.

  • Hollywood Mahoning Valley = 90.09% payback (9.91% house take)
  • Scioto Downs = 90.96% payback (9.04% house take)
  • Hollywood Toledo = 90.95% payback (8.95% house take)
  • Hollywood Toledo = 90.95% payback (8.95% house take)
  • JACK Cleveland = 92.34% payback (7.66% house take)

These numbers depict what to expect regarding the total number of slot machines at these casinos. The important thing here is that you can at least have better chances by picking casinos with higher return rates.

Check for Slot Machine Volatility

It's essential to know the payback percentages of slot machines for better chances. However, it would help if you also considered knowing how volatility can impact your returns.

Regarding playing slot machines, volatility or slot variance pertains to how much your short-term returns will change. Even though a game has a high RTP, you might not win big money immediately. Results from high-volatility slot machines are more erratic than those from low-volatility games. An example of this includes RTP slot pragmatic games. Avoid playing games with a high level of volatility if you're trying to squeeze out a tight bankroll. Mid-volatility slots are often a way to go if you want the correct risk-vs-reward rate.

Some developers of online slots rate the volatility of their slot machines. For example, Pragmatic Play uses one and five lightning bolts to distinguish volatility. But the overwhelming number of online lots still don't provide this information. This means that to get a general idea of how volatile a game is, you need to look at the pay table and the slot jackpot size to get a general idea of how volatile a game is. Volatile slots typically provide a few minor payouts and enormous jackpots. To make your bankroll last longer, you should search for another alternative for this.

How is Payback Affected By Progressive Jackpots?

Unfortunately, it is practically hard to determine the precise impact of a progressive jackpot on RTP. This is because slot machine games don't reveal the actual odds behind any payment. You can always calculate the payback percentages based on the chances of receiving specific combinations.

Nonetheless, you can make reasonable judgments depending on the starting point of a jackpot value and its current value. If Mega Fortune starts with a $500,000 seed and ends with $5 million, you may assume that the RTP has also climbed significantly.

The chances of winning the progressive reward are quite slim. So, you will need to work with the base payback rates of these games.

It is highly recommended to select popular online slots without significant progressive jackpots if you're uncomfortable with 88-90% payback. These games are more likely to return winnings more consistently. But if you're a risk-taker and dream of more giant payouts, bigger progressive slot machines are the way to go. Though, make sure to wait until the jackpot increases so that you can potentially increase the expected value of your bets.

5 Slot Machines With Amazing RTP

Monopoly Big Event By Barcrest (RTP: 99.00%)

Monopoly Big Event is a simple yet entertaining online slot game developed by WMS and Barcrest. It is a homage to the beloved Monopoly board game that many love. Monopoly Big Event is medium volatility, high RTP slot that can be enjoyed and played at most slot casinos. Only the high rollers who can afford to play high-stakes slots can use the Big Bet mode. If you play Monopoly High Event in big-bet mode, the RTP is 99%.

Monopoly Big Event is a mobile-friendly slot game you can play on your phone. This slot game features wild symbols, progressive multipliers, and a bonus round with free spins. This slot machine is considered a high roller slot game due to its high maximum bet amount of £500 per play.

Mega Joker By Netent (RTP: 99.00%)

Mega Joker is a straightforward slot to play that will transport players to a bygone era of slot machines because the old-style fruity slot machines inspired it. Because of its progressive jackpot that is randomly triggered, Mega Joker is a hugely popular online slot game. Fortunately, most online casinos let you play this slot. Mega Joker is a popular choice for the best jackpot slot.

This slot game features a bonus round, Wild and Scatter symbols, and a progressive jackpot. In the past, the Mega Joker progressive jackpot granted approximately £100,000 in cash prizes. Mega Joker has an RTP of 99%, but to access this RTP level, you must play in high bet mode to access this RTP level.

Ooh Aah Dracula By Barcrest (RTP: 99.00%)

Barcrest's Ooh Aah Dracula from Barcrest is an entertaining and thrilling online slot machine game. It has impressive graphics and an exciting free spins bonus round. You can find high RTP slots at many online casino sites with medium volatility.

This online slot game has something for everyone and is a homage to Bram Stoker's Dracula novel and the variety of different Dracula and vampire-related flicks. Watch out for the heart symbols, which will unlock the free spins round for you. Although the symbols are a little comical, the slot game is not weakened by this.

Ooh, Aah Dracula's slot features include a bonus round, several lucrative symbols, stacked wild symbols, and the chance to play with a high RTP level of 99%.   

Jackpot 6000 By Netent (RTP: 98.86%)

With Jackpot 6000, you'll feel like watching a traditional fruit machine in a Las Vegas casino. This online slot machine is modeled on classic slot machines and has three rows, three reels, and five pay lines. Though, there are numerous benefits to playing this slot.

To begin with, Jackpot 6000 has a 98.86% RTP, which is high. While there is a bonus game, the high variance factor also guarantees that there will be some excitement. Landing three matching symbols on a pay line is essential for launching a significant win. It's straightforward because you can combine only six symbols to form a winning combination. The maximum wager when playing Jackpot 6000 is £2, which is a minimal wager but advantageous if you have a limited bankroll.

1429 Uncharted Seas By Thunderkick (RTP: 98.60%)

Anyone passionate about the high seas and ships will enjoy this online slot machine, inspired by historical tales of sea voyages. The design of 1429 Uncharted Seas resembles a vintage nautical chart. The Thunderkick development team truly brought this game to life with its use of images, using magical creatures as symbols like mermaids and giant squids.

The 1429 Uncharted Seas slot machine features scatter, growing wild symbols, and spins bonus rounds for free.

1429 Uncharted Seas has an RTP of 98.60%, which is incredibly high and guarantees that this is among those top slot machine RTP list with the highest RTPs.

So, even though it could be challenging to comprehend what Return to Player means, it's not too complicated once it's explained. Now that you have this knowledge, you may rely on it to inform yourself about your odds of succeeding whenever you discover a new game to play correctly. Additionally, you may compare the payments anticipated for every type of bet you place with the probability of winning. Good luck.

This article was published on July 22, 2022, and last updated on October 26, 2022.