RTP (Return To Player)
If you’re an online slot player, you’ve probably come across the term 'RTP' more than once.
But what exactly is RTP, and why is it so important when choosing a slot game? Let’s dive into the details and explore average RTP rates, the highest RTP slots available, and what it all means for your chances of winning.
What is RTP?
RTP stands for Return to Player and is a percentage that indicates how much of the total money wagered on a slot is paid back to players over time.
For example, if a slot has an RTP of 96%, it means that, on average, for every £100 wagered, £96 is paid back to players in the long run. The remaining 4% is the house edge—this is how casinos profit.
Remembering that RTP is calculated over thousands, if not millions, of spins, is essential. It doesn’t mean that if you bet £100, you’ll get £96 back; rather, it indicates the slot’s long-term payout potential.
Average RTP for Online Slots
In the UK, online slot games generally have an RTP ranging between 94% and 97%. The most common slots you’ll find tend to sit around the 96% mark, which is considered a good RTP for players. Slots with an RTP below 94% are less popular, but some players still enjoy these games for their themes, bonuses, or volatility (more on that later). On the flip side, anything above 97% is considered high RTP, offering better long-term chances for winning.
Why Does RTP Matter?
The higher the RTP, the better your chances of winning back a larger portion of your bets over time. This makes higher RTP slots more appealing to players who want to maximise their potential returns. However, RTP isn’t the only thing to consider when picking a slot game—factors like volatility, features, and personal preference play a huge role too.
What Are the Highest RTP Slots Available?
For those looking to play high RTP slots, here are a few standout games that offer some of the best return rates in the market:
- Ugga Bugga (Playtech) – RTP: 99.07%
Ugga Bugga is one of the highest RTP slots available today, with a massive 99.07% return rate. It’s a simple game but offers great winning potential for those seeking a high-RTP experience. - Mega Joker (NetEnt) – RTP: 99%
Mega Joker is a classic fruit slot with a progressive jackpot and a stunning 99% RTP. If you like retro slots with big payout potential, this one’s a favourite among many UK players. - 1429 Uncharted Seas (Thunderkick) – RTP: 98.6%
This low-volatility slot has a beautiful nautical theme and offers an impressive 98.6% RTP. It’s perfect for players who enjoy steady, smaller wins rather than chasing big jackpots. - Blood Suckers (NetEnt) – RTP: 98%
For horror fans, Blood Suckers is an excellent choice, with a high RTP of 98%. With its vampire theme and bonus features, it’s been a long-time favourite for players looking for a balance between great gameplay and returns. - Jokerizer (Yggdrasil) – RTP: 98%
This slot combines classic fruit machine symbols with modern gameplay mechanics. The Jokerizer mode, which activates after a win, offers extra chances for high payouts while maintaining a solid 98% RTP.
Does Volatility Affect RTP?
Yes, it does—but not in the way you might think. Volatility, or variance, refers to the risk level of a slot. High-volatility games pay out less frequently but offer bigger wins when they do hit. Low-volatility games pay out more often, but the prizes are generally smaller.
So, while a high RTP slot gives you a better chance of getting your money back in the long run, high volatility can still make it feel like you’re going through dry spells, with occasional big payouts. On the other hand, low volatility slots may offer more frequent, smaller wins, which can keep your balance ticking over nicely.
How to Find RTP Rates?
In the UK, online casinos are required to display the RTP rates for all their games. This transparency makes it easier for players to decide where to spend their money. You can usually find the RTP in the slot’s help or info section or the casino’s website.
Some casinos may even categorise their slots by RTP, making picking the ones with the best potential returns easy. A few UK slot sites that currently list slots by RTP include Unibet, PlayOJO, Casimba and BetVictor.
Why Progressive Jackpot Slots Don’t Have High RTP
Progressive jackpot slots are among the most exciting and popular games in online casinos. Who wouldn’t want the chance to win life-changing sums of money with a single spin? However, you might notice that progressive jackpot slots typically don’t boast the highest RTP percentages compared to regular slots.
Progressive jackpots are unique because they pool a portion of players’ bets across a network of casinos into a single, ever-growing prize pot. Every time someone bets on a progressive jackpot slot, a small percentage of their wager goes towards the jackpot, causing it to increase over time. Once someone hits the jackpot, the prize resets to a base amount and begins growing again. This means that only a smaller percentage of the total bets are used to calculate regular payouts within the game. So, while the jackpot pool grows, the game becomes less likely to pay out frequent or large wins during standard play.
To compensate for the massive prizes in the jackpot, the base game payouts in progressive slots tend to be smaller or less frequent. So, while you’re contributing to the jackpot with each spin, you might not see as many consistent wins during normal play. This makes the slot feel less rewarding in the short term compared to higher RTP slots without a jackpot.
Mega Moolah: An Example Of A Low RTP Progressive
Mega Moolah, developed by Microgaming, is one of the world's most famous and iconic progressive jackpot slots. Released in 2006, this African safari-themed slot is renowned for its life-changing jackpots and has solidified its reputation as the "Millionaire Maker." Despite its relatively low RTP of 88.12%, Mega Moolah attracts players due to its massive progressive jackpots, often reaching the tens of millions.
Why the RTP is Low
The low RTP of Mega Moolah is largely because a significant portion of every bet funds the progressive jackpot. This means that while the base game payouts may be less frequent or smaller, players are enticed by the chance to win one of the four progressive jackpots: Mini, Minor, Major, and Mega, with the Mega jackpot being the main attraction. The excitement of chasing a potential multimillion-pound win outweighs the lower RTP for many players.
Why Play Low RTP Slots?
Despite having lower RTP, many slots offer unique features, massive jackpots, or strong brand recognition that attract players. They might also provide high volatility, which means fewer wins but bigger payouts when they do hit, making them appealing for risk-takers. However, playing responsibly is always important, as well as understanding that low RTP slots can drain your balance much quicker than higher RTP games.
Playing High RTP Slots
While RTP isn’t the only factor you should consider, it’s one of the most important. Higher RTP games give you a better chance of getting more of your money back over time. But remember, RTP is not a guarantee.
Slots are random, and anything can happen in the short term. To maximise your chances of a positive experience, try to stick to slots with RTP rates of 96% or higher.
RTP is one of the most important aspects of choosing an online slot, especially for UK players looking to get the most bang for their buck. The higher the RTP, the more you’re likely to win back in the long run, though volatility and bonus features should also factor into your decision. Whether you prefer low-risk, high-frequency wins or high-risk, big jackpots, knowing the RTP of a game can help guide your choices and improve your overall gaming experience.
So, next time you’re browsing new slot sites, take a moment to check out the RTP and choose a game that suits your style and gives you the best possible return!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is RTP in slots?
RTP, or Return to Player, is the percentage of wagered money paid back to players in an online slot game over time.
What is a good RTP for a slot?
A good RTP is generally considered to be 96% or higher. This means the slot will pay back 96% of the money wagered, on average, over time.
Can I win more on high RTP slots?
High RTP slots give you a better chance of winning more in the long run, but they don't guarantee short-term wins.
Are high RTP slots always better?
Not necessarily. While a higher RTP offers better long-term potential, factors like volatility and game features can make lower RTP slots just as enjoyable for some players.
James Gibson