If you’re a regular slot player, you’ve probably heard of the term RTP or house edge (which is the opposite of RTP).
In a nutshell, RTP refers to the percentage of money a slot machine pays out in winnings relative to the amount you put in. Consequently, the house edge is the money the casino keeps.
For example, a slot with an RTP of 96% will pay out $96 for every $100 you put in on average, over a long period of time.
But what you might not know is that RTP can vary significantly from one casino site to another, even for the same slot game.
This article explores why this is and what it means for you as a player (hint: it affects your potential winnings).
If the concept of RTP is new to you, we suggest first checking out our complete guide to RTP (Return to Player) and how it works.
Key Takeaways
- The RTP in slots can vary significantly between casino sites.
- Casinos can often choose from multiple RTP settings offered by slot developers.
- The range varies from one developer to another, but can be 88% – 96%.
- RTP variability can have a substantial impact on your long-term returns.
- Casinos having different slot RTPs have become increasingly more common.
- Always check the RTP setting before playing a slot game to know what you’re getting.
- Choose casinos that offer high RTP settings to improve your long-term odds.
Did you know?
A 92% RTP slot will cost you twice as much in long-term losses compared to a 96% RTP slot. That’s $80 lost vs $40 per $1,000 wagered!
How Can RTP Be Different in Different Casinos?
The answer lies in the way slot developers manufacture their games.
Many slot developers, such as NetEnt, Play’n GO, and Quickspin create their slots with multiple RTP settings.
These settings can range from a low of around 84% to a high of 98% or more.
When a casino licenses a slot game from a developer, they can choose freely which RTP setting to use.
This means that two different casinos can offer the same slot game but with different RTP settings.
Example
- Casino A might offer a version of NetEnt’s Starburst slot with an RTP of 96%.
- Casino B offers the same game with an RTP of 94%.
- Casino C has yet another RTP setting of 92%.
This difference might not seem like a lot, but over time, it will add up and significantly impact your winnings.
The fact is that a slot with a 96% RTP will pay you twice as much in the long run compared to a slot with a 92% RTP.
Here’s an easy way to look at this: a 96% RTP = a 4% house edge, while a 92% RTP = an 8% house edge.
RTP Calculator
Use the calculator below to estimate how much you’re likely to win—or lose—based on a slot’s RTP and your total bet amount. Great for comparing low vs high RTP slots.
Real Examples of RTP Variability at Casinos
Below are five screenshots taken in August 2024 that show how the RTP in Starburst is different among five different casinos.
Click on an image to see a higher-resolution version.
An interesting observation we’ve made is that there is no clear difference in RTP between new casino sites and already established ones.
Examples of RTP Ranges in Slots
The below table showcases the RTP range of 18 different slots from 18 different slot developers.
This data comes from thoroughly researching the industry’s slot developers and checking the RTP in the slots at different casinos.
Some game studios openly share their RTP ranges on their website, while others don’t.
| Slot Machine | Developer | Possible RTP Settings |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Doggy Dollars | 4ThePlayer | 94%, 96% |
| Billie Wild | Gamzix | 92%, 94%, 95%, 96% |
| Le Viking | Hacksaw Gaming | 88%, 90%, 92%, 94%, 96% |
| Solar Nova | Iron Dog Studios | 88%, 94%, 96% |
| Caribbean Anne | Kalamba Games | 88%, 91%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% |
| Starburst | NetEnt | 90.05% 92.05%, 94.05%, 95.05%, 96.09% |
| Deadwood | Nolimit City | 94.14%, 96.02% |
| Book of Dead | Play’n GO | 84.18%, 87.25%, 91.25%, 94.25%, 96.21% |
| Big Bass Bonanza | Pragmatic Play | 94.02%, 94.50%, 95.67%, 96.71% |
| Razor Shark | Push Gaming | 94.06%, 96.70% |
| Big Bad Wolf | Quickspin | 90%, 94%, 96.05% |
| Cash Bandits | Real Time Gaming | 91%, 95%, 97.50% |
| Laser Fruit | Red Tiger Gaming | 91.22%, 93.19%, 95.05%, 96.02% |
| Marching Legions | Relax Gaming | 97.13%, 98.12% |
| Wild Gold | Spearhead Studios | 87.90%, 96.15% |
| Majestic Lemur | Spinomenal | 88.69%, 92.16%, 94.04%, 96.31% |
| Book of Vampires | Tom Horn | 92.09%, 95.07% |
| Gold Fever | Yggdrasil | 90%, 94%, 96% |
Why Do Casinos Choose Different RTP Settings?
There are several reasons why some gambling sites choose to run a higher or lower RTP than others in their slots.
- Profitability: Casinos want to make a profit, and by choosing a lower RTP setting, they can increase their house edge and margins. This means they’ll take in more money from players over time.
- Competition: In a crowded online casino market, casinos need to differentiate themselves from their competitors. By offering a higher RTP setting for a popular slot game, a casino can attract more players and gain a competitive edge.
- Regulatory Requirements: In some jurisdictions, casinos are required to offer slots with a certain minimum RTP setting. For example, casinos licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority must have a slot RTP of at least 85%.
The Shifting Landscape of RTP in Online Casinos
There are a couple of interesting trends to note in the online casino industry.
Firstly, some regulatory bodies have been lowering their minimum RTP requirements. For example, the Malta Gaming Authority reduced its minimum RTP requirement on online slots from 92% to 85% in 2021.
Another notable trend is the increasing prevalence of RTP variation between casinos. In the past, it was rare to find different RTPs for the same slot game across different casinos. However, this is now very common.
This shift highlights the importance of being aware of the RTP for each slot game, as it can significantly impact your long-term results.
Lastly, it’s essential to recognize that most casinos will opt for lower RTPs if they can. While they want to remain competitive, a high RTP in their slots is often not a priority since many players are unaware of the differences existing.
What Does RTP Variability Mean for You as a Player?
The slot RTP being different from one casino to another ultimately means that you are at risk of losing more money.
To combat this, make sure to:
- Check the RTP: Before playing a slot game, check the RTP setting. This information is usually available in the game’s rules or payables.
- Choose Casinos Wisely: If you want to play a specific slot game, shop around and find a casino that offers a high RTP setting.
- Don’t Assume: Don’t assume that all versions of a slot game have the same RTP setting. Always check the RTP before playing.
Of course, checking the RTP of a slot doesn’t matter if you don’t know what the potential RTP range of the slot is.
As a general rule, most slot machines have an upper RTP range of 95% or 96% even if some go up to 99% (Book of 99, for instance).
🎯 Best Practice: Avoid playing slots with an RTP below 95%. Ideally, stick to games with 96%+ RTP to maximize your long-term return. With so many high-RTP options available, there’s no reason to settle for less.
Which Slot Providers Are Affected By Different RTP Settings?
These days, it’s common practice for slot manufacturers to create their slots with different RTP settings that casinos can choose from.
Even though not everyone does it, you never know when they’ll start so it’s always best to assume that every slot has an RTP range.
As of now, slot developers we have confirmed offering different RTP settings include:
- 4ThePlayer
- Apparat Gaming
- BF Games
- Bullshark Games
- Gamzix
- Hacksaw Gaming
- Iron Dog Studios
- Just Slots
- Kalamba Games
- NetEnt
- Nolimit City
- Play’n GO
- Popiplay
- Pragmatic Play
- Push Gaming
- Quickspin
- Real Time Gaming
- Red Tiger Gaming
- Relax Gaming
- Slotmill
- Spearhead Studios
- Spinomenal
- TaDa Gaming
- Tom Horn
- Yggdrasil
These providers have either been confirmed by public information displayed on their official websites, or by noticing a difference in RTP when checking the same slot from a provider across different casinos.
Which Game Studios Are Safe for Now?
As far as our research goes, the following game studios currently offer just one fixed RTP setting in their slots, which are the same across all casinos:
- 1spin4win
- Amusnet
- Bgaming
- Belatra Games
- Betsoft
- Boomerang Studios
- Booming Games
- Caleta Gaming
- ELK Studios
- Endorphina
- Evoplay
- Fugaso
- KA Gaming
- Mancala Gaming
- Onlyplay
- Thunderkick
- Tornado Games
However, things can change quickly and as much as we try to stay updated, we still recommend always double checking the RTP before playing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the RTP in a slot game can vary significantly from one casino site to another.
By understanding this, you can make better decisions about which slots to play and where to play them.
Remember to always check the RTP and choose casinos that offer high RTP settings to maximize your long-term returns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fair RTP for online slots?
A fair RTP is considered to be 96% or higher. This means you can expect to receive $96 back for every $100 wagered over time. While a higher RTP is better, 96% used to be the industry standard.
Why does RTP vary between casinos?
Many slot developers provide multiple RTP settings for each game. Casinos choose which version to use, often based on profit margins, regulations, or marketing strategies.
How can I check the RTP of a slot game?
Most games list their RTP in the information or game rules section. If it’s not shown, check the slot provider’s official website, what trusted gambling guide sites are saying, or simply avoid the game.
Does a higher RTP guarantee I’ll win more?
It doesn’t guarantee that you’ll win more as luck and volatility always plays a role. But over many spins, a higher RTP means you’ll lose less money on average compared to a lower RTP slot.
Are low RTP slots a scam?
No, but they offer less value for players. Casinos are legally allowed to offer them, but smart players avoid games with RTPs below 95%.