Return to Player Explained for Casino Games
Gamblers, both seasoned and new, are required to understand a few terminologies, one of which is RTP. Return to Player or RTP is a major gambling component that impacts player experiences and gaming enjoyment. Without it, there would be no means of measuring the profitability of online casino games in the long run.
This is precisely why it’s necessary to know its meaning and function. This is what we will explore today, how it’s computed and its importance in gambling. Let’s begin.
What is Return to Player?
In simple terms, RTP is the percentage of the wagered amount you can win from a casino game in the long run. Generally, casinos present this return rate at a max of 100% so the higher the number, the more your cashback. For instance, an online slot game with a high 97% RTP will give back to players over time than one with 94%.
However, it’s important to note that the 97% RTP doesn’t mean players get $97 back for every $100 stake. Instead, it means the game will return $97 for every $100 wagered by all gamblers. Also, keep in mind that this only applies after extended gameplay and not for short gambling sessions.
How Does it Work and How to Calculate it?
The way Return to Player works may seem confusing but it’s quite simple if you can understand the concept.
First, understand that casinos calculate RTP based on the total amount staked and won after several gameplays. Usually, this could mean up to 10,000 rounds or more to approach a game’s long-term RTP. In other words, it’s an average gotten over time and not a fixed percentage after a session. So, to ensure accurate RTP value, game developers run multiple simulations.
Second, it’s important to understand the two types of RTP:
- Theoretical Return to Player: Theoretical RTP has to do with the average amount you can win back in the long run. It assumes that gamblers play a game for a long time without factoring in short-term wins or losses or even winning or losing streaks.
- Actual RTP: As you can guess, this means what players really walk away with from a game. The actual RTP usually differs from the theoretical because of the randomness and high volatility of casino games, especially in short-term plays.
The Math Behind RTPs
As previously discussed, the RTP is not determined with a few game rounds, making it a complex number to be calculated especially with the provided lack of information on the specific calculations. Nonetheless, the generic calculation to use would be along the lines of:
RTP = Earnings/Total wagers x 100
Impact of RTP on Online Casino Gaming
As a gambler, you must know the following about the impact of RTP on online casino games:
Structure of Winnings
RTP directly affects your earnings and the intervals in which you earn them. For example, a high RTP game may consistently provide payouts. Conversely, low RTP games may go several rounds before awarding big prizes, but the wait makes it worthwhile.
Player Engagement, Confidence and Choice
Developers tend to play psychological games with a game’s theme and its RTP. Oftentimes, an adventure-themed game might have a moderate RTP with medium volatility. This tactic offers players frequent wins with profit sizable enough to keep them engaged.
In the same vein, players tend to believe that games with high RTP as “fairer” than those with lower percentages. This is why a USA online casino will boldly display RTP values to make a game more alluring.
Session Duration
Knowing that RTP is determined over extended periods, gamblers tend to spend more time playing high RTP games. These types of games leave you more satisfied since there’s a higher chance of small but regular earnings.
Gaming Strategy
The concept of RTP makes for a very straightforward and efficient gaming strategy. With it, it becomes easy to choose games with reliable odds and maximize your chances of winning. However, always keep in mind that the highest RTP game doesn’t always result in a win each time you play.
Difference Between Return to Player and House Edge
To know the difference between House Edge and Return to Player, it’s best to look at them as two sides of a coin. While RTP refers to the percentage a game refers to players over time, house edge has to do with the casino’s advantage over gamblers. House Edge focuses more on the casino’s profit potential on every game, as opposed to RTP which focuses on the player’s earnings.
Return to Player Closing Thoughts
When playing casino games online, it’s important to bear in mind the concept of RTP percentages. Always note that the percentage displayed on every game is only theoretical and doesn’t depict your actual winning power. But by taking RTP values into account alongside other metrics, you can improve your chances of success while gambling online.
