What is a casino player return rate?

Often, you hear gamblers stating that the house always wins. Of course, this is true. Otherwise, gambling operators would be out of business. However, this winning does not mean that players never get the chance to get their money back. Not only that, but you can also land a jackpot. You have heard of people winning millions of dollars, and yet the casino did not close down. So, how does the house win and still pay out winnings to players? We explain two critical terms to help you understand this.

The Random Number Generator

Unless a gambling operator has tweaked their machines, each spin’s outcome should be random. Slot machines rely on software that generates random numbers for each reel. Thus, while it may look like the reels follow a pattern, they do not. That is why someone can win twice or even thrice in a game, yet someone else can follow a losing streak. Thanks to the software, you have an equal chance of winning each time you play. How great is that! But to ensure that the house does not lose, operators now have an edge which we explain as the casino player return rate.

The casino player return rate (RTP)

Even with a random number generator, casinos must ensure that they stay in business. The easiest way to do this is by deciding how much they pay out to the players. For example, a game can have a player return rate of 85%. That means that players have an 85% chance of getting their money back. The house, on the other hand, gets to keep 15%. So, how would this work? Let us assume a bet of $1,000. The house gets to keep $150, and players have the chance to win $850 back. The machines will pay out amounts totaling this payback. Once they reach the limit, they stop paying out. But, of course, they never hit the limit because people keep playing, and the payouts keep getting bigger. That is why you can win a million dollars, and the casino can still afford it. They already have their cut, and what you are winning has already been set aside for this purpose.

Does the RTP affect the house advantage? Yes, it does! Think about it. Most operators work with percentages from 80% to 98%. A house with 80% RTP gets to keep 20% of the wagered money. It means that less money goes to the players and more remains in-house.

On the other hand, a house with a 98% RTP gets to keep less money. On the upside, more players are willing to try such a game because they know they have higher chances of winning. As a result, such a house may have more revenue coming in because of the high volumes.

Thus, the RTP is a measure of how much goes back to the players.

Finding RTPs

The next question on your mind is probably, ‘where can you find the RTP on a game?’ One of the proven strategies in winning big in slots is understanding payouts. If you stick with games with the highest RTPs, you are more likely to end up winning big and often. You can use this trick when deciding which games to play and which ones you should avoid. But how can you find these figures?

With online games, the research is pretty easy. First, if you log onto a game, the RTP will be under the instructions. Thus, you can easily gauge how profitable a game is even before spending a dime. Alternatively, you can google the game and add RTP in the search box. Many third-party sites review RTPs on games, and you will be sure to get a reasonable estimate. For example, Monster Pop by BetSoft Gaming has a rate of 97.7%. Not bad at all.

Land-based casinos are a bit tricky. To start with, they offer lower rates than online games. Also, they tend to be a bit sketchy with their figures. Some display their figures while others are very vague about what you should expect. If you are lucky to be playing in Las Vegas, you can know for sure that all machines have at least 75%. However, knowing what each machine has is quite a hassle.

Should You Care About RTPs?

It depends on why you are playing. If you are after thrill, you can choose any game and start watching the reels. Whether you win or don’t, the adrenaline rush will be enough to give you a kick. But for people playing for money, the RTP matters. It not only helps you get a bigger payout but also increases your chances of winning. Additionally, you stand a higher chance of getting back the money you spend on the game.

High RTPs

A machine with a percentage of 97% to 99.5% falls in this category. Such high rates work in favor of people who play for long hours. Of course, at some point, you will lose. But thanks to the high percentages, you will get a chance to win your money back. Plus, these machines often help players meet their wagering requirements. For example, if you get free credits but you must spend a given amount to withdraw them, you can use these machines. Thus, they encourage you to keep playing while reducing your risk of loss. On the downside, such machines rarely feature promotions and do not have the best payouts.

Medium RTPs

These machines boast rates between 95% and 97%. They offer a balance between risk and reward and make it easier for players to win big without playing many games. However, they have significant risk, and players can easily lose their bankroll even with a few plays. Additionally, their winning consistency does not measure up to high RTP machines.

Low RTPs

Any machine with less than 94.99% has a low percentage. Such games are highly entertaining and have some of the best jackpots. However, on the downside, they have high-risk factors.

RTPs do not change the fact that the house always has the edge over players. Instead, they strive to make gaming fair by giving you a chance to win back your money. Plus, once you understand how they work, you can figure out which ones work best for your betting strategy.