What Is RTP?
RTP stands for Return to Player. It is a percentage that represents how much of the total money wagered on a game is paid back to players over time. For example, a slot with an RTP of 96% will, theoretically, return R96 for every R100 wagered across millions of spins.
The key word is theoretical. RTP is calculated over an enormous number of spins - often hundreds of millions - and does not predict what will happen in any individual session. In the short term, results can vary wildly from the stated RTP.
How RTP Is Calculated
RTP is determined by the game developer through mathematical modelling and verified by independent testing laboratories such as eCOGRA, iTech Labs, or GLI. The calculation is based on the game's paytable, the probability of each symbol combination landing, and the frequency of bonus features.
For example, if a slot has 1,000 possible outcomes and the total payout across all outcomes is 960, the RTP is 96%. In practice, modern slots have billions of possible outcomes, making the calculation far more complex.
RTP vs House Edge
The house edge is simply 100% minus the RTP. A game with a 96% RTP has a 4% house edge - meaning the casino keeps 4% of all money wagered on that game over time.
Understanding this relationship helps you compare games. A blackjack game with a 99.5% RTP has a house edge of just 0.5%, while an American roulette wheel with a 94.74% RTP has a house edge of 5.26%.
Why RTP Matters for Bonus Wagering
When you are trying to clear a wagering requirement, the RTP of the games you play directly affects how much of your bonus you are likely to retain. Playing a game with a 97% RTP means you lose 3% of your wagering amount on average per round. Playing a game with a 94% RTP means you lose 6% per round - twice as fast.
For bonus wagering, always choose the highest-RTP eligible game. Slots like (96.09%) and (96.4%) are popular choices because they are usually eligible for bonus play and have above-average RTPs. Starburst (96.09%) and Fruit Shop (96.4%) are popular choices because they are usually eligible for bonus play and have above-average RTPs.
Top 5 Highest RTP Casino Games
| Game | RTP | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Blackjack (basic strategy) | 99.5% | Table Game |
| Video Poker (Jacks or Better) | 99.54% | Video Poker |
| European Roulette | 97.3% | Table Game |
| Fruit Shop (NetEnt) | 96.4% | Slot |
| Starburst (NetEnt) | 96.09% | Slot |
How to Find a Game's RTP
Most online casino games display their RTP in the game information or paytable screen. Look for an 'i' icon or 'Game Info' button within the game interface. The RTP is usually listed alongside the game rules.
You can also find RTP information on the game developer's website or in independent game reviews. Our casino game pages list the RTP for every game we review.
Play high-RTP games like Classic Blackjack, Jacks or Better, and European Roulette at a top SA casino.