Bettors may choose to bet in various forms – racing, sports betting, casino games, slot games, fishing games, and so on. While a bettor has access to several forms of betting, some forms, and types of bets payout more than others. And a bettor must know what their potential returns maybe before making a wager. Online slot games have garnered a lot of interest over the past few decades. This is because online slot games became more accessible and better designed for user experience. In fact, online slot games are more popular than their brick and mortar counterparts. This is because bettors have access to several online slot games, play in any currency, play across multiple providers, restrictions on social distancing, etc. While a punter now has more access, it can still be tough to calculate the return to a player from a bet – for each and every potential stake. Here we take a look at what RTP or return-to-player in online slot games are and how you can use it to your advantage.
What is Return-To-Player (RTP)?
Return-to-player is the nominal return a punter makes on a wager or bet. The return a player makes for a bet may vary from bet to bet for the same game. However, the returns remain consistent for the bookie in the long run. Return-to-player in online slot games is the return a player makes for every wager made. This is the return that a player stands to make in the long run when betting on slot games. A return-to-player can be expressed in a ratio or percentage of a wager made. Example: Let’s say the RTP for a slot game is at 90%. This means that a player stands to win 90 units of currency for every 100 units of currency wagered in the long run. In other words, the bookie will make 10% cumulatively on all bets made at that particular slot game.
Features of RTP
When using RTP to calculate returns, you don’t always get the exact return. And this is based on several factors. Some of these factors include bet waged, slot game payout, number of games or times waged, rules and regulations, and much more. Here we look at some of the features of RTP in online slot games.
1. Calculated in the long run
RTP is calculated in the long run. For example, a person playing a slot game may have an RTP of 90%, but if they lose that first bet, then they lose 100% of the amount waged. Alternatively, if the person wins that first wager, then they may get a payout of more than 100%. However, how much the house pays out to what it gets in remains consistent in the long run.
2. Disproportionate winnings
While what the house gets in remains consistent in the long run, what a bettor gets varies from bettor to bettor based on skill and luck. A bettor may be on a good run and win more, or they may not win as much after a bad run. This plays into how much a bettor wins versus the house on an individual basis. Bettors that bet in the long run tend to minimize variance on either end.
3. Subject to variance
Different online slot games are classified into high variance games and low variance games. In low variance games, your winnings tend to remain consistent as the amount you win or lose tends to be marginal. In high variance games, your winnings can be huge, although the frequency of such big wins is minimal.
4. Additional returns
Online slot games give punters additional returns apart from the intrinsic value of the bet. These returns may not be factored into the RTP or return-to-player winnings. Other returns may feature in the form of rebates, free spins, bonus rounds, clubbed promotions, and much more.
5. Other variables
It’s important to consider other variables that may affect RTP such as the number of spins in a slot game, wagering requirements, free or additional spins, sign up bonuses, currencies accepted, etc. It’s important to consider all variables that can affect the actual RTP in online slot games.
