When choosing an online casino, most players base their decision on criteria such as licensing, game diversity, bonuses, and loyalty rewards. Many, however, overlook the return-to-player (RTP) percentage, which is one of the most important factors to consider when deciding where to wager real money.
Commonly abbreviated as RTP, this percentage is an integral component of all casino games and ultimately determines how much of the wagered money players win back in the long term. All properly licensed casinos must display information about their games’ return percentages, allowing players to draw comparisons and make better-informed choices when deciding where to bet.
In a highly competitive market, the best regulated gambling sites provide players with higher overall return percentages. In turn, this means the odds are less tilted in favor of the casino, and you play against a lower house edge.
In the following article, SuperCasinoSites explains in detail what RTP is, how online casino games are tested for fairness, and who performs these tests. We finish with a shortlist of the highest-value online casinos in terms of RTP to spare you the legwork of finding them on your own.
RTP and House Edge – Two Sides of the Same Coin
The return to player (RTP) reflects the proportion of money wagered that players receive back by way of monetary prizes. One way to calculate the RTP is by dividing the overall amount won by players in the long term by the total amount they have wagered on a given casino game.
In games without strategy, where no element of skill is involved, players can arrive at the RTP percentage by subtracting the house edge from 100%. Common examples of such games include roulette, craps, and slots, where it is impossible for players to affect the odds in any way and tilt them in their favor.
One important thing to note is that the greater the number of trials, i.e., the rounds you play, the more accurate the information you gain about a casino game’s actual return percentage, and the more precise the above equation becomes. By precise, we mean the two components of the equation come closer and closer to 1 as the number of trials increases.
Thus, the theoretical return of casino games is equal to 100% – House Edge % whereas the actual return is (100% – House Edge %) / Return to Player > 1. People tend to use the terms RTP and theoretical return interchangeably, but there is a difference between the two. The number of rounds required to reach the advertised return percentage depends on whether a game is compensated or completely random. Now, let’s examine the difference between the two.
Compensated vs. Random Game Control
Games that include feedback compensation in their software are called “compensated” games. Conversely, games that rely entirely on random software are referred to as “fully random” games. With this distinction in mind, consider the following two points.
1Pseudo-Random Number Generators (PRNG)
The term “random” typically refers to pseudo-randomness in the context of gaming machines and online casinos. Most online casino games rely on pseudo-random number generators (PRNGs) to produce their outcomes. PRNGs use initial seed numbers and complex mathematical algorithms to deliver results that appear random but are, in fact, deterministic.
2True Random Number Generators (TRNG)
Although the results are impossible to predict with certainty, a PRNG sequence will eventually repeat itself. In contrast, true random number generators (TRNGs) rely on genuinely unpredictable physical phenomena to create random numbers instead of mathematical calculations. Common examples include atmospheric noise and radioactive decay.
3PRNG vs TRNG
Both compensated and completely random games generate their results with the help of RNGs. However, the number of rounds required to reach the advertised return percentage differs between the two. Compensated games usually hit their target return after tens or hundreds of thousands of rounds, whereas their fully random counterparts may require millions of cycles to arrive at the expected RTP.
RTP in Compensated Games
In compensated games, the software continuously reviews recent results to determine how much money it has awarded to players so far. Knowing both the current and target return percentages, it can marginally vary the odds of scoring a win or adjust the payout size in subsequent rounds.
These variations enable the game to deliver payouts more or less frequently and to produce larger or smaller prizes than it otherwise would, depending on whether the current return is above or below the targeted percentage. Such “compensation” exists for two main reasons:
- Compensation reduces volatility for players by spreading winning and losing rounds more evenly over time. It also ensures a steadier profit flow for the house, which many gambling operators prefer.
- From a purely technical perspective, modeling the gameplay of complex gambling machines is challenging for designers. These games might struggle to achieve their return percentages, especially when players employ strategies. Feedback compensation is often the only viable way to help such games reach their targeted RTPs.
RTP in Completely Random Games
Unlike their compensated counterparts, completely random games rely solely on statistical probability. Because of this, they require a vast number of trials, often millions, for the results to average out and reach the targeted RTP.
For this reason, the RTP is usually quoted as an average percentage. It becomes meaningful only after an extensive number of rounds; for example, you cannot wager $1 on a slot with a 90% RTP and expect to win back $900 and lose $100 after just one thousand spins.
How Different Casino Games Rank in Terms of RTP
Let’s take a quick look at several examples to illustrate how RTP works across different casino games. For simplicity, we’ll start with the wheel-based game of roulette, where outcomes are entirely based on chance and completely independent of one another.
1Roulette
A single-zero roulette game carries a house edge of 2.70%, which means the theoretical return to player is 100% – 2.70% = 97.30%. After enough spins, the probabilities even out, and players will lose about 2.7 cents for every dollar wagered. Add an extra zero for 38 numbered pockets on the wheel and the player return drops to 94.74%, with a house edge that is twice as high at 5.26%.
2Craps
Similar to roulette, craps is a chance-based game of independent trials. One major difference is that house edges and player return percentages vary across the board depending on the bets you make. A player who bets the pass line without odds faces a house edge of 1.41% and will win back about 98.59% of their total wagers over time. The contrast is stark when you compare pass line wagers with Big Red (Any 7) bets, which carry a house edge of 16.70% and return only 83.30% of total wagers in the long run.
3Video Poker
Return percentages in video poker depend on payouts, which is why comparing the games’ paytables at your preferred casinos is essential for long-term profitability. Let’s assume Casino A offers a 9/6 paytable for Jacks or Better video poker: flushes pay at odds of 6 to 1, whereas a full house yields a 9 to 1 payout.
In one such “full-pay” variation, the overall return to player is high at 99.54%. Meanwhile, Casino B offers 8/5 Jacks or Better, where the lower payouts for a flush and a full house reduce the RTP to 97.30%. A sensible Jacks or Better player would choose to play at Casino A rather than Casino B any day.
4Slots
When it comes to slots, return percentages vary widely, usually ranging from 80% to 99%. House edges and returns to players are influenced by many factors, including paytables, combinations, and in-game features. The good news is that most properly regulated casinos publish the percentages of their entire slot catalogs, allowing players to check and compare each game’s RTP. Another way to find a slot’s player return is by opening its help section, where such information is normally available.
The above-listed games (except video poker) rely on pure chance and require no strategy. Most also have a high hit frequency, especially even-odds bets in roulette and pass line wagers in craps. Keep in mind that the lower a game’s win frequency is, the more rounds are needed for it to reach its target return percentage.
Theoretical vs. Actual Return to Player
As previously mentioned, there is a distinction between theoretical and actual player return. Imagine a player who bets straight up on single-zero roulette, wagering $1 on each round. Their theoretical return is about 97.30%. If that person wagers $1 on 32 red one million times for total bets of $1 million, they would expect to win back roughly $970,300.
However, landing a single number in roulette is rare, occurring roughly once in every 37 spins. Because of this low frequency, the player’s actual return can differ significantly from the theoretical RTP.
Now suppose the same player instead stakes $1 million on even-money wagers, one bet at a time. In this scenario, they will record nearly equal numbers of wins and losses, so their real return will swiftly converge to the theoretically expected 97.30%. Even-money bets win more frequently (18 in every 37 spins), allowing the actual return to catch up to the theoretical figure more quickly.
RTP of Online Casino Games Played with Strategy
Some casino games, such as video poker and blackjack, allow players to influence their return by using correct strategy. Because players inevitably make mistakes, the actual return percentages are typically not equal to 100% – [casino advantage]; instead, they slightly differ from the theoretically expected values.
It is possible for games to exceed their expected return percentage within a given month, and they might likewise underperform and produce a lower return than theoretically expected.
Because of these discrepancies, many licensed online casinos release RTP reports each month to show players how their games perform. They compile these reports by logging all bets and results throughout the month. You can find the long-term theoretical return of common casino games in the table below.
| Long-Term Theoretical Return of Common Casino Games | |
|---|---|
| American Roulette | 94.74% |
| European Roulette | 97.30% |
| French Roulette (with La Partage in place) | 98.65% |
| 9/6 Jacks or Better Video Poker | 99.54% |
| Pass Line Craps Bets | 1.41% |
| Baccarat (with a commission on winning Banker bets and 8 to 1 payouts on ties) | 98.94% |
| Casino War | 97.20% |
| 2 Hand Casino Hold’em Poker | 99.18% (based on total bets) |
| Atlantic City Blackjack | 99.65% |
| Video Slots | Ranges from under 90% all the way up to 99% |
Key Independent Test Houses of Online Casino RTP
All reputable regulatory bodies, including the MGA and the UKGC, require their licensees to submit their game catalogs to regular audits. This practice ensures that all games converge to their expected theoretical return percentages. It also instills confidence in the games’ fairness and proves they produce unbiased results.
Regulators such as the UKGC (UK Gambling Commission) typically require these audits to be conducted by approved test houses. The testing agencies are independent to avoid conflicts of interest and to guarantee objectivity. They evaluate the output of the Random Number Generators used by casinos over a specific period, such as a month.
One such test can involve millions of rounds. In online roulette, for example, it verifies that the RNG consistently produces random results, with each number from 0 to 36 having an equal chance of hitting.
Below are some of the key test houses that audit online gambling games. If your chosen casino bears the stamp of approval from one of these agencies, you can rest assured you are playing fair games.
eCOGRA
The UK-based eCOGRA was founded in 2003 and has established itself as a leading third-party test house. The internationally acclaimed agency specializes in certifying online casinos and gambling software. It holds accreditation in several jurisdictions, including the UK, New Jersey, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Malta, Alderney, the Isle of Man, and Gibraltar.
Gaming Laboratories International (GLI)
Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) is another leader in online gaming certification and testing. The company has more than 30 years of industry experience and is held in high regard by regulators in over 480 jurisdictions.
NMi (Nederlands Meet Instituut)
NMi (Nederlands Meet Instituut) began as a private audit company in the late 1980s, originally testing roulette wheels. The agency has expanded greatly since then and now operates offices in both the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Its test reports and certificates carry weight in numerous jurisdictions worldwide.
Gaming Associates (GA)
Gaming Associates (GA) has been providing testing and certification services to the gaming industry since the early 1990s. It works with software developers, gambling operators, and regulators in more than 20 jurisdictions. To date, it has conducted over a thousand audits and boasts a client satisfaction rate of more than 99%.
Highest Value Online Casinos Based on RTP
In a highly saturated market, gaming sites try to outperform their rivals by offering higher Return to Player (RTP) percentages. This results in lower house edges, better winning chances, and greater long-term profits for players. The challenge is that identifying the best value can take hours, if not days, of research.
We have done the heavy lifting for you, providing a shortlist of online casinos with high RTP percentages. Each site undergoes regular audits by the test houses mentioned above and publishes the results on its website, enabling players to compare RTPs and choose the most rewarding games. On top of that, our recommendations feature excellent game selections, fast payouts, and first-rate promotions.
Skol Casino
Videoslots
Casino Action
UK Casino Club
Fruity Casa
Hello CasinoSkol Casino
Skol Casino offers players an exhilarating selection of premium casino games, including hundreds of quality slots and many table staples. The website runs regular weekly promotions and provides special bonuses during holidays such as Christmas, Easter, and Halloween. Skol Casino customers also benefit from round-the-clock support available in multiple languages.
All games in the catalog undergo rigorous tests, and their monthly player return percentages are published on the website for everyone to see. Customer security is a top priority at Skol Casino, which provides a variety of player-protection tools so you can enjoy your favorite releases safely and responsibly.
Skol players can make free deposits and withdrawals through a range of reliable banking solutions, including Neteller, Skrill, Visa, PayPal, and Trustly. All sensitive information is protected by state-of-the-art encryption and robust firewalls.
Videoslots
Created by a team of Swedish gambling experts, Videoslots hosts an impressive collection with over 5,000 releases from more than a hundred software studios. Here you will discover some of the hottest creations from major suppliers like Microgaming, Yggdrasil, Play’n GO, Quickfire, and NetEnt.
The gambling brand is well-respected in the industry, and rightly so. It carries licenses from the reputable UKGC and MGA, as well as from the local regulators of Sweden, Italy, and Denmark. Always at the forefront of innovation, the operator provides players with the My RTP service, which offers overall statistics on the games they play.
The feature also enables them to view statistics for individual betting sessions and to monitor their own return percentages. Players can see each game’s hit frequency and the largest wins it has produced. The only downside is that the feature is currently available only on the casino’s desktop version.
Casino Action
Part of the popular Casino Rewards network, Casino Action is a leader among Microgaming-powered gaming sites. Here you will find hundreds of exhilarating slots from the renowned Isle of Man-based studio, along with dozens of authentic table classics and video poker variants. The website also features some of Microgaming’s most lucrative progressive jackpots, including Mega Moolah and Cash Splash.
Operated by Apollo Entertainment Limited, the casino holds licenses from the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). It provides 24/7 customer support, allowing players to speak with a friendly representative whenever they need assistance.
Additionally, players have access to detailed wagering and gaming histories via the PlayCheck feature. All games undergo rigorous testing by the reputable eCOGRA audit agency, which has confirmed that Casino Action offers an overall return to player percentage of 96.48%.
UK Casino Club
As the name suggests, UK Casino Club primarily caters to British players. Operating since 2000, the website offers a well-rounded collection of more than 550 state-of-the-art releases by Microgaming. UK Casino Club covers all regulatory bases, holding licenses from both the UKGC and the MGA.
The casino has earned a reputation for its robust desktop offering, yet it also boasts full mobile compatibility. Navigating the portfolio on desktop or smartphone is simple, thanks to the slick and user-friendly design.
The website earns additional points for its intuitive cashier, which lets customers make payments via highly secure solutions such as Paysafecard, Skrill, Neteller, and AstroPay. All payout percentages are listed in the website’s Fair Play section, and eCOGRA audits have confirmed that every release in the portfolio is fair and unbiased.
Fruity Casa
Fruity Casa leads the pack with an extensive library featuring games from more than 110 software studios, both big and small. Enjoy blazing-hot slots from Quickspin, Pragmatic Play, Playson, NetEnt, Merkur, Leander, IGT, and Big Time Gaming. The live section runs on the Evolution Gaming platform, bringing lifelike casino entertainment straight to your desktop and mobile screens.
Slots may be Fruity Casa’s specialty, but the website also caters to table-game enthusiasts with a versatile selection of blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and house-banked poker variants. Progressive slots like Mega Moolah and Mega Fortune are on the menu as well, giving you a chance to join the multi-millionaire club.
The operation holds licenses from two regulatory bodies, the MGA and the UKGC, ensuring honest play at all times. The casino is confident enough in its offering to publish the RTPs of all its games; you will find the full list of releases and their corresponding percentages in the website’s footer.
Hello Casino
Hello Casino features more than 500 top-notch games, including slots, roulette, blackjack, and bingo. These titles are supplied by some of the best providers on the market, such as IGT, NetEnt, Play’n GO, Quickspin, Red Tiger, WMS, and Thunderkick. Evolution Gaming and Pragmatic Play power the live dealer games.
Hello Casino’s user-friendliness is remarkable. The lobby contains dedicated tabs for popular titles, new releases, jackpots, video and classic slots, and table games, making everything easy to find. You can even filter the gaming options by features like Megaways, must-drop jackpots, and Drops & Wins.
Hello Casino supports an extensive range of deposit and withdrawal methods, including various country-specific solutions. The friendly support team is available around the clock, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. All in all, Hello Casino is a cut above the rest in every aspect of its operation.