What Does a 97% RTP Really Mean for Casual Players?

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Return-to-player percentage or RTP (as it’s more commonly called) is the percentage at which slot machines are programmed to pay out wins for every dollar spent.
If a slot machine has an RTP of 97%, it should pay out $0.97 for every $1.00 played over time.
Of course, this is just an average over time. It doesn’t mean that for every $1.00 you bet on a slot machine, you’ll receive $0.97 back in winnings; it’s just an average of how often that machine awards wins.
So, what does this mean for a casual player who may not want to spend a lot of time researching RTPs online?
Let’s take a look at what RTP really means for players, what other factors you should consider before making a spin, and if that 97% really means anything for casual spinners.
Does RTP Really Matter?
Yes, RTP definitely matters. Although you could win big on a slot machine with a 95% RTP or lose big on a slot machine with a 98% RTP, the latter definitely has better odds than the former.
What Is the Average RTP of Slot Machines?
Slot machine RTP can range from 88% to 99% (technically), yet most slot machines offer, on average, 96% RTPs.
You’ll usually find slot machines on the lower end at land-based casinos, as these casinos don’t post RTP. Yet, online players can easily research slot machine RTPs, which most online casinos are aware of, so the online variations tend to be higher.
The highest RTP you’ll currently find is 99% for the Mega Joker slot game. Other high percentage slots include Blood Suckers (98% RTP), White Rabbit Megaways (97.72% RTP), and Medusa Megaways (97.72% RTP).
It’s also important to note that the same slot machine could offer a different RTP at each casino, so try to find these figures listed on the site where you play.
Do Other Factors Contribute to Slot Machine Wins and Losses?
Yes, the other factors that contribute to slot machine wins and losses include random-number generators (RNGs) and game volatility.
Random-number generators are the algorithms that determine slot machine wins and losses. Of course, you’ll never see these numbers, as doing so would let you know if you’ll win or lose before you play the game.
Slot machine volatility also has an impact on wins and losses. A machine with high volatility will return large wins less often, and one with lower volatility returns lower wins more frequently.
What Should Casual Players Consider Before Choosing a Slot Machine?
If you’re playing slots because you just want to have fun or try your luck, you may not want to spend a lot of time researching game RTPs.
Of course, you’re most certainly playing slots because you want to win. Slot games are fun, but they’re not engaging enough to keep even the most casual players spinning if they return too many losses.
Try to find slot machines with RTPs set at 96% or higher and choose games you enjoy playing. You might want to opt for slots with lots of features like expanding reels, transforming symbols, and bonus rounds.
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Alicia is OddsSeeker's Lead Editor & Fact Checker! She's been reviewing online casinos, sportsbooks, and other gaming since 2021, but has well over a decade of experience writing and editing for some of the largest online magazines and brands since 2011! Over her career, Alicia has worked as a travel and entertainment writer & editor contributing to widely read digital publications such as The Spruce, The Balance and The Spruce Pets, VeryWell, and TripSavvy. Alicia makes sure our readers can trust every word - holding both our team & our gaming operator partners to the highest standard to ensure that our readers always have the best possible experiences playing gaming online! Beyond OddsSeeker, Alicia is a marketing expert, entrepreneur, and avid traveler based in Connecticut!
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