Return to Player (RTP) is a term you will often see when browsing slot games, but it is not always clear what it really means. A little context makes it much easier to understand how slots behave over time.
Many people ask whether a higher RTP means better chances, how RTP is calculated, and why it is worth looking beyond a single number.
This guide explains what RTP is, how it is tested and regulated, how it differs from volatility, where to find it, and how it can shape a bankroll over time.
Read on to learn more.
What Is RTP In Slots?
RTP stands for Return to Player. It is given as a percentage and shows the amount of money that may be paid back to players, on average, from the total amount wagered on a slot game over a long period.
For example, if a slot has an RTP of 96%, this means that, in theory, for every £100 wagered across thousands or millions of spins, the game may pay out about £96 and retain £4 as house profit.
RTP is not a promise for each player or each session. The outcomes of spins are random, so a single person’s results can be very different from the long-term average. Think of RTP as a design figure that describes the game over time rather than a target for your next session.
So, how is that percentage worked out?
How Is RTP Calculated?
RTP is calculated by comparing the total amount wagered on a slot game to the total that is paid out to players over a long period.
If a slot receives £1,000,000 in wagers and pays out £960,000 in prizes during testing, the RTP is 960,000 divided by 1,000,000, which is 96%.
This figure is produced using very large numbers of simulated spins during testing. Using such a large sample smooths out the natural ups and downs that can happen in short sessions. Individual play can still differ from this average because every spin is independent.
With the maths in place, what does a higher number actually mean for play?
Does A Higher RTP Mean I Will Win More Often?
A higher RTP shows that, in theory, a slot returns a larger share of the money wagered over time. It does not mean you will win more often in a short session.
Each spin is decided by a random number generator, so results are unpredictable in the short term. A slot with a higher RTP may have slightly better long-term efficiency across all play combined, but you could still see long sequences without a win.
To understand win patterns, volatility is the next piece.
How Do RTP And Volatility Differ?
RTP and volatility describe different parts of a slot’s design.
RTP is the percentage of all money wagered that the game is designed to pay back over a very large number of spins. It describes the overall return, not the timing of wins.
Volatility, also called variance, describes how payouts are distributed. High volatility slots may pay less often but individual payouts can be larger when they occur. Low volatility slots tend to pay more regularly, but amounts are usually smaller. For example, a high volatility game might produce long quiet spells followed by a single larger prize, while a low volatility game might produce smaller, more frequent hits.
Both settings are chosen by the developer. Neither guarantees a particular result, but together they shape the feel of the game.
Once you know what the numbers mean, the next step is finding them.
Where Can I Find A Slot's RTP?
The RTP for a slot is usually shown in the game’s information section. It is often behind the “i” icon or a menu on the main screen.
UK operators are required to display accurate RTP details. You may also see the figure on game thumbnails, in the game rules, or on the developer’s website.
If you are curious about how those figures are checked, here is how testing and regulation work.
How Is RTP Tested And Regulated?
Before a slot game is released in the UK, its RTP is tested by independent organisations. These labs run large samples of simulated spins to confirm that the return matches what the developer has stated.
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) sets strict rules to ensure games offered to players are fair and accurate. Only games that meet these requirements are allowed at licensed sites. As part of this process, the random number generator that decides each spin is also checked to ensure it functions as intended.
Once a game is live, regular checks may still take place to confirm the RTP remains as stated. This ongoing oversight helps keep the playing environment transparent.
With the basics verified, the practical question is how this number can shape a bankroll.
How RTP Affects Your Bankroll
RTP offers a theoretical guide to how much a slot may pay back to players over a long period. It can help frame expectations about how much of the money wagered flows back in prizes over time.
Choosing a slot with a lower RTP means that, over the very long run, a smaller share of total wagers would be returned as winnings than on a higher RTP slot. That said, personal results over a short session can sit well above or below the average because each spin is independent.
No RTP level removes the unpredictability of short-term play. If you choose to play, manage your spending carefully, set limits that suit you, and do not chase losses.
If you decide to use RTP as a filter, the next section shows a simple way to compare games.
How To Compare RTP Between Slot Games
Comparing RTP is straightforward. The percentage is usually listed in the game’s information section or on the site’s game page.
When looking across several slots, note the RTP for each one and consider how big the differences are. A change from 95% to 96% is a one-point shift, which matters over very large volumes of play but will not dictate the shape of a single session. It also helps to weigh this number alongside features such as volatility, bonus mechanics, and the general style of the game.
RTP is a useful reference, but it is only one part of a game’s design.
Common RTP Myths Debunked
There are a few misunderstandings worth clearing up.
- A higher RTP does not guarantee frequent wins. RTP is a long-term average and does not influence the result of any individual spin.
- A slot does not “owe” a win if it has been quiet. Each spin is independent and previous results do not affect future ones.
- Time of day, stake size, or similar choices do not change a game’s RTP. The percentage stays the same, and outcomes are still produced at random.
If you choose to play, keep it occasional, set personal limits, and only spend what you can afford.
Play Slots Online at Dove Casino
Dove Casino offers a broad selection of online slots, from jackpots and Megaways titles to classic-style games. Each game page includes key details such as RTP and an overview of features so you can make informed choices.
As a fully licensed operator under the UK Gambling Commission, Dove Casino follows strict standards for fairness, transparency, and player protection. Games are tested to ensure random outcomes, and you will find tools to help manage play, including deposit limits, session reminders, and short or longer break options.
If this sounds good to you, feel free to make an account at Dove Casino, deposit some funds to play with and explore the range of games available at your own pace.
If you ever need support, organisations such as GamCare and GambleAware provide free, confidential help. Knowing how RTP works, and using the tools available, makes it easier to enjoy slots on your terms.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.