RTP (Return to Player) indicates the average portion of all bets returned to players. A slot with an RTP of 96% will pay out €96 per €100 bet in the long run. It’s important to note that many providers offer multiple RTP versions of the same slot. For example, there are versions with 88%, 94%, and 96%. In some countries, a lower version is deliberately used due to local regulations or taxes on bets. Therefore, always check the game information to see which RTP version is active.
Games with higher RTPs, such as Ugga Bugga (99.07%), Jackpot 6000 (98.80%), and Bonanza (96.00%), generally provide stronger theoretical payout rates than progressive jackpot slots, which often drop to around 89–92% RTP. These titles are widely regarded as some of the highest paying online slots available.
For table games, the average is even higher: blackjack and baccarat often achieve 98–99% RTP, making them among the best-paying casino games at non GamStop casinos for UK players casinos without GamStop checks.
What Does a 1% RTP Difference Do to Your Results?
A difference of just 1% in RTP may seem small, but it can have a big impact in the long run, especially with thousands of spins or extended play.
Example 1
With a total bet of €1,000, a game with a 95% RTP returns an average of €950, while a 96% RTP returns €960. That’s a €10 difference on the same bet.
Example 2
At 5,000 spins of €2 each (€10,000 total):
• 95% RTP → €9,500 back
• 96% RTP → €9,600 back
→ €100 difference just because of a 1% higher payout percentage.
Game categories compared: which one has the highest RTP?
| Category | Typical RTP | What does this mean in practice? | When is it useful to choose? |
|---|---|---|---|
| RNG Blackjack | 97% – 98.6% | You can win back almost the most if you play smart | If you are good and want to use your skills |
| Baccarat | ~97.5% – 98% | Very simple rules, house wins little | If you prefer to take little risk |
| Roulette (European) | ~96.3% | Only has one zero, so better chance than American | If you just want to join a table game easily |
| Slots (regular) | 94% – 96% | Lots of different themes and extras | If you like to play games with multipliers or bonus rounds |
| Live game shows | 93% – 95% | More entertainment and multipliers | If you like variety and a show element |
| Progressive jackpots | 85% – 91% (without jackpot) | Big jackpot makes the RTP lower, more bad luck or luck | Only if you’re going for the chance of a huge win |
If you consistently want the best payout, choose (live/RNG) blackjack/baccarat or slots with an RTP of ≥ 95%. Avoid jackpots if you’re playing purely for long-term returns.
High RTP ≠Guaranteed Win: Influence of Volatility on Payout
RTP indicates a game’s average long-term payout, while volatility indicates how much winnings can fluctuate per session. Together, they determine a game’s actual expected value within the online casino world.
A high RTP (Return to Player) means that a game pays out more on average in the long run, but that does not guarantee short-term winnings, where luck plays a much bigger role.
Therefore, it’s wise to set a budget (with limits or breaks) and choose reliable online casinos with fast and fair payouts. Volatility also determines how often and how large the wins are:
• Low volatility: regular, smaller profits: less risk and a more stable course
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• High volatility: rarer, bigger payouts: more excitement and bigger swings
A slot can have a high RTP, yet still show significant variation between sessions. Longer-term players benefit from the average RTP, while short sessions primarily experience the effects of volatility.
Last Updated on March 3, 2026 by Nick Ross
