What is RTP in Casinos? Learn how to understand the Return to Player!

You may have come across the acronym RTP (Return to Player) in Online Casinos and wondered what it actually means — and how to interpret it. Don’t worry: you’re not alone. This is one of the most frequently asked topics, and we’re here to clear up all your questions about long-term winning potential.

Since promoting Responsible Gaming is essential at Blaze, we’ve updated this content with even more information about Return to Player. We’ll explain how it’s calculated, how to read it, and why you can trust this percentage. And of course, we’ll also explain what the House Edge is all about. Let’s dive in!

What is RTP in Online Casinos?

Short for Return to Player, RTP is a metric used to indicate how much a player can expect to get back from an online casino game over time — it’s only a theoretical estimate, not a promise or guarantee. It’s calculated as follows:

RTP = Total money returned to players / Total money wagered on the game

Shown as a percentage, this rate is calculated based on thousands (or even millions) of game rounds during the development phase and then validated by a certifying body. The result is a certified RTP — meaning it meets all the criteria required by regulatory agencies.

For example, Fortune Capybara has an RTP of 98.07%. Theoretically, that means you could expect a return of $98.07 for every $100 wagered. The more rounds you play, the more likely your return will approach this value — since it’s a metric designed to reflect long-term averages.

Why is RTP important?

Choosing a casino game means understanding the level of risk involved. That’s why RTP is crucial: it helps set realistic expectations and allows you to plan your experience so it remains fun and responsible — without leading to financial issues.

Because RTP is verified by certified testing companies in the betting industry, you can trust this estimate. Otherwise, the game couldn’t be offered in a regulated market, which must follow strict rules to ensure fairness and reliability.

That said, we’re not suggesting that game genre, theme, or features don’t matter when choosing what to play. Understanding RTP simply helps you organize your session with smart bankroll management — and it can also guide you in comparing games with similar features that better match your playing style.

How to Analyze a Game’s RTP

We gave a little spoiler in the previous section, and now it’s time to dig deeper. RTP is there to help you understand the level of risk involved in a game so you can manage expectations and plan your session accordingly.

But it’s not enough to just take this percentage and apply it to the amount you plan to wager, expecting the return to match it exactly — after all, RTP is based on thousands of plays. You would only see a result close to that percentage if you played thousands of rounds.

For example, Fortune Dragon has an RTP of 96.74%. Betting $100 does not mean you’ll necessarily get $96.74 back. If you place a single bet of $100, the chances of getting a different return — possibly even a full loss — are very high.

That’s why it’s also important to consider a game’s volatility, which indicates the theoretical frequency of wins. The higher the volatility, the fewer winning spins you should expect. These are different concepts, but they go hand in hand when planning your gaming experience.

How Does RTP Reflect a Game’s Risk?

No online casino game has an RTP of 100%, though percentages closer to that figure generally suggest lower risk. This applies to both the base game and specific features — or, in the case of table games, the hands played.

On the other hand, if the RTP is far from 100%, the game carries a higher level of risk. After all, you can expect to “get back” less in the long run. Some games, for example, have an RTP as low as 89.00%.

Still, don’t analyze a game’s risk level based only on RTP. Other elements matter just as much, such as volatility, how the Feature Buy works, and the permitted bet amounts. RTP is just one piece of the puzzle.

When Is a Game’s RTP Considered Good?

You might have read someone claiming a game has a “good RTP,” but don’t fall into that trap. Casino games are not investments or sources of income. Return to Player should be used solely to understand risk and to help plan your session — since your main goal should always be entertainment.

Why Do Some Games Have More Than One RTP?

This is a common question, as some casino games show more than one RTP percentage. That happens because certain features change the dynamics of the game, and therefore, the long-term returns may differ from those of the base game.

For instance, Gates of Olympus Super Scatter has an RTP of 96.50% for both the base game and the Free Spins. There are two other values in this Pragmatic Play title: 95.55% when using the Ante Bet and 96.49% when activating the Bonus Buy — and those only apply when betting in those specific modes.

This happens because game dynamics shift. With the Ante Bet, you pay an extra 50% per spin for a higher chance of landing Scatter and Super Scatter Symbols — making it more likely to trigger Free Spins.

The Feature Buy, on the other hand, requires paying 100x your base bet to instantly activate Free Spins with a random number of four to six Scatters — which are paying symbols in this game.

Not all dynamic changes in gameplay mean there will be multiple RTPs. Sometimes, the features only alter the entertainment value, not the long-term return.

Why Can RTP Vary Between Different Casinos?

Another important question is why the same game might show different RTP values at different online casinos. The answer is simple: each platform may offer a version with slightly different features, which changes the gameplay and, as a result, the theoretical return to the player.

Always choose licensed platforms that comply with regulatory standards. This ensures you can play safely and stay protected from fraud.

What Is House Edge in Online Casinos?

Another important concept that can sometimes cause confusion is the House Edge. This represents the amount the Online Casino earns from a game and is directly connected to the RTP. It’s a concept based on long-term play and is calculated as follows:

House Edge = 100 - RTP

Using Fortune Dragon as an example, the House Edge is 3.26% (100 - 96.74 = 3.26). This means that for every $100 wagered by the player, the platform theoretically keeps only $3.26 — with the remaining $96.74 being returned to the player.

Just like RTP, the House Edge in Casino Games is a theoretical estimate based on thousands of spins. The actual values will vary depending on the number of rounds played, which are random and unpredictable.

Since the House Edge is directly tied to a game’s theoretical return rate, it’s considered reliable. If the RTP is certified by testing agencies, then the House Edge is also trustworthy.

Play responsibly at Blaze!

Now you understand one of the most important concepts when enjoying Online Casino games. Remember, each player will always have a unique experience, and that’s why betting is as thrilling as it is unpredictable.

Plan your entertainment budget — or Bankroll, for the seasoned players — and only use money that you can afford to lose. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking Casino Games are an investment, because they’re not. They're purely for entertainment. There are many risks involved, and it’s important to understand them so you don’t get into trouble.

Ready for some fun? Then check out Blaze’s Casino games catalog — and good luck!

Frequently Asked Questions About RTP in Casinos

What does RTP mean?

RTP stands for Return to Player and is a percentage used in Casino Games to estimate how much a player can expect to receive back in the long run.

How can I find out a Slot’s RTP?

All Casino Games display their RTP on the game interface, including any variations if applicable. Blaze also shows this information below each game’s description.

Is RTP reliable?

Yes! The Return to Player is calculated over thousands of rounds to estimate how much the player might receive over time — in theory. This percentage is verified by a certification agency to ensure it reflects realistic expectations.