What is RTP (Return to Player): Explained for NZ Gamblers

What is RTP (Return to Player): explained for NZ gamblers
Last Updated on | by Pavo Jurkic

Today, we’re here to thoroughly explain the common online gambling terms known as RTP, Return to Player percentage, and payout rate. Yes, all three represent the same thing. In our experience, RTP meaning in gambling represents the average amount the player wins back after wagering $100.

For example, if a player wagers $100 on a slot with 97.2% RTP, he should theoretically get $97.2 in return. Mind you, we’re talking about theoretical averages here. But, the golden rule of thumb remains; the higher the RTP, the better the chance to win. So, if you’re here to learn about the best payout online casinos, in NZ you’ll be interested in the results of our comprehensive research. Let’s roll!

RTP of Online Slot Machines

Online slot machines generally have superior RTP (return to player) percentages than their land-based counterparts. Our analyses have confirmed that real money pokies online have an average RTP of roughly 96%. Some go as high as 99% RTP, which leaves just 1% for the house edge.

Top Online Pokies with the Highest Payout Rate

Games like Jackpot 6000 by NetEnt and Book of 99 by Relax Gaming have almost unreal payout rates (99% and 98.9% respectively). If you’re interested in more details, the highest RTP casino slot machines picked by our experts can be found in the table below:

Online Slot Provider Payout Percent Volatility Progressive Jackpot
Money Cart 2 Relax Gaming 98% High No
Extra Chilly Big Time Gaming 96.82% High No
Thunderstruck 2 Microgaming 96.65% High No
Book of Dead Play’n GO 96.21% High No
Jackpot 6000 NetEnt 98.9% Medium No
Book of 99 Relax Gaming 99% High No
Bonanza Megaways Big Time Gaming 96% High No
Blood Suckers NetEnt 98% Low No
White Rabbit Megaways Big Time Gaming 97.24% High No
Mega Joker NetEnt 99% High No

Return to Player Percent of Online Table Games

Return to player percentage varies from one type of casino game to another. So, what is RTP of online table games these days? It depends on which particular game we’re talking about. If it’s blackjack, the RTP can go above 99%. If it’s roulette, we’re talking 97% and above.

What’s the Average RTP in Online Blackjack

Blackjack is known as the card game with the lowest house edge. The numbers we found during our blackjack RTP tests confirm this. The best real money blackjack games from the likes of Microgaming and Pragmatic Play offer less than 1% of house edge. Here are a few examples:

Game Developer RTP
Classic Blackjack Microgaming 99.91%
ONE Blackjack Pragmatic Play 99.28%
Infinite Blackjack Evolution Gaming 99.47%

Payout Rate for Online Roulette Games

The classic game of roulette has incredible RTP. According to our research, the average roulette RTP is around 97%, which is on par or even slightly better than most online slots. The best providers of real money roulette games nowadays are Pragmatic Play and Evolution Gaming.

Game Developer RTP
Roulette Nouveau Relax Gaming 97.30%
Lucky 6 Roulette Pragmatic Play 97.49%
Lightning Roulette Evolution 97.30%

How RTP Works

It takes no genius to understand how the casino payout ratio works. In essence, the higher the number is, the better your chances to win are. In other words, the higher the RTP, the lower the house edge. When talking about online slots RTP, our experts’ analysis confirms it’s usually between 95% and 98%.

How is the Casino Payout Ratio Calculated?

Every casino has a slight edge over the player. It’s called house edge and it’s the sole reason why the house always wins. The house edge is calculated by simulating slot spins and getting information on the total money won and total money wagered. You can calculate the house edge by subtracting the RTP (f.e. 96.5%) from the total (100%). In this case, the house edge would be 3.5%.

Payout Rate and Volatility: What is the Difference?

Payout rate and volatility often go hand in hand. They’re the two most important characteristics of online slots. But, they represent two entirely different aspects.

  • The payout rate (RTP%) represents the average percentage of money paid back to the player.
  • Volatility is a spectrum. Games with low volatility feature frequent but small wins. High-volatility games are the exact opposite – scarce, but massive wins.

Expert Tips for Players: Maximising Your Gameplay with RTP

Playing around with volatility and RTP can be a great way of maximising your profit potential. Even more so if you follow the following tips tailored by our experts:

  • Verify the Game’s RTP and Volatility

    Every expert will recommend you verify the game’s RTP and volatility, especially if you’re playing it for the first time. This will help you get a feel for the game and know what strategies will work best. But, keep in mind that not all casinos play fairly. That’s why there are certificates by the likes of eCOGRA and BMM that ensure fair play.

  • Analyse Rules and Strategies of the Game

    If you’re serious about your gambling sessions, we advise you to investigate the rules of the game before you play it for real money. Some casinos feature Game Info pages where you can learn all about the symbols, gameplay mechanics, scatters, wilds, and more. Players who want to maximise their profits should learn the nuances.

  • Check if there Are Bonus Rounds

    One of the things you can learn by reading the Game Info pages are bonus rounds. These days, many slots offer wilds and scatters and crazy combinations that result in bonus rounds. While you can’t directly influence any of these, it’s still helpful to know what you need to get to trigger bonus rounds. Plus, some online slots allow you to buy bonus rounds from the get-go.

  • Try Demo Version First

    If you’re looking to test out a few new online slots, we advise you to investigate their RTP and volatility and, if possible, try the demo version first. Playing the demo version will allow you to gauge the game and see whether or not you’ll find it entertaining.

  • Don’t Overspend on Gambling

    According to our research, the quickest way to chase losses and problematic gambling in general starts with overspending. If you overspend your initial budget and keep depositing more money in the hope of breaking even, you’re in for a cold shower. Don’t let it happen to you – gambling addiction is a serious issue!

Player’s Payout Rate in Gambling: FAQ

  • What is RTP?

    RTP stands for Return to Player. It informs players just how “generous” the given slot is. More precisely, the RTP rate comes in the form of a percentage which shows how much the slot pays back to the player on average. If a slot’s RTP is 96.5%, it means it’ll theoretically return $96.5 for every $100 wagered.

  • Who approves RTP of casino games?

    How can players be sure the advertised RTP on legit online casinos is true? Because they are audited and verified by independent testing agencies. The biggest brands in this niche are eCOGRA, BMM, and iTech Labs. They’re in charge of verifying online slots and ensuring fair play on licensed and regulated online casinos.

  • Does the average RTP in online casinos differ from land-based casinos?

    Yes, it does. And way more than you might think. The average RTP on online casinos tends to be around 94% to 97%. Land-based casino venues are nowhere near those numbers. According to our research, most land-based casinos’ RTP values are between 70% and 90%. It takes no genius to realise just how massive the difference is.

  • What is a favourable RTP to look for when choosing online pokies?

    Online pokies come in a variety of different shapes and sizes. We’re referring to various in-game mechanics that make slots feel different. However, when we look at the most basic characteristics of slots, it all comes down to the RTP (return to play) value. According to our experts, a favourable RTP rate starts at 95%.

  • Which factors influence a player's payout rate in gambling?

    Online gambling payout rate is affected by several factors. Regulatory requirements top the charts. They’re followed by in-game mechanics (wilds, scatters, bonus spins, multipliers), games’ volatility, and the presence of progressive jackpot systems (or the lack thereof). If you want to maximise your payout potential, you should explore these key areas.

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