RTP in slots: what it is and how to calculate it

Slot machines are one of the most beloved casino games all over the world.

They attract precisely because of the thrill they allow you to experience and the great excitement they generate, as well as for their simplicity and the possibility of obtaining cash prizes without much complication.

If you are looking to better understand these machines and maximize your chances of winning, it is essential that you familiarize yourself with the concept of RTP, or "Return to Player". Throughout this post we will explain what RPT is and why you should give it the importance it deserves.

What is the RTP in slots

The RTP, or Return to Player, is a very important term in the world of slots. In short, the RTP represents the percentage of money that a player can expect to recover in the long term while playing a particular slot.

This value is expressed as a percentage and is a fundamental statistic for understanding how slots work and how much money a player could win or lose in a given time frame.

For example, if a slot machine has an RTP of 96%, this means that, theoretically, a player can expect to recoup 96% of his investment in the game in the long run.

In other words, the higher the RTP of a slot machine, the greater the likelihood that players will consistently win in the long term.

RTP is a key indicator of slot machine fairness and transparency. Laws in most jurisdictions require slot manufacturers and operators to disclose the RTP of their games to ensure that players are informed about the actual likelihood of their investment being recouped before they start playing.

How to calculate RTP on slots

Calculating the RTP of a specific slot machine is a process that involves mathematics and statistics, but you don't need to be a mathematical genius to understand it.

To calculate RTP, you need two key pieces of information: the total winnings paid out by the machine and the total bets placed by players.

• Total Winnings Paid by the Machine. This is the total amount of money the machine has paid out in prizes to players. You will usually find this information in the machine's records or on the website of the online casino where you are playing. Often, casinos publish the RTPs of their online slots, which makes this part of the calculation easier.
• Total Bets Placed by Players. The total amount of money players have wagered on the machine during a given period. You can also find this information in the casino's records or online.

With these two figures in hand, the RTP calculation is quite simple:

RTP = (Total Winnings / Total Wagers) x 100

For example, if a slot machine has paid out a total 6.000 € in winnings and players have wagered a total of 11.000 € on that machine, the calculation would be:

RTP = (6,000 / 11,000) x 100 = 54

This 54% result indicates that the RTP of that particular slot machine is 54%, which means that, on average, players can expect to recover 54% of their investment in the long run.

It is important to note that the RTP is a long-term average and does not guarantee specific wins or losses in an individual gaming session. Results can vary markedly in the short term due to the random nature of slots.

The importance of RTP in the choice of a slot machine

The knowledge of the RTP is fundamental for all those who want to make better informed decisions when choosing a slot machine to play.

If you have the choice between several slot machines, opting for the one with the highest RTP will give you a mathematical advantage in the long run. This does not mean that you will win every time you play, but it will increase your chances of winning in the long run compared to a slot machine with a lower RTP.

For example, if you have the option of playing two slots: one with an RTP of 56% and one with an RTP of 90%, it makes sense to choose the latter, as it gives you a better chance of sustained wins over time.

However, it is important to remember that the RTP is not the only factor to consider when choosing a slot machine. Other elements, such as the volatility of the game, the type of bonuses and so on, can also affect your gaming experience and your chances of winning. Choosing the right slot machine depends on your personal preferences and your playing style, don't forget that.

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