What is RTP and How is it Calculated?
Every slot machine has an RTP percentage programmed into it that represents the long-term payout rate. This percentage is determined during the game design process by the developer.
To calculate RTP, the developer runs computer simulations of millions of spins to see how much the slot pays back. If after 10 million spins the slot has paid out $9,700,000 of the $10,000,000 wagered, its RTP would be 97%.
The RTP doesn't mean you are guaranteed wins though. You could play a 97% RTP slot and still lose in the short run. But over time as you play millions of spins, results should approach the RTP percentage.
Key Factors in RTP Calculation
Several factors go into determining a slot's RTP percentage during design:
- Volatility - High volatility slots have a higher RTP to account for less frequent payouts. Low volatility games payout frequently but in smaller amounts.
- Max payout - Slots with higher max payouts need a higher RTP to offer those big prizes less frequently. Lower max payouts require a lower RTP.
- Payline structure - More paylines and bet options allow for higher RTP than slots with fixed paylines.
- Features/bonuses - Slots with more bonus features and mini-games need higher RTPs to account for bonus payouts.
So in summary, higher RTPs compensate for less frequent payouts in more volatile, feature-rich games with big jackpots.
What is Considered a High RTP Slot?
Most slots tend to have RTP percentages ranging from 92% on the low end up to around 96% on average. So any slot with an RTP of 96% or more can be considered relatively high. Here are the benchmarks:
- 92-95% - Lower than average
- 95-96% - Average
- 96-97% - Above average
- 97%+ - High RTP
The highest RTP slots exceed 99%. But these are rare exceptions. Realistically, slots with RTPs of 97% or better offer some of the best theoretical payout rates you will find.
Top 10 High RTP Slots
Here are 10 of the top slots currently available at online casinos with the highest published RTP percentages:
1. Mega Joker - 99% RTP
This classic 3-reel slot from NetEnt offers simple gameplay with a super high RTP. During the bonus round, RTP jumps to an astonishing 199%!
2. Ugga Bugga - 99% RTP
A Playtech classic, Ugga Bugga is a 3-reel, 10-payline slot with a tribal theme and RTP reaching 99%. Collect coconut scatter symbols for up to 50 free spins.
3. Ooh Aah Dracula - 99% RTP
Another Playtech slot, this vampire-themed game has 10 fixed paylines and an RTP reaching 99% during free spins.
4. 1429 Uncharted Seas - 98.6% RTP
This 25-payline voyage-themed slot by Thunderkick can reach 98.6% RTP during free spins. Look for mapped wilds and compass scatters.
5. Jackpot 6000 - Up to 98.8% RTP
Jackpot 6000 is a 3-reel classic by NetEnt with a retro fruit machine style. RTP climbs to 98.8% with max bet during regular gameplay.
6. Blood Suckers II - 98% RTP
This vampire slot sequel offers 25 paylines, free spins up to x12 multiplier, and 98% max RTP. One of several NetEnt slots near the top.
7. Kings of Chicago - 97.8% RTP
Get medieval with this unique poker-style slot from NetEnt. RTP hits 97.8% during free spins. Land joker scatter symbols for a chance to win the progressive jackpot.
8. Magicious - 97.6% RTP
Try this 10-payline slot with expanding wilds by Thunderkick. RTP ranges from 91.3% to 97.6% based on bet level.
9. Big Bad Wolf - 97.34% RTP
Quickspin's popular "huff and puff" slot allows 100 paylines and three wild huff features. RTP reaches 97.34% at max bet.
10. Mighty Arthur - 97.03% RTP
Join King Arthur on the reels in this Quckspin slot with RTP reaching 97.03%. Pick expanding crystallized wilds.
This covers some of the top high RTP slots from major developers like NetEnt, Playtech, and Quickspin. There are dozens more 97%+ RTP games to discover.
Benefits of Playing High RTP Slots
Seeking out and playing slots with higher RTP offers several advantages:
- Better odds - While wins aren't guaranteed, high RTP slots offer better odds statistically over time.
- Lower house edge - A 97% RTP means a 3% house edge, much better than a 92% RTP slot with an 8% house edge.
- Reduced risk - The higher the RTP, the lower the risk you take on average with each spin.
- More payback - High RTP means more of your wagers are paid back over time, reducing losses.
- Bigger bankroll - More payback means you can spin longer on the same bankroll at a high RTP slot.
While high RTP guarantees nothing on an individual spin, over time the odds favor you more, allowing you to play longer and maximize wins.
Finding High RTP Slots at Online Casinos
All major online casinos feature high RTP slots, though the selection varies from casino to casino. Here are strategies to locate them:
Check RTP in slot descriptions
Most online slots allow you to click and read a description that shows game rules, features, volatility, and RTP percentage.
Browse by provider
Certain developers like NetEnt and Playtech specialize in high RTP slots. Sort by the provider to find them.
Search for specific titles
Looking for a slot you know has a high RTP? Use the site's search bar to find it quickly.
Review slot resource sites
Sites like slotscalendar.com compile and update RTP percentages for 1000s of slots. A great research resource.
Ask customer support
Don't see RTP info on a slot? Reach out to customer service and request specifics.
Doing a little research can help quickly narrow your search to reputable high RTP options.
Getting the Most from High RTP Slots
Follow these tips when playing slots with the highest payout percentages:
- Have a big enough bankroll - To take advantage of the big payout potential, make sure you have the funds to place higher bets.
- Play max bet - Most slots reach the highest RTP percentages when playing max lines and bet per line allowed.
- Take advantage of bonuses - Bonuses multiply the impact of the RTP percentage and give you more free chances to win big.
- Claim free spins - Free spins are played at the game's highest RTP, so they offer maximum value.
- Only play high RTP slots - To get the best odds, ignore low and medium RTP slots in favor of 97%+ RTP options exclusively.
- Quit while ahead - The RTP percentage doesn't influence results short-term, so withdraw winnings when you're up.
Conclusion
Seeking out and playing slots with 97% or higher RTP offers you the best odds in the casino long-term. Take time to research RTP percentages, use max bets, claim bonuses, and only play the highest RTP games. Over time, you can reduce the house edge and potentially walk away a winner. Just be sure to gamble responsibly and never chase losses. With the right strategy, high RTP slots can take your gaming experience to the next level.
