[dropcap]L[/dropcap]et us face it… online casinos games are designed in favor of the house. Even though the size of the house edge varies depending on the casino game, it helps casino operators to make a profit and stay in business. Since the goal of every online casino gambler is to win, the secret is choosing games with the highest probability of winning. Also, it is essential to understand that the house is only profitable in the long run.
In this article, we have covered all there is you need to know about online casino theoretical return to the player and some of the best casino games with the highest RTP. But, first, we have to see the meaning of RTP.
What is RTP?
The theoretical return to player or RTP is a term used by both land-based and online casino operators to show the percentage of the money wagered on any casino game (including slots and other variants) will be paid back to the punter in the long term. Typically, the RTP is presented in the form of percentages, where the higher the percentage, the higher the chances that the player will be able to win over a certain period of what.
A casino game with 100% RTP means the player and the casino have 50/50 chances of winning. Nonetheless, a casino game with an RTP more than 100% means the casino operator will lose money to a player in the long run.
For example, you place a bet of $100 on your preferred casino game with an RTP of 95%; you expect the casino to pay you around $95 in wins.
So, how does one calculate the theoretical return to player percentage? The simplest way to know the RTP of a casino game is by using the following formula.
RTP = Total Amount Returned to Player/Total Amount Wagered by Player
Amount Returned to Player: The Total Amount Returned to Player is the net amount a player expects to win in a game round. Unfortunately, the amount bet is not included in the payback, only the net amount won. The original bet is forfeited once it is placed in online slots and video poker return.
Total Amount Wagered by Player: This includes the initial bet for each game round by each punter for the time over which the audit will be done on a specific casino game.
Unlike the brick and mortar casinos which engage in geographical rivalry, online casinos partake in global market competitions. As such, they tend to offer higher RTP percentages (over 90%) than the land-based casinos, usually around 80%.
House Edge
It is essential to understand from the beginning that the RTP is the exact opposite of the casino House Edge. Whereas the RTP indicates how often the player is expected to win, the House Advantage is the percentage return to the casino. Calculating the house edge in online slots is not as complicated as such. What you need to do is subtract the percentages from the 100%. Thus, a slot with 96% RTP has a house edge of 4% in the long run. However, table games like European Roulette have a constant house of 2.70%, meaning, the casino will earn $2.70 for every $100 wagered.
Where is the Return to Player Percentage Located?
It is recommended that theoretical return to player percentages should be easily accessible on all online casino sites. Also, it must be independently tested and verified for fairness before it can be used.
Unfortunately, most online casinos don’t display this information they instead focus on bonuses and promotional offers. The fact is that the RTP play a more significant role in boosting your chances of winning than the promotional offers.
Safe and Fairplay
Every legit online casino site must be licensed and regulated by a recognizable authority before it offers any services or products. There are many reputable licensing authorities in the iGaming industry including the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, the UK Gambling Commission, Gambling Supervision Commission, Malta Gaming Authority and many more. Additionally, each casino game must be tested for fair and random results before it is released in the market.
Some of the renown independent third-party testing labs include GLI Test Labs, iTech Labs, eCOGRA, Technical Sytems Testing, BMM TestLabs, and Gaming Association. Online casino games are also backed with Random Number Generator (RNG) software which uses the MD5 algorithm to put random results in every spin out.
Online Casino Games with the Highest RTP
Depending on the casino game variant you choose to play, you will find the edge varying due to the different rules. The house edge has a significant effect on the return to a player in each casino game. A good an example is the American and European Roulette games. The additional zero on the American Roulette board gives it a higher house edge of 5.26%, which is twice as much. Below are some of the best table and card games with the highest RTP:
- European Roulette – 97.30%
- Vegas Rules Blackjack – 99.72%
- Aces and Faces Video Poker – 99.26%
- French Roulette – 98.65%
- Baccarat – 98.99%
- Craps – 98.64%
- Three Card Poker – 98.24%
- Sic Bo – 97.22%
The story is entirely different in online slot games as they come with multiple symbols, win lines, number of reels and rows, and features like free spins. The online slot games cover the large percentage compared to other casino game variations. They also offer the highest RTP of between 90% and 99%. Here are popular titles with the highest theoretical return to the player.
- Goblin’s Cave – 99.30%
- Ocean Princess – 99.10%
- Jackpot 6000 – 98.90%
- Blood Suckers – 97.60%
- Big Bad Wolf – 97.35%
- Jurassic Park – 96.67%
- Game of Thrones – 94.86%
The Bottom Line
One thing for sure, you can not manipulate the outcome of any casino game. It is true that there are strategies in games of skill such as blackjack, poker, and baccarat, they never guarantee 100% win. As well, playing games with the highest RTP is not a sure deal that you will win or lose more often. In the long run, it all comes down to how much fun you are getting. Our advice is simple; find a game you like, set a budget you can afford, and play at a licensed casino site. It is essential to try new casino games for free before you start to gamble for real money.
