RTP and House Edge Explained
Two terms come up again and again in online casinos: RTP and house edge. They describe the same thing from different sides. Understanding them helps you see how casino games work and why the casino always has an advantage in the long run.
What is RTP?
RTP stands for return to player. It is the percentage of all money bet on a game that is paid back to players on average, over a very large number of rounds. A slot with an RTP of 96 percent pays back 96 on average for every 100 wagered, calculated over millions of spins.
What is the house edge?
The house edge is the opposite of RTP: the percentage the casino keeps on average. A game with an RTP of 96 percent has a house edge of 4 percent.
Typical figures by game
- Slots: RTP varies widely, often somewhere between about 92 and 97 percent. The exact figure is shown in the game information.
- European roulette: a house edge of about 2.7 percent, because of the single zero.
- American roulette: about 5.26 percent, because of the extra double zero.
- Blackjack: with good rules and perfect strategy, roughly half a percent; more if you make mistakes.
- Baccarat: around 1.06 percent on the banker bet and 1.24 percent on the player bet. The tie bet has a much higher edge.
Why RTP says little about one session
RTP is a long-term average. In a single session your results can be far above or below it. That is why two players on the same game can have completely different experiences. How wild those swings are depends on the game's volatility, explained in online slots explained.
Same game, different RTP
Some game providers offer several versions of the same slot with different RTP settings. Casinos choose which version they use. Always check the RTP in the game information at your casino.
What this means for you
The house edge guarantees that the casino wins in the long run. No strategy changes that in games of pure chance. Bonuses do not change it either, as explained in casino bonuses and wagering. Play with money you can afford to lose and only if you are 18 or older.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good RTP for a slot?
Many slots have an RTP around 96 percent. A higher RTP means a lower house edge, but results in a single session can still vary widely.
Which casino game has the lowest house edge?
Blackjack played with good rules and perfect basic strategy usually has the lowest house edge.
Can I beat the house edge?
Not in games of pure chance. The house edge is built into every game.
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