Online slot RTP explained
RTP is the share of all money staked that a slot is designed to return over its lifetime.
By Ryan Jessop. Last checked .
Key takeaways
- RTP is a lifetime average.
- 100% minus RTP is the house edge.
- One slot can have several versions.
- Check the help screen.
What it means
A 96% slot keeps 4p of every pound staked, on average, across millions of spins. That 4% is the house edge. It says nothing about a single session.
RTP as hourly cost
| RTP | House edge | Staked | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 97% | 3% | £120 | £3.60 |
| 96% | 4% | £120 | £4.80 |
| 95% | 5% | £120 | £6 |
| 93% | 7% | £120 | £8.40 |
600 spins. A long-run average, not a forecast.
Our slots
| Slot | Default RTP | Lower versions reported |
|---|---|---|
| Big Bass Bonanza | 96.71% | 95.67% |
| Starburst | 96.09% | Down to about 90% |
| Sweet Bonanza | Varies by version (96.48% to 96.51% quoted) | - |
| Gates of Olympus | 96.50% | 95.51%, 94.5% |
| Book of Dead | 96.21% | - |
| Fishin' Frenzy | 96.12% | - |
| Fluffy Favourites | 95.39% | 93.29% |
Why versions exist
Developers supply the same game at several settings. The casino chooses. Nothing on the reels looks different; only the help screen tells you.
Finding it
- Open the slot.
- Tap the menu or information button.
- Scroll to the game rules.
- Read the RTP.
What RTP is not
It is not how often you win; that is volatility. Ranked list: high RTP slots.
More guides: Online slot volatility explained, Slot paytable explained and Online slot bonuses.
Where the return sits
RTP is the total of everything a slot pays: base game, features and any jackpot. In a feature-led slot such as Book of Dead, a large part of the figure is paid during free spins. Sessions that never reach the feature therefore run below the headline number, and sessions that do can run far above.
Jackpot slots
On a progressive slot, the share of each stake that feeds the prize pool is counted in the RTP. Miss the jackpot and the game you played returned less than advertised. See jackpot slots.
Comparing two casinos
Open the same slot at each and read the figure. If one shows 96.5% and the other 94.5%, the second has a house edge of 5.5% against 3.5%: more than half as much again for the same game.
RTP and bonus spins
Free spins from an offer run on the same maths as paid spins. Nothing about being free changes the return.
Slot figures are developers' published defaults, each confirmed against two sources; a casino may run a lower RTP. Offer terms dated 5 October 2026. How we check. 18+. Free help: 0808 8020 133 or safer gambling.
Frequently asked questions
What does RTP mean?
Return to player.
What is a good RTP?
Around 96%.
Why does RTP differ between casinos?
Casinos choose among the developer's versions.
Where is it shown?
In the game's help screen.