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Tom Middleton

RTP is an acronym for the phrase “Return to Player.” RTP is the percentage of wagers a game pays back to players over time. In other words, the RTP is the average amount of money a player can expect to win back from their bets. 

For example, if a game has an RTP of 90%, players can expect to get back 90% of the total amount of money they wager for a gaming period. This means that if you wager $100 for the game with 90% RTP, you should expect to get $95 at the end of the gaming period.

You can calculate RTP on your own by following these simple steps:

  • Step 1: Find the total amount of money wagered on the game over a period.
  • Step 2: Find the total amount of money returned to players as winnings during the same period.
  • Step 3: Divide the total amount returned to players by the total amount wagered.
  • Step 4: Multiply the result by 100 to express it as a percentage.

Why are there games with low RTPs and why would anyone play them?

Casinos are like marketplaces with various offerings, and different games have different RTPs. It’s normal to want to get as much as you can from the money you wager, but not all games will offer high RTPs, and some players don’t mind. Here’s why some people will still choose games with low RTP:

mega dice slots

Game Preference

Some players enjoy the gameplay, theme, or features of a particular game, regardless of its RTP. These kinds of players prioritize entertainment over the potential for higher payouts.

Risk Tolerance

Games with low RTP often have higher volatility, meaning players have a higher chance for big wins. Some players prefer to take the risk of lower overall returns for the opportunity to hit a big jackpot.

Bonus Features

Games with lower RTPs often compensate players by offering enticing bonus features that create a more thrilling and rewarding experience for players. This way, players can overlook a low RTP and enjoy the game’s other features.

Where do I find the RTP of a game?

Our team of experts has outlined the possible ways players can find the RTP of a game. They include:

Game Information Section

Many reputable slot machines provide information about their RTP on the game. All you need to do is look for the game’s help or information section to see its RTP.

Game Provider’s Page

NetEnt homepage

You can visit the website or page of the game’s provider. Game providers usually have the information of their game’s RTP on their website.

Jurisdiction Reports

Apart from giving information of the legality of gambling in your region, regulatory bodies often publish jurisdiction reports that include information on various games’ RTPs. This is a reliable source of RTP data.

Online Resources

Websites are dedicated to providing information about casino games, including their RTP. This is something we’re proud to do ourselves here at BitcoinCasinos.com.

Does RTP really matter?

As mentioned in this introduction, the more skilled you get in gambling, the more you realise the importance of RTP. While its importance can vary from player to player, there are quite a number of reasons RTP is important. These include:

Profit Indicator

From its definition, you already know that RTP indicates the percentage of wagered money that a game pays back to players over time. So, a high RTP already hints that players have a better chance of winning more money back.

Gaming Strategy

RTP is essential to gamers who play regularly, as a higher RTP may influence their choice of games. Players often seek games with better payout percentages. 

Streamlines Gaming Preference

Since the RTP helps traders decode the money they will get back from a game, they can decide which games to settle for and which to avoid. This helps you define your trading preference and what games fit in it.

Please note that the level of RTP importance is an individual decision and depends on your goals, strategies, and preferences. While a higher RTP offers better long-term chances of winning, you can still choose a game for the experience and entertainment.

Online Slots with High RTP’s

Our team of experts have surveyed the casino world and landed on the best casinos with the best online slots and RTPs. From the distinguished Mega Dice and Lucky Block casino, here are the online slots with high RTPs.

Wanted Dead or a Wild

wanted dead or a wild

This slot game takes you on a gripping journey through dusty saloons, rugged landscapes, and unexpected showdowns. With an RTP of 96.38%, this game offers generous rewards to players who dare to face the challenges of the frontier.

Gate of Olympus

Gates of Olympus on Pragmatic Play

Set in the stage of ancient Greek mythology, this slot game will transport you back in time to dine with the gods. With an RTP of 96.50%, the Gate of Olympus showers players with divine rewards.

Deadly 5

deadly 5

This thrilling slot game immerses players in a realm of espionage, where secret agents and cunning villains reign supreme. With an RTP of 96.39%, Deadly 5 delivers not only heart-pounding action but also substantial rewards.

Book of Golden Sands

book of golden sands on Pragmatic Play

This slot game takes players on an archaeological expedition to unravel the secrets of a long-lost civilization. With an RTP of 96.46%, this game promises bountiful rewards for players who can decode the enigmatic symbols of the golden book.

Slots Variance Explained

Like RTP, “variance” is another popular term in online casinos. So, let’s get into the details about variance.

Variance, also known as volatility, is the level of risk associated with a game. It determines how often and how much a slot game pays out. There are three types of variance: Low Variance, High Variance, and Medium Variance.

Low Variance

Low-variance tends to have more frequent but smaller wins. These games provide a steady stream of smaller payouts, offering a smoother and more consistent gaming experience. This variance suits players who prefer longer gaming sessions and smaller, more frequent wins.

High Variance

High variance offers less frequent but larger wins. These games have the potential for significant payouts and a higher risk of loss. High variance is often preferred by players who want the excitement of big wins and can tolerate longer periods of dry spells.

Medium Variance

As the name implies, this variance balances the extremes of Low Variance and High Variance. With this variance, players stand a chance to win a big jackpot while they still get small paybacks over time.

Although it is equally important, variance does not directly affect the RTP of a game. While high RTP is generally desirable, the choice of a low, medium, or high variance is solely up to you. You should, however, consider your risk tolerance, gaming style, and experience before choosing a game variance.

How do you know what the variance of a game is? 

Like we did with RTP, we have outlined how you can know a game’s variance. These include:

Theoretical Calculation

In some cases, you can calculate the variance of a game mathematically based on its rules and probabilities. This approach requires a good understanding of probability theory and the game mechanics. You can determine the game’s variance by analyzing the possible outcomes and their associated probabilities.

Simulation

If you have access to a simulator or software that can simulate the game, you can run multiple iterations of the game and record the outcomes. You can estimate the game’s variance by analyzing the distribution of these outcomes. This approach is ideal if the game has complex rules or many possible outcomes.

Statistical Analysis

If you can access historical data or a large sample of game results, you can use statistical analysis techniques to estimate the variance. This involves calculating sample variances, conducting hypothesis tests, or fitting a probability distribution to the data.

If these methods seem too technical for you, your go-to solution is using reliable resources such as game guides, forums, or expert opinions. These sources provide insights and analysis on the variance of popular games. These will help you understand what to expect regarding risk and potential outcomes.

Examples of High and Low Variance Games

You already know the types of variance, so we are taking it further to show you games with high & low variance games from some of our top reviewed casinos.

High Variance Games

These include:

5 Lions

5 lion megaways on Pragmatic Play

This is a high-variance slot game by Pragmatic Play. The Chinese zodiac inspires the game. With stunning visuals and an enchanting soundtrack, 5 Lions transports players to a world of fortune.

As a high-variance game, it offers players the potential for significant wins, albeit less frequently. The game features various special symbols and bonus rounds that can boost your chances of hitting the jackpot. 

Twin Diamond Xmas

Twin diamond slots

Developed by Red Rake Gaming, Twin Diamond Xmas is a high-variance slot game that captures the festive spirit of Christmas. With its vibrant graphics and cheerful soundtrack, this game immerses players in a world of holiday bliss. As a high-variance game, Twin Diamond Xmas offers players the potential for substantial wins but with a higher level of risk.

The game features classic slot symbols like diamonds, bells, and lucky sevens combined with Christmas-themed elements. 

Gates of Olympus

Gates of Olympus on Pragmatic Play

Developed by Pragmatic Play, Gates of Olympus is another high-variance slot game that transports players to the times of ancient Greek mythology. With its stunning visuals and epic soundtrack, this game offers a truly immersive experience. As a high-variance game, Gates of Olympus provides the potential for massive wins, but they may occur less frequently.

The game features a unique grid layout and a cascading reel mechanism, where winning symbols disappear, and new ones take their place. 

Floating Dragon

floating dragon on Push Gaming

This slot game was developed by Pragmatic Play. Inspired by Asian culture, this game takes players on a captivating journey through an ancient floating temple. Floating Dragon creates a truly immersive gaming experience with its beautifully designed symbols and atmospheric soundtrack.

As a high-variance game, it offers the potential for significant wins but with a higher level of risk. The game features a unique reel set and various special symbols that can trigger bonus rounds and free spins. 

Low Variance Games

These games include:

Starburst

starburst slot on NetEnt

This game was developed by NetEnt. This popular game provides players with a consistent stream of small wins, making it a favorite among casual players and those seeking a straightforward gameplay experience. The simplicity of Starburst’s mechanics allows players to easily understand and engage with the game.

With its vibrant colors and dazzling jewels, Starburst offers a visually appealing experience that captivates players from the first spin.

Gonzo’s Quest

Gonzo's quest on NetEnt

You can embark on an exciting adventure with Gonzo’s Quest, a thrilling slot game developed by NetEnt. This adventure-themed game boasts a low variance, ensuring that players can enjoy regular, smaller wins throughout their gameplay.

What sets Gonzo’s Quest apart is its innovative cascading reel feature, where winning symbols explode, and new ones fall into place, potentially creating additional winning combinations. This unique mechanic adds extra excitement and anticipation to the game, keeping players engaged and entertained as they accompany Gonzo on his quest for treasure.

Blood Suckers

blood quest on NetEnt

Sink your teeth into the thrilling world of Blood Suckers, a captivating slot game developed by NetEnt. This game offers a low-variance experience, guaranteeing a steady flow of smaller wins. However, what truly sets Blood Suckers apart is its high RTP which ensures that players have a greater chance of receiving a significant portion of their wagers back over time.

Blood Suckers is also renowned for its bonus feature, which holds the potential for substantial payouts. 

How to Choose a Good RTP and Variance Combination

You must consider your gaming style, budget, and risk tolerance to choose a game with good RTP and variance. Once you have considered these factors, follow these guidelines:

Low Variance and Average RTP

If you’re a beginner or a casual gamer with a smaller budget, look for games with low variance and average RTP. These games offer more frequent but smaller payouts, allowing your bankroll to last longer. 

High Variance and Strong Bankroll

If you have a strong bankroll and are comfortable with higher risk, you will enjoy playing high-variance games. These games have the potential for massive wins. But please note that high variance has a high risk and can immediately deplete your bankroll if things go south.

In-between(ers)

If you fall somewhere between Low Variance and Average RTP and High Variance and Strong Bankroll, you can choose games with medium variance and RTP. These games balance frequent wins and the potential for larger payouts.

Please remember that a good combination of RTP and variance will help you make informed gaming decisions. Ensure to find the combination that suits your preference and gaming style.

Tips to Make RTP and Variance Count in Your Favor

We know that you can wait to get on the next game and hit the jackpot, so we decided to outline tips that will make you hit that jackpot as soon as possible. Check out these tips:

Understand the Game

Before playing a game, take the time to understand the terms and conditions of its RTP and variance. Read the rules, check the paytable, withdrawal rules and research the game’s characteristics. This will help you know if it you can get instant withdrawal and payout and also give you an idea of what  volatility to expect.

Play Free or Demo Games lucky block slots

Many online casinos offer free or demo versions of the games on their platform. Take advantage of these opportunities to test out different games and to understand the characteristics of the games, particularly their variance and RTP. This will help you determine which games suit your preferences and gaming style within a reasonable time.

Define Your Budget

Set a budget for your Bitcoin betting activities and stick to it. You can ensure this by selecting a game that is within your budget and risk tolerance. Remember to always play within your means. This is one tip to always remember this RTP meaning slots review.

Balance Risk and Reward

Consider your risk tolerance alongside the excitement and profit you desire. Remember that games with high offer the potential for big wins, but they also come with higher risk and the potential for longer dry spells. On the other hand, low-variance games provide more frequent wins but with smaller payouts.

Read Game Reviews and Recommendations

Ever heard the phrase “reviews don’t lie,” this is a good time to take that phrase to heart. Look for reliable sources that provide information and recommendations on games with favorable RTP and variance combinations.

Online casino forums, review websites like us here at BitcoinCasinos.com, and player communities offer insights and recommendations based on their experiences. This will save you time and money.

Take Advantage of Bonuses and Promotions

Many online casinos often offer bonuses and promotions that can boost your bankroll. From welcome bonuses to promotions cashback, there is so much you can do to increase your bankroll. Take advantage of these offers to extend your gameplay and potentially increase your chances of winning.

Final thoughts

RTP and variance hold a wealth of gaming knowledge for online casino enthusiasts. If you want to unravel the inner workings of casino games, especially slots, you need to familiarize yourself with these terms. We are glad we could demystify RTP slots meaning and other concepts that overshadow variance.

With this knowledge, you can hop on the high-variance dice and hit a jackpot. Just make sure to do your research beforehand and put yourself in prime position to win big with your crypto. Happy gaming!

FAQ

Is it better to have higher variance?

Well, this depends on your preferences and risk tolerance. While higher variance increases a player's potential for larger payouts, its tendency to swing in wins and losses is just as high. This means you stand a higher risk of losing money more quickly.

Is higher or lower RTP better?

In general, a higher RTP is considered better. A higher RTP means, on average, a larger percentage of the total bets placed on a game will be returned to the players as winnings over time. It indicates a higher potential for players to win back their wagers.

What is RTP value?

RTP often googled as RTP meaning gambling. is the expected percentage of wagers that a game will return to the player in the long run. The RTP formula is: (The amount of money returned to players ÷ the amount of money wagered by players) X 100

Tom Middleton

Tom Middleton is our crypto gambling expert with more than a decade of experience in the industry and a Master’s Degree in Journalism. He’s spent his career providing the public with thoroughly researched crypto gambling guides and reviews via several major publications as Business 2 Community and The Sun. Tom started working on BitcoinCasinos.com on 2022 and has happily dedicated his life to helping players make the most from their playtime, as an avid player himself, this is where his passion lies.