Slot machine

Are you planning on playing slots? Whether you hit the slot machines on a casino floor or in online casinos, the RTP or Return-to-Player is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing which game to try your luck on. It is an unfortunate fact that most people who love playing slots do not even know what RTP is in the first place, let alone how important it is.

The RTP is one of the most important pieces of information about any slot machine. Knowing the RTP of a slot machine can help you make a more informed decision about which game to play so you can use your bankroll wisely. Many people have heard that online casinos can change the RTP on their online slot machines.

Today’s post will give you a quick overview of the basics of slot machine RTPs and help you understand whether online establishments can change RTPs and what that would mean for you.

What is RTP in an Online Slot Machine?

The return to player in any casino game is essentially a figure that tells you how much of the total wagers played on the machine are given back to players as winnings. The RTP is shown as a percentage in different casino games. However, it is important to clear a major misconception some people have about the RTP in slot machines.

Suppose that a slot machine has an RTP of 97%. Many people would assume that it means betting $100 would give you back $97. Unfortunately, you might realistically win a lot less than this amount. The RTP is a percentage that covers thousands or millions of spins on a slot machine. It is the overall return to players. The more you play on one slot machine, the closer you can get to the probability of getting that massive payout.

It means only a few lucky players get the biggest portion of that 97% of the wagers accumulated on a slot machine. It does not reflect the payout to each player.

It is The Biggest Reason Casinos Make Money on Slot Machines

The RTP rate ensures that slot machines take in a lot more money than they give out in winnings. The only way a casino will lose money on a slot machine is if the RTP was over 100% – something that will never happen. Most slot machines have an RTP between 92% and 97%, but the RTP can drastically vary. The RTP in online slot machines made by the same game developer can vary from one game to another.

Considering the fact that RTPs allow casinos to ensure profitability on slot machines, how does the RTP make a difference for the players? Well, the RTP of a slot machine can impact how much you win as well. The play-through requirements on slot machine bonuses make the difference.

Typically, you might have to play 30 to 35 consecutive spins to qualify for bonus rounds in slot machines. Bonuses give you a better chance of a big payout. Each time you play through those rounds, the casino gets to keep a portion of it. However, if the bonus rounds pay off for you, you could be in for a substantial win if the slot machine hits.

Can Online Casinos Change RTP in Online Slot Machines?

The games you play in online casinos are not the property of the establishments themselves. Game developers create online casino games as third-party providers. This is also the reason you might have seen one type of game on several online casinos. Since the game developers design the online slot machines, they are the ones who determine the mechanics, including the RTPs.

It still begs to ask the question: Do online casinos have a say in changing the RTP in online slot machines to make it more favorable for the house? Many game developers allow online casinos to make slight adjustments to the RTP. So yes, it is a possibility. Most of them are likelier to lower the RTP instead of raising it.

Lower RTPS means greater profits for the online casino in the long run, but it also makes the game less attractive for online gambling enthusiasts. While many people enjoy playing online slots games for the thrill of it, a lot of them want to take home some winnings instead of simply throwing away all their money. That is the reason why most online slot machines have high RTPs.

Can Online Casinos lie About the RTPs on Slot Machines?

Straight-up lying about the RTP on online slot machines can end up with pretty bad consequences for online casinos and game developers. However, it is possible for an online casino to display the wrong RTP for an online slot machine listed on their establishment. Sometimes, online casinos simply neglect the need to update the information after making changes to their platforms. Even this should not happen because it can land them in a lot of legal trouble with regulators.

Wrapping it up

Online slot machine
An image showing a smartphone placed atop playing cards and casino chips with an online slot game open on it.

The most important thing to know is: How does a change in RTP affect you? To be honest, a change in RTP, especially a small one, is not going to make a difference for you. If you are playing for just a few spins, a change in the RTP will not make a reasonable enough difference in your chances of landing a winning payout.

Suppose that you are an avid slot machine player and have decided to stick to playing at only one online slot machine game at a specific casino. In that case, the effect on your profits might become clearer. A lower RTP reduces the estimated value and it can reduce your long-term profits when playing at that slot machine. The more you play, the bigger the difference might be if the RTP is lower. Ideally, you should switch it around and aim to play on different slot machines with high RTPs. Focusing on taking home the big prize can be bad for your bankroll, regardless of the RTP. At Enjoy Slots, we always recommend playing online slots games to enjoy the thrill that comes with it. Gambling responsibly for the excitement a game has to offer should always be the point. Taking home a massive win every now and then should only be a bonus.

If you found this post helpful, you should keep following Enjoy Slots for more informative posts on everything related to slot machines and online slots games. 

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