It’s the age-old question while playing online slots: what does RTP actually mean? And it’s usually followed up by a secondary query: how do I know that a slot’s RTP is legit?
It can be frustrating when you embark on a series of spins without a spin, but unfortunately that’s the nature of the beast when it comes to slot gaming. It’s understandable when players become frustrated when they don’t win for a while… which may lead to them questioning if a game is rigged or not.
In this article, let me guide you through the answers to your questions. I’ll reveal what a slot RTP is, what it means for your gaming and how to find out exactly what a slot’s RTP is.
I’ll point out some red flags about certain games, while revealing why you can have complete peace of mind when playing slots here at Lord Ping: my games have been independently audited, verified and approved by the industry’s key authorities.
What Is RTP?
RTP stands for Return to Player, with the percentage describing how much of your stake you can – theoretically – expect to win back from the standard gaming session.
So, if a slot RTP is 96%, then theoretically you would win back 96% of the money you have wagered on that particular game.
But Lord Ping, you might be thinking, you keep using the word ‘theoretically’. Well, this is an important distinction to be aware of. Just because a slot’s RTP is 96%, for example, that doesn’t mean that you will win 96% of your stake back every time you play it – sometimes you might win more, sometimes you will win less than that.
An RTP is just a guide: if an infinite number of gamers played a 96% RTP slot for an infinite number of spins, they would win 96% of their money back. But that number could be higher or lower for each player’s session.
So what is RTP? It’s a theoretical measure of how many spins of a slot’s reels will be winners… but should only be used as a marker over a considerable number of plays.
Can RTP Be Manipulated or Rigged?
In most gaming jurisdictions, it’s actually written into law that an online casino game’s RTP must be a) made publicly known, and b) published within the game’s information and readily available to players.
Something else to know is that the RTP is hard-coded into each game, too. Slots use a random number generator (RNG) to ensure that every spin of the reels is fair and unpredictable, but at the same time an algorithm within the game’s code ensures that over the course of 100,000 spins (or more), the stated RTP will be met.
Remember those old fruit machines in bars and at train stations, gaming establishments etc? You might see one player spin the reels 20 times with no luck, before the next comes along and wins with their very first spin. That’s the nature of randomness that ensures all slots are fair.
So no, the RTP of online slots cannot be rigged or manipulated by the casino to ensure you win less.
How Slot RTPs are Verified
In this casino guide, we’ve explored what an RTP is and how it is delivered. But who is checking in on these RTPs to confirm that they are what the game claims they are?
Thankfully, nothing is left to chance in that regard because there are two independent organisations who are responsible for checking that RTPs are completely 100% accurate.
The first is eCOGRA, an auditor set up more than 20 years with one mission: to test the veracity of online casino games, with specific reference to their RTP.
Their team performs what they describe as ‘meticulous’ tests and evaluations, analysing thousands of spins to ensure that the RTP percentage is as described. If eCOGRA approves a slot, they will certify it as accurate – a great weight off the shoulders of gamers wondering whether a game is fair or not.
A second organisation in this field is iTech Labs, who – like eCOGRA – are fully independent and transparent. They too audit online casino games, utilising thousands of hours of game logs and analysing whether the RTP and RNG is as it should be.
The Golden Rules of RTP
Scroll down all the way to the bottom of my homepage. What do you see?
That’s right, the iTech Labs logo, which confirms that all of my games have been independently tested and approved for fairness. Only the best for you, dear friends…
Pick a slot game at random and you’ll also see the RTP clearly displayed in its description or help guide, so you can enjoy the titles that best represent your playing style. As a general rule, higher RTP games have less variance and, typically, have more winning spins per session.
However, it’s important to remember that, this is all theoretical… the actual reality for your next gaming session may be different.
And do remember this: if you cannot see the RTP published for a particular game, don’t play it. Message the casino and ask them for the RTP before you spin the reels… and always check for eCOGRA or iTech Labs approval.
The good news is that all of the games at Lord Ping have been independently tested and approved. And you would expect no less, of course…
18+ Play Responsibly. Gambling should be fun. Set limits and take breaks. For help, visit BeGambleAware.org.
