Back to Encyclopedia
Return to Player (RTP)
casinoThe percentage of all wagered money that a casino game will pay back to players over time. The inverse of house edge.
Key Takeaways
- 1RTP is the inverse of house edge (100% - house edge)
- 2Higher RTP means better odds for the player
- 3Blackjack and video poker offer the highest RTPs
- 4RTP is a long-term average, not a session guarantee
What is Return to Player?
Return to Player (RTP) is the percentage of all money wagered on a game that is expected to be paid back to players over time. It's the inverse of the house edge.
The Relationship
RTP = 100% - House Edge
A game with a 5% house edge has a 95% RTP.
RTP by Game Type
| Game | Typical RTP |
|---|---|
| Blackjack (basic strategy) | 99.5% |
| Video Poker (Jacks or Better) | 99.5% |
| Baccarat | 98.9% |
| Craps (pass line) | 98.6% |
| European Roulette | 97.3% |
| American Roulette | 94.7% |
| Slots | 85-98% |
Important Note
RTP is a long-term theoretical average. In any given session, your actual return can be significantly higher or lower due to variance. A 95% RTP slot doesn't mean you'll get $95 back for every $100 wagered in a single session.
