Return to Player (RTP) is one of the most important metrics when choosing which slots to play. High RTP slots offer better long-term value by returning more of your wagered money over time. This comprehensive guide explains what RTP means, why it matters, which slots offer the best returns, and how to use RTP information to make informed gaming choices.
Understanding RTP
Before exploring specific high RTP slots, it’s crucial to understand what RTP actually means and how it affects your gambling.
What Is RTP?
Definition: RTP (Return to Player) is the theoretical percentage of all wagered money that a slot returns to players over an extended period.
Example:
- A slot with 97% RTP returns £97 for every £100 wagered (on average, over millions of spins)
- The remaining 3% is the house edge (casino’s profit margin)
Important Clarifications:
RTP is NOT:
- A guarantee of short-term results
- What you’ll personally experience in a session
- A prediction of individual outcomes
- Fixed for each spin
RTP IS:
- A long-term theoretical average
- Calculated over millions of spins
- A useful comparison tool
- An indicator of expected value
How RTP Is Calculated
Mathematical Model:
Game developers calculate RTP through:
- Simulation: Running millions (often billions) of simulated spins
- Probability Analysis: Mathematical calculation of all possible outcomes
- Weighted Average: Accounting for frequency and payout of each outcome
- Verification: Independent testing labs confirm the calculations
Formula (Simplified):
RTP = (Total Amount Returned to Players / Total Amount Wagered) × 100
RTP vs House Edge
Inverse Relationship:
RTP + House Edge = 100%
Examples:
RTPHouse Edge97%3%96%4%95%5%90%10%
Implication: Higher RTP = Lower house edge = Better value for players
Why RTP Matters
Long-Term Expectation:
- Over thousands of spins, your results will trend toward the RTP
- Higher RTP means less total loss over time
- Particularly important for regular players
Value Comparison:
- Allows apple-to-apple comparison between slots
- Identifies which games offer best value
- Helps maximise entertainment per pound spent
Bankroll Preservation:
- Higher RTP means your bankroll lasts longer on average
- More spins and entertainment for your money
- Lower rate of loss
Example Impact:
Playing 1,000 spins at £1 per spin (£1,000 total wagered):
- 97% RTP slot: Expected return £970, expected loss £30
- 96% RTP slot: Expected return £960, expected loss £40
- 94% RTP slot: Expected return £940, expected loss £60
- 90% RTP slot: Expected return £900, expected loss £100
Over many sessions, these differences compound significantly.
What Constitutes “High” RTP?
Understanding the RTP spectrum helps identify genuinely high-return slots.
The RTP Spectrum for Slots
Excellent (98%+):
- Very rare
- Exceptional player value
- Usually found in specific games or special versions
High (97-98%):
- Among the best available
- Significantly better than average
- Worth seeking out
Above Average (96-97%):
- Better than typical
- Solid value
- Common among quality games
Average (95-96%):
- Industry standard
- Acceptable value
- Most mainstream slots
Below Average (94-95%):
- Lower value
- Generally avoidable unless other factors compensate
Poor (Below 94%):
- Significantly worse value
- Usually older or land-based-focused slots
- Best avoided for regular play
Context Matters
Game Type Considerations:
Simple Slots: Often have slightly higher RTP as they lack costly bonus features
Feature-Rich Slots: May have marginally lower RTP due to expensive bonus rounds and mechanics
Progressive Jackpots: Often 93-95% RTP because a portion funds the jackpot
Branded Games: Sometimes lower RTP (94-95%) due to licensing costs
Implication: Don’t judge solely on RTP; consider the complete entertainment value
Top High RTP Slots
Here are some of the highest RTP slots available at UK online casinos.
98%+ RTP Slots
Mega Joker (NetEnt)
- RTP: 99% (Supermeter mode)
- Type: Classic fruit machine
- Volatility: Low-Medium
- Why High RTP: Simple mechanics, no bonus features
- Consideration: Must play Supermeter mode for 99% RTP (base game is 85%)
Blood Suckers (NetEnt)
- RTP: 98%
- Theme: Vampire/horror
- Volatility: Low-Medium
- Features: Free spins, vampire-slaying bonus
- Consideration: Lower volatility means steady, modest wins
Starmania (NextGen)
- RTP: 97.87%
- Theme: Space/stars
- Volatility: Medium
- Features: Wild symbols, stacked wilds
- Consideration: Simple but effective gameplay
1429 Uncharted Seas (Thunderkick)
- RTP: 98.6%
- Theme: Age of exploration
- Volatility: Medium-Low
- Features: Expanding wilds, free spins
- Consideration: Beautiful design with excellent RTP
97-98% RTP Slots
Jokerizer (Yggdrasil)
- RTP: 98% (Jokerizer mode)
- Type: Classic-style fruit slot
- Volatility: Medium
- Features: Jokerizer mode with multipliers
- Consideration: Mode selection affects RTP
Jackpot 6000 (NetEnt)
- RTP: 98.9% (Supermeter mode)
- Type: Classic fruit machine
- Volatility: Medium
- Features: Supermeter gamble feature
- Consideration: Requires specific play mode for maximum RTP
Ooh Aah Dracula (Barcrest)
- RTP: 99% (with Big Bet feature)
- Theme: Vampire/horror
- Volatility: Medium
- Features: Big Bet option significantly increases RTP
- Consideration: Requires larger bets for highest RTP
Rainbow Riches Pick ‘n’ Mix (Barcrest)
- RTP: 98% (Big Bet mode)
- Theme: Irish luck
- Volatility: Medium
- Features: Multiple bonus options, Big Bet
- Consideration: UK favourite with excellent RTP
Devil’s Delight (NetEnt)
- RTP: 97.6%
- Theme: Hell/demons
- Volatility: Medium-High
- Features: Free spins with walking wilds
- Consideration: Good balance of RTP and features
Book of 99 (Relax Gaming)
- RTP: 99%
- Theme: Ancient Egypt
- Volatility: Medium-High
- Features: Free spins with expanding symbols
- Consideration: Rare high RTP in this popular genre
Ugga Bugga (Playtech)
- RTP: 99.07%
- Type: Multi-spin slot
- Volatility: Low
- Features: Hold and re-spin mechanics
- Consideration: Unusual gameplay style
Cosmic Cash (CORE Gaming)
- RTP: 98%
- Theme: Space/sci-fi
- Volatility: Medium
- Features: Free spins, wilds
- Consideration: Simple but effective
Goblin’s Cave (Playtech)
- RTP: 99.32%
- Type: Hold feature slot
- Volatility: Low-Medium
- Features: Unique hold mechanic
- Consideration: Very high RTP but unusual gameplay
Joker 6000 (Yggdrasil)
- RTP: 97.8%
- Type: Classic fruit slot
- Volatility: Medium
- Features: Supermeter mode
- Consideration: Simple classic with excellent return
RTP Variations and Settings
An important but often overlooked aspect of RTP is that some slots have variable settings.
Variable RTP Configurations
Operator Choice:
Some game providers allow casinos to choose from multiple RTP settings:
Example (Typical Game):
- Setting 1: 96.5% RTP
- Setting 2: 95.5% RTP
- Setting 3: 94.5% RTP
- Setting 4: 92.5% RTP
Implication: The same slot can have different RTPs at different casinos
Common Offenders:
- Many NetEnt slots (now showing RTP in game)
- Pragmatic Play games
- Various other major providers
How to Check:
- Look in game settings/paytable (increasingly required)
- Check casino’s game information page
- Review site documentation
- Test the game in demo mode and check displayed RTP
Big Bet Features
Some UK slots offer “Big Bet” options that change RTP:
How It Works:
- Activate a special bet level (typically 5x normal stake)
- Receive enhanced features or guarantees
- RTP increases with Big Bet active
Example (Rainbow Riches Pick ‘n’ Mix):
- Standard mode: ~94-95% RTP
- Big Bet mode: 98% RTP
- Requires £20-£100 total stake per Big Bet
Consideration: Higher RTP but much higher stakes; not sustainable for most bankrolls
RTP and Volatility: The Relationship
High RTP doesn’t tell the complete story – volatility significantly affects your experience.
Understanding the Interaction
High RTP + Low Volatility:
- Frequent small wins
- Steady gameplay
- Bankroll longevity
- Lower maximum wins
- Example: Blood Suckers (98% RTP, low volatility)
High RTP + High Volatility:
- Infrequent but potentially large wins
- Dramatic bankroll swings
- Higher risk
- Bigger win potential
- Example: Book of 99 (99% RTP, medium-high volatility)
Low RTP + Low Volatility:
- Frequent small wins but poor overall return
- Bankroll depletes steadily
- Limited upside
- Generally poor value
Low RTP + High Volatility:
- Worst combination
- Infrequent wins and poor return rate
- Rapid bankroll depletion
- Avoid these
Choosing Based on Goals
For Bankroll Longevity:
- Prioritise high RTP + low volatility
- Blood Suckers, Goblin’s Cave
- More spins per pound
For Big Win Potential:
- High RTP + high volatility
- Book of 99, Devil’s Delight
- Accept more risk for larger potential
For Balanced Play:
- High RTP + medium volatility
- 1429 Uncharted Seas, Rainbow Riches Pick ‘n’ Mix
- Best of both worlds
Finding High RTP Slots
Discovering high RTP games requires some research but is straightforward.
In-Game Information
Modern Requirements:
- UK regulations increasingly require RTP display
- Check game’s paytable or information screen
- Usually found in settings or help sections
Location in Games:
- Menu button (three lines or gear icon)
- Paytable (click the “i” or “?” icon)
- Settings page
- Game rules section
Casino Websites
Game Information Pages:
- Reputable casinos list RTPs for games
- Check game details before playing
- Some casinos have searchable/filterable game libraries
Quality Sign:
- Casinos that display RTPs demonstrate transparency
- Those hiding RTPs may be using lower settings
Review Sites and Databases
Independent Resources:
- Casino review websites
- Slot database sites
- Player forums
- Developer websites
Cross-Reference:
- Check multiple sources
- Confirm RTP at your specific casino
- Verify information currency
Developer Information
Official Sources:
- Game provider websites often publish RTPs
- Most reliable source for base RTP
- Check NetEnt, Microgaming, Playtech sites
Common Misconceptions About RTP
Several myths about RTP persist among players.
Myth 1: “I Can Beat the RTP in Short Sessions”
Reality: Over thousands of spins, your results will trend toward the RTP, but individual sessions vary wildly due to variance.
Implication: One lucky session doesn’t invalidate RTP; one unlucky session doesn’t prove the game is rigged.
Myth 2: “RTP Changes Based on Your Balance”
Reality: RTP is fixed for the game and doesn’t adjust based on your account balance, deposit size, or previous wins/losses.
Implication: Each spin is independent with the same underlying RTP regardless of your situation.
Myth 3: “High RTP Means I’ll Definitely Win”
Reality: High RTP improves long-term expectations but doesn’t guarantee wins. You can still lose money on high RTP slots.
Implication: RTP reduces expected losses, it doesn’t prevent losses.
Myth 4: “98% RTP Means I’ll Get £98 Back from £100”
Reality: RTP is calculated over millions of spins. Individual sessions will vary dramatically around the average.
Implication: Don’t expect precisely RTP% return in any given session.
Myth 5: “The Game Is ‘Due’ to Pay After Long Losing Streaks”
Reality: Each spin is independent. Past results don’t influence future outcomes. There’s no mechanism for games to “catch up” to their RTP within short timeframes.
Implication: The gambler’s fallacy applies to slots. Long losing streaks don’t make wins more likely.
Myth 6: “Progressive Jackpot Slots Can Have High RTP”
Reality: Progressive jackpots require funding from bets, which reduces the base RTP. Most progressives have RTPs of 92-95%.
Implication: Accepting lower RTP is the price for jackpot potential.
Strategies for Playing High RTP Slots
Maximising the benefit of high RTP slots requires smart approaches.
Bankroll Management
Adequate Funding:
- Even high RTP slots have variance
- Bring 100-200x your bet size as session bankroll
- Allows riding out normal downswings
Bet Sizing:
- Choose bets representing 0.5-1% of total bankroll
- Prevents bankruptcy during variance
- Enables long enough play to approach RTP
Game Selection
Prioritise 97%+ RTP:
- Focus on games with RTPs of 97% or higher
- Meaningful advantage over 95-96% alternatives
- Compounds over time
Balance With Other Factors:
- Don’t sacrifice enjoyment for marginal RTP gains
- Theme, features, and volatility matter too
- 97% slot you enjoy > 98% slot you find boring
Check Settings:
- Verify the specific RTP at your chosen casino
- Variable RTP settings can surprise you
- Don’t assume all casinos offer the highest setting
Session Approach
Extended Play:
- High RTP advantages emerge over longer sessions
- 500-1,000 spins minimum to approach theoretical averages
- Short sessions dominated by variance
Avoid Progressive Betting:
- Varying bet sizes doesn’t overcome house edge
- Martingale and similar systems fail
- Consistent betting maximises RTP benefits
Know When to Stop:
- Set win and loss limits
- RTP doesn’t prevent individual session losses
- Discipline protects bankroll
Are High RTP Slots Always Better?
Context determines whether maximising RTP should be your priority.
When High RTP Is Most Important
Regular Players:
- Play frequently enough that RTP significantly impacts results
- Cumulative effect of better returns adds up
- Worth seeking out best RTPs
Budget-Conscious Players:
- Limited bankroll requires maximising value
- Every percentage point of RTP matters
- Extends entertainment time
Value-Focused Mindset:
- Prioritise mathematical value over other factors
- Willing to compromise on theme/features for better returns
- Analytical approach to game selection
When Other Factors Matter More
Casual Players:
- Play infrequently enough that RTP won’t significantly affect results
- Variance dominates short play sessions
- Entertainment value more important than mathematical edge
Feature Enthusiasts:
- Elaborate bonus rounds and mechanics provide entertainment
- Willing to accept slightly lower RTP for preferred features
- Excitement worth small RTP sacrifice
Jackpot Chasers:
- Accepting lower base RTP for massive jackpot potential
- Progressive prizes compensate for lower RTP
- Understand the trade-off
Brand Loyalty:
- Prefer specific franchises or themes
- Branded games often have lower RTP due to licensing
- Enjoyment factors outweigh RTP considerations
The Balanced Approach
Optimal Strategy:
- Start with high RTP slots (97%+)
- Filter for preferred themes/features
- Consider volatility relative to your bankroll and goals
- Choose from remaining options based on personal preference
Result: Best mathematical value while maintaining entertainment
The Bigger Picture: RTP Across Casino Games
Comparing slot RTPs to other casino games provides perspective.
RTP Comparison Table
GameTypical RTPHouse EdgeBest Slots98-99%1-2%Average Slots95-96%4-5%Blackjack (optimal play)99.5%0.5%Video Poker (optimal play)99%+<1%European Roulette97.3%2.7%Baccarat (Banker)98.94%1.06%Craps (Pass/Come)98.59%1.41%Three Card Poker96.6%3.4%
Takeaway: Even the highest RTP slots offer slightly worse value than optimal blackjack or video poker play. However, slots require no skill and offer different entertainment value.
Conclusion
High RTP slots offer the best long-term value in slot gaming, returning more of your wagered money over time and extending your entertainment per pound spent. Whilst RTP doesn’t determine short-term results – which are dominated by variance – it significantly impacts outcomes over hundreds or thousands of spins.
Key Takeaways:
- RTP is the theoretical long-term return percentage to players
- 97%+ RTP is considered high for slots; 98%+ is excellent
- Higher RTP means lower house edge and better player value
- RTP varies between games and sometimes between casinos for the same game
- Balance RTP with volatility, theme, features, and personal preference
- Check actual RTP at your chosen casino (variable settings exist)
- High RTP doesn’t guarantee wins but improves long-term expectations
- Regular players benefit most from prioritising high RTP games
Recommended Approach:
For players who gamble regularly, prioritising high RTP slots (97%+) provides measurably better value. Games like Blood Suckers (98%), 1429 Uncharted Seas (98.6%), and Book of 99 (99%) offer excellent returns whilst maintaining engaging gameplay.
However, don’t sacrifice enjoyment for marginal RTP differences. A 96.5% slot you love playing is better than a 98% slot you find boring, especially for casual players whose results are dominated by short-term variance.
Use RTP as one important factor in game selection alongside volatility, theme, features, and personal preference. The best slot for you balances all these factors whilst providing entertainment within your budget.
Remember, even the highest RTP slots still have a house edge. Gambling always favours the casino long-term. Play high RTP slots to maximise value and entertainment, but never to “beat the house” – over sufficient play, the mathematics always prevail.
Gambling should be entertainment, not investment. Even high RTP slots have a house edge.
For support: National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133 (24/7)
Play for fun, within your means, and choose games that offer the best value for your entertainment spending.