Deciphering the Gambling Codes: RTP and House Edge

  • 25 October 2023
Deciphering the Gambling Codes: RTP and House Edge

When diving into the gambling world, terminology like RTP (Return to Player) and House Edge is ever-present. Understanding the distinction between these two crucial aspects is a gaming must, prompting an informed approach towards play and bets.

Return to Player (RTP): Your Predicted Payback

RTP signifies the percentage of all the wagered money a slot machine (or any another casino game) will pay back to players over time. For instance, if a game boasts an RTP of 96%, this implies that for every $100 bet, your average winnings will likely be $96. 

"Remember, RTP is a long-term average calculated over thousands, sometimes millions, of spins/games. Short-term sessions can yield wildly different results, both better and worse."

House Edge: The Casino's Upper Hand 

On the other side of the coin, we have the house edge. This is essentially the mathematical advantage that a game gives the casino over the player. It's usually expressed as a percentage, and it's the flip side of the RTP, representing the percentage the casino is expected to win. For example, a game with a house edge of 4% means the casino is expected to retain $4 for every $100 wagered over time.

It's pertinent to note that the house edge and the RTP might not always add up to 100%, due to the nature of variance and the ways games are designed.

"When the chips are down, always keep in mind - the house edge is the hill you need to climb in order to come out ahead."

RTP vs House Edge: Two Sides of the Same Coin

Ultimately, RTP and house edge are two sides of the same coin. They both give clear, yet contrasting perspectives on the possible outcomes of a game. Whereas RTP focuses on the potential player return, the house edge underlines the advantage to the casino. Knowing both these parameters allows players to make informed decisions, and choose games that offer the best potential for winnings based on statistical chance.

"Whether a seasoned gambler or a rookie making a debut, grasping the tug-of-war between RTP and house edge becomes your strategy's linchpin. The outcome? Informed decisions that maneuver the odds in your favor."

Author: James Hatbill

Look at interesting slots

RTP: 96.25% King of Kings
RTP: 96.72% Monkey Pays
RTP: 96.29% Age of Pirates
RTP: 97.00% Frogs n Flies
RTP: 96.48% Royal Mint Megaways