Choosing the right slot game can make a big difference in your overall experience and potential payouts. One key factor to consider is the RTP (Return to Player) percentage of a slot. High RTP slots are known as the best payout slot machines because they pay back a larger share of wagers to players over time. This guide will help beginners understand what RTP means, why it matters, and how to find online slots with the best RTP for better chances of winning.
Return to Player (RTP) is a term that represents the average percentage of wagered money a slot machine will pay back to players over a large number of spins. For example, a slot with 96% RTP will theoretically return $96 for every $100 wagered, over the long run. It's important to note that RTP is a statistical average – in short sessions, your results can vary widely.
Think of RTP as the opposite of the house edge. A slot with a high RTP has a low house edge, which is beneficial for the player. Most online slots have RTPs in the mid-90% range. Knowing the RTP of a game gives beginners a sense of which slots are best payout slot machines in terms of long-term odds.
For beginners, sticking to high RTP slots can be a smart strategy. The higher the RTP, the more likely you are to get a better return on your bets over time. While it doesn’t guarantee any single session will be profitable (luck is still the biggest factor in short term outcomes), a high RTP game means you’re playing a slot that is generally more generous to players. This can help your bankroll last longer and give you more playtime for your money.
By focusing on games that are part of a slot machine RTP guide or known for good payout rates, beginners reduce the casino’s advantage. Even a difference of a few percentage points in RTP can have a noticeable impact over many spins. For instance, a slot with 97% RTP will on average pay out more than one with 90% RTP, meaning less money is kept by the house.
So what is considered a "high" RTP? The industry average for online slots is around 95-96% RTP. High RTP slots typically have percentages above 96%, with some of the best reaching 98% or more. A few exceptional games even approach 99% RTP, which is extremely high for a slot machine.
To put this in perspective, here are some examples of online slots with the best RTP:
Ugga Bugga – ~99.1% RTP. This is one of the highest RTP slots ever, meaning it has very small house edge.
Mega Joker – up to ~99% RTP (when played in supermeter mode). A classic fruit machine-style slot known for its top-tier payout rate.
Blood Suckers – ~98% RTP. A popular slot with a vampire theme, famous for its high payout percentage.
1429 Uncharted Seas – ~98.6% RTP. This slot offers an unusually high RTP alongside an adventurous theme.
These are just a few examples of best payout slot machines in terms of RTP. Many other games offer 97% or higher. While an average player doesn’t need to memorize exact numbers, being aware that some games give a better return can guide you toward smarter choices.
Finding the RTP of a slot game is usually straightforward if you know where to look. Here are some tips to discover a slot machine’s RTP:
Check the Game Info: Most online slots have an information section or paytable. Look for a help menu or an "i" icon. In the game info, developers often list the RTP percentage. It might be at the end of the paytable or under a section labeled "Game Rules" or "Return to Player."
Read Slot Reviews: Many casino and slot review websites provide the RTP for each game. Simply searching the game’s name plus "RTP" online can yield quick results. For example, search "Starburst slot RTP" and you’ll find it’s around 96.1%.
Casino’s Site Information: Some online casinos list the RTPs of their games in the help or FAQ sections, or even on the game icons in certain jurisdictions. In regions like the UK, regulations often require that RTP info be easily accessible to players.
Ask the Community: If you’re unsure, you can ask on forums or communities of slot enthusiasts. They can often tell you the payout percentage of popular games.
By using these methods, even a newbie can compile their own slot machine RTP guide for reference. Knowing the number helps you compare games at a glance.
Figure: A classic 25¢ slot machine in action. High RTP slots often have better long-term payout rates, meaning they return a higher percentage of wagers back to players over time. When you choose games with higher RTP, you are statistically selecting slot machines that give back more money to players in the long run. This doesn’t mean you will win every time, but it tilts the odds slightly more in your favor compared to low RTP games.
While RTP is a crucial factor, beginners should also be aware of volatility (variance) and the type of jackpot a slot offers:
Volatility: This describes the risk level or how the slot pays out. High volatility slots might not pay often, but when they do, the wins can be big. Low volatility slots pay smaller wins more frequently. A game can have a high RTP but still be high volatility (meaning you might experience long dry spells before hitting a win that brings the average back up). Beginners might prefer low or medium volatility games so that their bankroll lasts longer with steady wins, even if those wins are smaller. This can be more fun and less frustrating when you’re just starting out.
Jackpot Games: Progressive jackpot slots (those that can pay millions in one hit) usually have a portion of each bet feeding the jackpot pool. This can lower the base RTP of the game because part of the payout is reserved for the jackpot. For example, a big progressive like Mega Moolah has an RTP around 88-93%, which is lower than average, because the trade-off is the chance to win a life-changing jackpot. If your goal is consistent returns and longer play, you might want to stick to non-jackpot games with higher RTP. If you do play a progressive, be aware of this and only chase those huge jackpots if you’re okay with the lower day-to-day payout rate.
To wrap up, here are some practical tips for beginners on how to choose slots that give you the best chance of winning (or at least getting more play for your money):
Always Check the RTP: Before you start playing a new slot, find out its RTP percentage. Aim for games around 96% or higher. This ensures you’re playing one of the online slots with best RTP available.
Avoid Very Low RTP Games: Some slots, especially certain land-based or older games, might have RTPs in the 80s or low 90s. Unless there’s something you really love about the game, it’s usually wise to avoid these if your goal is to stretch your budget.
Use “Top Payout” Lists: Many casino sites or blogs publish lists of high RTP slots. Use these resources as a shortcut to find games that are known best payout performers.
Try Free Play/Demo Mode: Once you identify a high RTP slot, try it in free mode if available. This lets you ensure you enjoy the theme and gameplay. A game isn’t worth it just for high RTP if you find it boring – you’ll want to enjoy playing it too!
Balance RTP with Volatility: If you prefer frequent wins, a slightly lower RTP slot that’s low volatility might actually keep you happier than a very high RTP slot that is high volatility. For example, a game with 95% RTP that hits wins often can feel more rewarding in the short term than a 98% RTP game that rarely pays until it suddenly drops a big win. Choose according to your playing style and comfort with risk.
Stay Informed: The casino industry is always adding new games. A slot’s RTP is a fixed value set by the game’s developer, but sometimes games come in multiple versions with different RTP settings. Make sure you have the correct info (some online casinos might offer a game at 96% while another casino has the same title configured at 94%, etc.). Checking the paytable info in-game will confirm the exact number.
By following these tips, beginners can approach slot selection more strategically. Remember, while you can’t control luck, you can control which games you play. Picking high RTP slots stacks the deck a little bit more in your favor.
In conclusion, understanding RTP is a fundamental part of choosing a good slot machine to play. Think of this as a beginner’s slot machine RTP guide: it steers you towards games that give you better payout potential. Always combine this knowledge with other smart habits – like setting a budget and playing responsibly. High RTP or not, slots should primarily be about entertainment. If you choose high RTP slots that you enjoy, you’ll get the best of both worlds: fun gameplay and a better shot at winning in the long run. Good luck and happy spinning!
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *