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BeginnerBasics3 min read
House edge and RTP in one minute
Time saverRTP is the share of bets paid back over the long run. House edge is 100% minus RTP. A 96% RTP slot has a 4% edge, so each $100 wagered costs $4 on average.
Reading the numbers
A 97% RTP game keeps 3 cents per dollar. Over a 1,000-spin session at $1 a spin that is $30 expected loss, though a real result can be anything from big win to total loss.
RTP is measured over millions of spins, so it says nothing about your session.
Where to find RTP
Slots show RTP in the game info panel. Table games publish edge by rule set. Be aware that providers often sell the same slot at several RTP settings and the casino picks one.
What to do with it
Prefer higher RTP games, prefer lower volatility if you want a longer session, and compute the cost of play before you start.
Educational content, not financial or legal advice. Gambling involves risk. 18+.
Related
Slot volatility: how bumpy is your session?
Time saverLow volatility pays small wins often. High volatility pays rarely but bigger. Match volatility to your bankroll and how long you want to play.
Expected value: the one concept that explains everything
Time saverEV = sum of (probability x outcome). A game has positive EV only if you hold an edge. Use EV to compare bonuses, bets and game choices before you play.
Next up
Wagering requirements in plain English
Time saverWagering is how many times you must bet the bonus before cashing out. Multiply bonus by the number to get total bets. Under 30x is good, over 40x is a warning.