The payout percentage, also the same as return to player (RTP), indicates your winning chances on a slot. The RTP shows how much money you will get back after many spins on slots or other gambling machines.
Yet, the RTP level is accurate in the long run, where the slots are programmed to pay some percentage of wagered money to gamblers. If you are wondering how to find the payout percentage on slot machine, keep reading the article to learn more.
For example, if a game has a 97% payout percentage, it means that, on average, players will get back 97% of the money they gamble in the long run. Usually, the RTP level starts at 80%, and the higher the payout percentage, the better the odds are for players.
Slots with high payout levels offer more frequent and better rewards over time. Conversely, games with lower RTP, like progressive slots, offer infrequent prizes.
Gamblers should know about RTP level since it can help them choose the slot game. It is a simple way to assess your winning chances of a game before you decide to play. If you understand how RTPs work and how to calculate them, you can manage your bets smartly.
Let’s get started and understand how RTP is calculated!
How to calculate payout percentage
The payout percentage or return to the player indicates how much money is expected for a payout during the slot’s lifetime. Players can estimate their RTP level using the simple formula below.
RTP = (Total Payouts / Total Bets) × 100%
For example, if a game has an RTP of 94%, it means that, for every $100 bet, the game will, on average, pay out $94. The remaining $6 goes towards the casino, also known as house edge. The purpose is to ensure both players and casinos get benefits over time.
Game developers test RNG and RTP functions in slots a million times before launching it. They do it to see the proper integration of the following functions so the players get payouts.
But, the RTP levels can vary depending on casinos, games, payout rules or winning odds. Gamblers should remember that RTP is average and does not guarantee a 100% outcome.
So, how to find the payout percentage on a slot machine? Here are four steps.
Step 1: Look for the RTP level on the screen
The first simple way how to find the payout percentage on slot machine is by clicking the info button. It is uncommon, but gamblers can find the RTP level stated on the machine. The figure below is a simple guide on how to navigate with RTPs.
| RTP | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| High (90-98%) | Frequent and small payouts | Starters or gamblers wanting to maximize fun and minimize losses. |
| Low (75-89%) | Rare payouts with very high rewards | Risk-takers or gamblers chasing massive jackpots. |
They must check the info button on a slot game or ask the casino staff. Yet, if you cannot find it on the slot machine, follow this article’s next steps.
Step 2: Look for the popular game RTP online
Another way to find the payout percentage of a slot game is by looking for it online. Usually, you can see the RTP levels of popular slot games online. This information can be available from the casinos, game developers, or independent casino review pages.
Many websites or online forums leave game reviews and state the payout percentages of slot games. These reviews can help you know if a casino is trustworthy and if the RTP matches what you expect. By reading other gamblers’ posts, you can get an idea of your winning odds on slots.
Yet, the RTP is not an ultimate winning guarantee since every spin outcome is random on slots. The best thing that we suggest is betting your money in trustworthy casinos. Unsure how to identify reliable casinos to bet? Read the next step (3).
Step 3: Read regulatory reports to find RTP
The third way to find the payout percentage on a slot machine is to read regulatory reports. There are several popular 3rd parties that give certifications to casinos and verify them. For example, Malta Gaming Authority, eCOGRA, and Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) ensure casino industry compliance.
These companies share reports stating the slot machine RTP levels for different countries. For example, in this report, the Malta Gaming Authority shares the slot RTP levels for each country.
Even if the RTP level is up to the casino, they still need to comply with the minimum requirements set by these authorities. By reading industry reports, you can always get reliable information about slot games.
Step 4: Determine the RTP level by yourself
Lastly, we present a non-traditional way to find the RTP of a slot machine. You can find the payout percentage by tracking your bets and rewards for a given time. Here is how:
First, you want to choose a slot machine or a game of your preference. If you are a beginner or trying a new game, you should start with minimum bets. This way, you can learn how to play it with less risk of losing money, though this is not a set rule. Next, you should check the info button for information regarding the RTP level. If it is missing, you can search online for a specific game RTP. If you cannot find this either, this is what you are going to do.
You have a budget of $200 and start playing a slot for 10 minutes with the same bets. Count the number of spins you made during the 10 minutes. This way, you learn how many spins you make in 10 minutes with the same bet. Let’s say you had 35 spins with $0,25 within 10 minutes, that means you wagered 35 x 0,25 = $8,75.
Also, track how much you won during these 10 minutes. If you do not win anything within 10 minutes, it does not mean that the RTP is 0%: try to play longer or change the slot machine.
Now, you can convert these numbers into hourly ones, like in the example below.
| Budget | Spins | Bets | Losses |
|---|---|---|---|
| $200 | 35 spins – 10 m x spins – 60 m 210 spins in 1 hour | 210 x 0,25 = $52,5 | $10 (assuming) |
So, in one hour, you have a $190 balance, where there is a $10 loss in 210 spins or a $0,048 loss per spin. This is the same as saying you lost 19,2% of your wager per spin. So the theoretical RTP level is 80,8%, and why is this not guaranteed? Since there is also a volatility factor and complex math behind the slot machines.
This way you analyze how much you won in comparison to your wager.
Conclusion
You can use various ways to find the payout percentage.
- Look for the RTP level on the screen
- Look for the popular game RTP online.
- Read regulatory reports to find RTP.
- Determine the RTP level by yourself.
Gamblers should learn more about the RTP level while playing slots. It can help you choose the right game based on your skills, preferences, and goals. However, the high RTP level is not an absolute winning guarantee.
Enjoy your experience on slots and elevate your knowledge with HelpGamblers. Stay tuned!
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