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Return to Player: How RTP affects your Spins on the Pokies

When it comes to pokies and other casino games, you might have seen the term RTP thrown around, a few players have wanted to understand what it means.

RTP stands for Return to Player, and it’s essentially a percentage that indicates how much a slot or casino game is programmed to pay back to players over time. In other words, it’s a long-term indicator of how “generous” a game might be. Here at Joe Fortune, we want to ensure you all understand that RTP in gambling is important for anyone who wants to get the most out of their spins. While it doesn’t guarantee a win on a single spin, it does help players learn more about which games offer better theoretical returns.

Why is RTP important

RTP in gambling gives you an idea of how much money you might expect to get back over thousands, or even millions, of spins. For example, a pokie with a 96% RTP is designed to pay back $96 for every $100 wagered, on average, over the long term.

RTP matters because it helps you make informed decisions about which games to play. High RTP doesn’t mean you’ll win every spin, but it does indicate that the game is statistically more favourable to whoever is playing against the house. Conversely, games with low RTP might be riskier, meaning your bankroll could deplete faster.

For casual players, RTP can serve as a guide to manage your gambling budget. Those chasing bigger wins might still choose lower RTP games with higher volatility, but knowing the RTP helps you balance fun and strategy.

What is a high RTP?

In general, an RTP of 96% or higher is considered strong in the world of pokies. Classic pokies often hover around 92–95%, while modern online slots can range from 95–98%. Some progressive jackpot games might have slightly lower RTP due to the huge potential payouts.

For table games, RTP varies depending on the rules and strategies involved. For instance, blackjack can have an RTP of over 99% if you play with optimal strategy, whereas roulette typically offers around 94–97% depending on the variant whether it is American or European. High RTP games are preferred by players who want consistent returns over time. They don’t guarantee wins, but they statistically offer a better chance of keeping your bankroll in play for longer.

A cartoon hand holding a marker circles the text “96.58%” on a pop-up screen displaying the game rules for the Chilli Heat Spicy Spins slot. Behind it, the colourful slot reels show symbols including maracas, letters, and a chihuahua.

How to find the RTP of casino games

Most reputable online casinos such as Joe Fortune, clearly list RTP in the game information or pay table. If you’re unsure, you can often find it in the “Help” section or by clicking the game’s settings. Game developers tend to be transparent about RTP because it’s a regulatory requirement in many jurisdictions. You can also find RTP info on casino review sites giving info on the average RTP for pokies and table games, which helps players make informed choices. Checking RTP before playing is a smart move as it allows you to select games or pokies that align with your budget and your goals, whether that’s entertainment, long-term play, or chasing bigger wins.

Can online casinos change RTP?

The short answer is no, at least not during your gameplay. Reputable online casinos use random number generators (RNGs), and the RTP is built into the software. This ensures fairness and consistency, so every spin is random and the long-term RTP remains the same.

However, different versions of the same game can have slightly different RTPs depending on the provider, the casino, or the market regulations. For example, a game in the UK might be required to have a minimum RTP, while the same game in another jurisdiction such as Australia could be slightly different.

It’s important to play only at trusted and transparent online casinos. These operators are to ensure RTP is accurately represented and that no manipulation occurs. So, while RTP is technically fixed, always check that your casino is reputable and if you have any questions reach out to the support team so that you know everything you need to before playing one of their games.

A row of 3D illustrated casino game icons on a bright green background, featuring a slot machine reel labeled Online Pokies (RTP 96–98%), a stack of poker chips for Blackjack (RTP over 99%), a gold baccarat token for Baccarat (RTP 98–99%), a set of playing cards for Poker (RTP 99%+), and a roulette wheel for Roulette (RTP EU 97% / US 95%).

Which casino games have the best RTP?

Some games are known for offering particularly high RTP. Here are a few examples:

Online Pokies: Many modern online slots have RTPs between 96–98%, with some favourite versions exceeding 99%.
Blackjack: If played with optimal strategy, some blackjack variants can have RTP over 99%.
Baccarat: Depending on the bet type, RTP ranges from 98–99%. Banker bets usually have the highest RTP.
Poker: Games like “Jacks or Better” offer RTP of 99%+ when played with correct strategy.
Roulette: European roulette has an RTP of about 97%, higher than American roulette, which sits around 95% due to the double zero.

Knowing which games offer the best RTP allows players to tailor their gambling experience. While pokies are the most popular, strategic table games can maximise theoretical returns for those willing to learn optimal strategies.

Does the RTP change if you alter your stake or buy a bonus game?

Stake size (i.e. bet per spin)

No, RTP is generally independent of bet size. The theoretical long-term return percentage remains the same whether you bet $1 or $100.
What changes is potential payout amounts: a higher bet means a win (if it lands) is scaled accordingly, but it doesn’t improve your long-term odds.

Buying a bonus / Bonus-buy feature

This is trickier; some game-providers and casinos offer a ‘bonus buy’ or ‘feature buy’ option so you pay extra to trigger the bonus round immediately.
Whether that changes the RTP depends on the slot. In many cases, the stated RTP refers to the base game not necessarily including bonus-buy features. That means your effective RTP could be slightly different when a bonus buy is used. It will be made clear in the game’s info section.
In some games, buying the bonus might increase the volatility (more risk, maybe bigger reward), but may not always improve the long-term return.

What this means for you at Joe Fortune

Always check the game’s info panel or pay-table to find RTP before you play. High-RTP games tend to give better long-term value.
If you increase your bet size, think of it as scaling up the “possible reward,” not improving your odds.
If you choose to buy a bonus or feature, treat it as a separate risk/reward decision: the potential winnings might be higher, but your long-term bankroll expectation might shift.
Use RTP as a tool for bankroll management and responsible play, not as a guarantee of win on any individual spin.

Final Thoughts

Understanding RTP in gambling is a crucial part of playing online pokies and casino games wisely. While RTP doesn’t promise wins on any given spin, it provides you with a statistical expectation over time. By checking the RTP, selecting games with higher percentages, and playing at reputable online casinos, you can improve your overall gambling experience.

Whether you’re spinning the reels on a pokie, trying your hand at blackjack, or placing bets on roulette, RTP serves as a guide to make informed decisions, manage your bankroll, and enjoy your casino sessions responsibly. Remember, RTP is all about the long game. It doesn’t guarantee instant wins, but it does help you be much more aware which games are likely to give you the most entertainment and value for your money.