Returntoplayer

Returntoplayer, usually written as Return to Player (RTP), is a metric used in gaming and gambling to describe the theoretical portion of wagers that a game pays back to players over the long term. It represents the expected payout rate, expressed as a percentage, and is central to evaluating how favorable a game is to players.

RTP is typically calculated as the total amount of winnings paid to players divided by the total amount wagered, across a long enough period to smooth out short-term variance. It is a theoretical measure rather than a guarantee; individual play sessions can deviate significantly from the RTP due to luck, volatility, and hit frequency. Designers and regulators use RTP to balance entertainment value with house edge.

Applications of RTP are most common in gambling contexts, including slot machines, video poker, and online casino games. In these settings, values commonly range from about 85% to 99% depending on the game, with higher RTP generally implying a lower house edge. Online platforms may publish the RTP for each game, and jurisdictions sometimes require disclosure. It is important to note that RTP does not predict short-term outcomes and does not ensure a player will recover a specific amount of money in a single session.

In broader game design, the term can also inform reward structures and payout schemes, ensuring that long-term player value aligns with game economy objectives.