This article will discuss the RTP (return to player percentage) relating to all NZ online pokies games and what it means to you as a player.
Within this article, we shall explain the following:
- What Is The RTP And How To Understand It.
- The Difference Between the RTP and the House Edge.
- Who sets The RTP, And How It Varies In Different Online Pokies?
- The Importance of RTP in Pokies.
- How to Find the RTP of Online Pokies Games, And Where To Find The Information Online
We shall also give examples of online games with high and low RTP.
Table of Contents
Exactly What is The RTP in Online Casino Games?
When we ask what return to player means in pokies, we are asking what percentage of wagered money is given back by the online casino as winnings. All online casino games have an RTP (return to player percentage.
Therefore, the RTP is the term that online casinos (and land-based venues) use to describe the percentage of all the bets made on a casino game that players will get back over time.
For example, if a pokie machine is given an RTP of 90% and you bet $100, then you would expect (over time) to win back $90.
However, the RTP is calculated over the long term, and almost anything can happen in the short term, which means you cannot predict a 90% return. For instance, you might get lucky and win big on only one spin, meaning the RTP for that slot will not apply.
The theoretical RTP differs from the actual one as the odds of winning casino games comprise multiple factors (the hit frequency, the bonus frequency, the maximum possible win and the volatility/variance).
Remember, you should only bet with money you can afford to lose.
Don’t Confuse The RTP With The House Edge
If we say that the RTP is the percentage of the total amount of bets in any one game, that (in this case) the pokie machine will return to the player over some time, the house edge is the flip side of the RTP.
Simply put, the house edge is the percentage of the total amount of bets made that online casinos keep.
For example, if the RTP of a pokie machine is 90%, then the house edge theoretically is 10%. So, if you spent $100 playing a pokie machine, then over the long term, the house edge would make 10% ($10) from your $100.
Who Sets The RTP, And How Does The RTP Vary in Different Online Pokies?
Setting the RTP
The game software developer adds an RNG (Random Number Generator) algorithm to the program when developing online games.
The RNG guarantees that each casino game you play has no predetermined outcome. Online casinos regularly have the RNG tested for randomness by auditors such as eCOGRA, amongst other reputable auditors.
Once the RNG is successfully audited and certified, the developer can use the RNG for games. The developer and the audit lab can quickly run hundreds and thousands of spins. The RNG algorithm used is the software that sets the game’s RTP.
No one can change the settings once the developer sets the RTP to an online game, say a pokie machine. This rule applies specifically to online casino games, as in rare cases, the game developer can create a game that will provide variable RTP settings for a few offline casino games.
Please note: It’s expected that online casino operators will be given the choice of variable payout percentages as developers move with the trends.
How The RTP Varies in Different Online Pokies?
When choosing an online pokies game, it’s wise to know all the variables to make the best choice for your taste and gameplay. The RTP does vary from game to game when playing online pokies and below are a few tips to take onboard before spinning those reels.
- It is widely accepted that the higher the RTP score, the better the long-term prospects. However, this view of RTPs is only sometimes reliable. Even if some online pokies have a high RTP and others are low RTP casino games, it doesn’t mean you will win more if you play the former.
- Next, we need to look at the volatility of a pokie machine. To be able to choose which type of online pokies you want to play. Generally, low-volatility online pokies offer smaller prizes frequently, whilst high-volatility games pay out less frequently, but when they do, the prizes are larger.
- The next thing to consider is the Hit Frequency. Online pokies games with a low hit frequency indicate you must wait longer for a win, but payouts will be worth the wait. A casino with a high hit frequency indicates you will pick up smaller wins regularly.
To find the right online pokies, you need to consider the whole rather than just looking at the RTP, the volatility and the hit frequency separately. Once you have become used to checking out these important factors, choosing the pokie machine that fits your style and bankrolls the best will become a simple process.
Please note: In games of chance like online pokies, each spin of the reels is independent, which means that each play has the same probability as any other.
What is The Importance of RTP in Pokies?
The RTP is important because it can determine if you will enjoy a win. Having an idea if you are in with a chance sooner rather than later appeals to many players, although if you are in it for the long term, then a lower RTP would be the way to go, as payouts are generally higher.
The RTP can impact your chances of winning and the amount you can expect to win over a longer time.
A regulatory board like the UK Gambling Commission, New Zealand Gambling Commission, or the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission sets the minimum RTP. Regulatory boards protect vulnerable people and ensure that online casinos adhere to the strict rules and regulations set out by the regulatory boards.
How to Find The RTP of Pokies Games, And Where to Find The Information Online
Many online pokies developers list their RTP on the game information screen. You can check for the RTP as you check for payback.
Online pokies typically offer higher payback than land-based casinos, as the overheads are fewer. However, they have to pay for licensing and are also taxed, which may lead to lower payout percentages.
Checking the information section on the online casinos you frequent is a wise move, as you might notice that one site is offering lower payback percentages than the others. As there are plenty of online casinos, it would be easy to take your business elsewhere.
Another way to check the RTP of particular games is to check online slot reviews, as the best review sites include the RTP and whether it is variable (which you want to avoid). Reviews take a lot of the hard work out of trawling the internet to find the answers for yourself.
Examples of High And Low RTP Casino Games
Below are a few favourites with their corresponding RTP.
- Book Of Dead – developed by Play n’ GO, has variable RTP, but most online casinos use the higher figure of 96.21%. Remember to check the information for the RTP rate before playing.
- Rainbow Riches – developed by Barcrest, has an RTP of 95%. Rainbow Riches was so popular that it became one of the series, and all games have excellent RTP.
- Thunderstruck – developed by Microgaming, has an RTP of 96.10%.
- Sheep Gone Wild – developed by Red Tiger Gaming, has an RTP of 95.72%.
- Irish Luck Jackpot – developed by Eyecon, has variable RTP, so check the game’s information before committing any funds.
Remember, the RTP is what you would expect to earn in winnings from the casino over a longer time.
Conclusion
Whether you are an experienced casino game player or a newbie to online casino games, you need to know the RTP percentage of the games you are interested in, especially as variable RTPs are becoming more frequent online.
An indicator of the chances to win makes the games more enjoyable in the long run, adding to the immersive experience of today’s online pokies games.
