RTP Explainer

Return to player is expected gross return as a percentage of total money staked under a defined game model. A 96% theoretical RTP means £96 expected returns for each £100 of total stakes over that model. It does not promise a refund of 96% of your deposit, a minimum payment or a result within a particular session.

Turnover can be much higher than the starting balance because returned money may be staked repeatedly. A player can lose an entire deposit even when the game’s theoretical RTP is high. A displayed percentage is not a protection against that outcome.

Expected gross return equals total wagering multiplied by RTP divided by 100. At £1,000 of wagering and 96% RTP, expected returns are £960 and expected net cost is £40. The same-model house edge is 100% minus RTP, here 4%.

This example assumes the supplied figure applies to the exact game, configuration and decisions. It does not estimate the probability of a large win, account for every promotion term or predict when a payment will occur. Actual results can be far above or below the expectation.

Two games with equal RTP may have different payment distributions. One may return smaller amounts more often; another may rely on rarer large prizes. A volatility label describes an aspect of that spread but is not a standardised guarantee of session length or maximum loss.

Check the in-game help for the precise version, paytable and any strategy assumptions. A recent losing run does not show that a random game is due to catch up. Do not keep wagering to reach an advertised percentage. Set limits independently of the calculator and stop if gambling creates pressure.