Differences between theoretical and real RTP

For many players in online RTP (Return to Player) slots is an important indicator when choosing a game. Theoretical RTP provides the average return percentage that the slot should provide for the player in the long term. However, many do not take into account that theoretical RTP can differ significantly from what happens in a real game. In this article, we will understand what theoretical RTP is, real RTP, and how these two indicators affect your gaming experience.

What is theoretical RTP?

Theoretical RTP is a mathematical metric that is calculated based on a huge number of spins and represents the percentage of all bets that the slot will return to the player in the long term. For example, if a slot has an RTP of 96%, it means that on average the slot will return $96 for every $100 bet in the game.

How is theoretical RTP calculated?
Theoretical RTP is calculated based on a mathematical model that assumes all game outcomes are random and independent of external factors. This data is processed during the game development phase and calculated according to established algorithms.

What is theoretical RTP used for?
Theoretical RTP helps players understand how the game will behave in the long term. This is an important indicator for those who plan to play the slot for a long period of time and want to assess its profitability.

What is real RTP?

Real RTP is the actual return percentage that the slot provides to players in real gaming sessions. This value depends on randomness and the random number generator (RNG) that controls the results of each spin.

Why can real RTP differ from theoretical?
Despite the fact that theoretical RTP can indicate high returns over many thousands of spins, in practice, wins and losses will vary depending on random factors. In a real game, you may experience a losing streak before a big win occurs, even if the RTP is theoretically high.

Real RTP and Volatility:
  • In real games, slot volatility also plays an important role. If the slot has high volatility, then payments will be rare, but larger. In contrast, low volatility slots provide frequent but smaller payouts, which also affects real RTP.

How does theoretical RTP affect real RTP?

Theoretical RTP is a mathematical estimate of probability, but does not guarantee a specific result within a single gaming session. This means that real winnings may differ from theoretical values. The actual RTP at any given time depends on how the winnings in the current spin or session are randomly drawn.

1. Chance:
  • In a real game, there is always an element of randomness, and the player may encounter long periods when winnings are rare or small, even if the theoretical RTP is high.

2. Long-term play:
  • The more spins you make, the closer you'll get to theoretical RTP. However, for short gaming sessions, the difference between theoretical and real RTP can be significant. For a long-term game, this difference disappears, and the slot will approximately return a percentage that corresponds to the theoretical RTP.

Myths and misconceptions about theoretical and real RTP

1. Myth: Real RTP will always coincide with theoretical.
Reality: As mentioned earlier, theoretical RTP is calculated based on statistics, and real RTP depends on chance. Therefore, results may vary significantly in the short term.

2. Myth: The high RTP slot is always profitable.
Reality: A high RTP slot doesn't guarantee profit in the short term. He only increases the chances of winning in the long-term game. In the short term, you can win or lose significantly more.

3. Myth: A high RTP slot always gives more than other games.
Reality: Theoretical RTP does not take into account other factors such as volatility and payout structure. A high RTP game can often hand out small winnings, but won't necessarily be more advantageous than a lower RTP slot if you're looking for larger payouts.

How do I use RTP knowledge to play successfully?

1. Explore RTP and volatility:
  • For a successful game, it is important not only to know the theoretical RTP of the slot, but also to take into account the volatility of the game. If you want consistent but small winnings, opt for low-volatility, high-RTP slots. For large but rare payouts, look for high-volatility slots.

2. Play in demo mode:
  • Before risking real money, test the slot in demo mode. This will allow you to see how often winnings occur and understand how they correspond to the theoretical RTP.

3. Bankroll Management:
  • To minimize risks and get the most out of the game, manage your bankroll. Remember that high RTP does not guarantee profit for short game sessions, and long-term play requires a reasonable approach to betting.

Conclusion

Theoretical and real RTP are two different aspects of the game that are important to understand in order to choose the right slot and tune in to the long-term game. Theoretical RTP provides insight into long-term returns, but real RTP depends on random factors and slot volatility. Knowing these differences will help you better navigate the game and pick slots that fit your goals - whether that's frequent payouts or the chance of a big jackpot.