How to choose the slot with the best RTP

RTP (Return to Player) is the proportion of bets returned to long distance players on average. The higher the RTP (and below house edge = 100% RTP −), the "cheaper" the hour of play for you, all other things being equal. But there is a nuance: the same slot is often released in several versions of RTP (for example, 96 %/94 %/92%), and a specific operator chooses which version to include. Below is a short, practical algorithm: how to find RTP, how to compare titles and when it is better not to play at all.

1) Where to look for RTP (and how not to miss the small print)

1. Inside the game → i/Help/Paytable/"? "Buttons. Look for a line like RTP: 96. 1%.

2. Download/configuration screen - sometimes RTP is specified in the first window or in the rules section.

3. RTP versions - there may be notes next to the number: depending on the operator, in a bonus purchase of another RTP, in the jackpot version of RTP below.

4. If RTP is not specified in the client, this is a red flag: treat the title as potentially "truncated."

💡 Golden rule: no clear figure - no game. Select titles with transparently specified RTP.

2) Why the same slot is "cheaper" or "more expensive"

Different RTP configurations: the provider releases a set of profiles (for example, 96/94/92%).

Jackpot version: part of the RTP is spent on filling the fund → the base is lower (often − 0.5... − 2 pp).

Bonus purchase: sometimes RTP bonus purchases are slightly different from the base game (higher or lower depends on the design).

Casino bonuses: Conditions (vager, max bet, games contribution) do not change the built-in RTP slot, but worsen your actual result due to limitations and errors.

3) "Session price" in numbers

Expected flow rate estimate:

EL ≈ (number of spins) × (average rate) × (1 − RTP)

Compare two RTPs at the same backs and rate of 0.20:

RTP 96%: EL per 400 spins ≈ '400 × 0.20 × 0.04 = 3.20'
RTP 94%: EL per 400 spins ≈ '400 × 0.20 × 0.06 = 4.80'

The difference is + 50% to the "price" of the same walk! RTP for a couple of points is real money at a distance.

4) How to choose a slot for your session

Purpose	What to look for in the slot	For what reason
Play longer	RTP ≥96% (if available), low/medium volatility, frequent mini features	Soft trajectory and lower "price of the hour"
It is balanced	RTP 96% +, average volatility, regular features	Comfort + chance of peaks
Hunt for x	Minimum rate, clear limits; RTP not underestimated (96% + preferred)	Long "dry" areas, discipline is needed

💡 RTP - not about the winning rate. Volatility and hit rate are more responsible for "frequency."

5) Quick selection algorithm (5 steps)

1. Open "i/Help" and find RTP.

2. Check the version: is there a note about "RTP options" and what version do you have now.

3. Compare the alternatives: if this title has 94%, and the neighboring counterpart has 96%, take 96%.

4. Rate the session by EL: spin/min × minute × × rate (1 − RTP). EL ≤ your SB (session budget)?

5. Confirm comfort: is volatility/hit rate appropriate? Bonus rules do not crush deadline and max bet?

6) When best to opt out

RTP is hidden or "not found" in the client.

You see the mark "several versions of RTP," but the current one is below 95% and there are alternatives.

The jackpot version is heavily cut RTP, and the jackpot is not important to you.

The game comes with a hard vager and max bet, which push you to mistakes.

7) Special occasions and subtleties

One title is different operators: one has 96%, the other has 94%. Rate each site separately.

Mobile/PC: interfaces are different, but honest providers keep RTP the same; click on "Help" on any device.

Bonus Buy: can change the variance profile and RTP. If the target is a long session, without BB it is usually "cheaper."

Side-beta: almost always with lower RTP. For savings - avoid.

8) Frequent RTP myths - brief

"The higher the rate, the higher the RTP." No, it isn't. The bet affects the amount of payouts, not the percentage in the base (there are exceptions with a jackpot chance, but this is a jackpot, not a basic RTP).

"Slot warmed up/cooled down - RTP is changing." No, it isn't. RTP is fixed by version setting, not "machine mood."

"The returns are better at night." No, it isn't. Your fatigue is changing, not your math.

9) Checklist "before the start" (30-60 sec)

The client explicitly specifies RTP: __% (96% target + if available).
There is no "stripped down" version in the description or you avoid it.
Volatility is understandable (for the purpose of the session).
EL ≤ SB by estimate; rate =% of BK (low 1-2%, mid 0.5-1%, high 0.2-0.5%).
SL = SB, SW = 30-50% SB, no dogons.
No bonus deadlines and max bet traps.

10) Mini selection examples

A) Long calm session

Found: Slot X with RTP 96.2%, low/medium volatility.

BK weeks = 30; SB = 4,5; rate = 0.6-0.8% BK (0.18-0.24).

50 min. × 8 joint ventures/min. ≈ 400 spin → EL ≈ 400 × 0.20 × 0.038 = 3.04 (at 96.2%). Comfortable.

B) Rejection due to "expensive" version

Another operator with RTP 94% has the same title.

At a rate of 0.20 and 400 backs → EL ≈ 4.80 (versus 3.04). We take an alternative with 96% +.

C) Hunt for x (sprint)

Y slot (96%) with high volatility.

BK = 60; SB = 6,0; rate = 0.2-0.3% BK (0.12-0.18).

25 min ≈ 200 spins → EL ≈ 200 × 0.15 × 0.04 = 1.2. Stop along SL/SW and without dogons.

11) Note card (copy)

💡 Slot: ______ (RTP __%, __ volatility)
RTP version confirmed in "i/Help": yes/no
BK: ____ SB: ____ SL=SB SW=30–50% SB
Rate: __% BK (no catch)
EL ≤ SB? yes/no Bonuses/jackpot: accounted for/no

12) Responsibly and by law

Play only with free money and within the laws of your jurisdiction and operator rules (KYC/AML, max bet, games contribution). Any signs of a "chase," secret deposits or violation of limits - a reason to turn on the timeout 24-72 hours and turn to specialized support.

The best RTP is not a myth or a "good hour," but setting up the version of the game and your informed choice. Look for a number in "i/Help," avoid truncated configurations, count the "session price" by EL and match volatility to the target. With these simple actions, you pay less for the same entertainment - and leave the excitement within a safe framework.