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Casino Game RTP Rankings: Which Games Give You the Best Shot?

by Ale Hopman, published 22 December 2025

RTP stands for Return to Player. The RTP is the theoretical payout of a game. It is always expressed as a percentage, e.g. ‘99%’. The RTP is a long term average; it only shows the theoretical expected payout. RTP never guarantees a fixed return for you when you play slots games at an online casino now.

What is RTP and why it matters

RTP tells you the long-term payback. House edge is the casino’s long-term cut. They are linked:

  • RTP = 100% − house edge. A 97% RTP game has a 3% house edge.

Do Not Confuse RTP with:

  • Volatility: how wild the swings are. High volatility means bigger wins but less often.
  • Hit rate: how often you get any win.
  • RNG (random number generator): the math that makes each spin or hand random.

Remember, RTP is tested over hundreds of millions of simulations and is audited by independent testers such as eCOGRA, GLI, and iTech Labs. Online gaming regulators such as the UK Gambling Commission (RTS) and Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) provide guidances for game testing and fairness. Some online slots RTP is actually variable, that. which means the "Book of Dead" game you play in one casino may have 96.0% RTP, but if you play the same game in another casino, it could have 94.0% or 92.0% RTP. The best way is to always check the info button or help panel of the slot game.

Many modern slots have adjustable RTP. The same title can be 96%, 94%, or 92% at different casinos. Always check the info panel inside the game.

How we built these rankings (methodology)

  • We list games known for high RTP from trusted providers.
  • For slots, we show the stated RTP or a common “up to” value. Many titles have more than one version.
  • For table games, RTP assumes correct play (for example, basic strategy in blackjack). Side bets are not counted unless we say so.
  • Rules and versions change by market (UK, EU, US states, Ontario, etc.). Always check the game’s own info screen.
  • Main sources include provider sites (e.g., NetEnt, Relax Gaming, Playtech, Thunderkick, Yggdrasil, Light & Wonder) and expert math sites like Wizard of Odds.

Top high-RTP slots to consider in 2025

Some slots reach 98–99% RTP. Many are older or limited by region. Some need a special mode to hit the top figure. Many also have lower RTP versions. Check the info panel each time you load the game.

  1. Book of 99 (Relax Gaming) — RTP up to 99.00%. Medium volatility. Simple “book” slot with free spins and expanding symbols. Often the gold standard for high RTP, but not in all markets. Provider: Relax Gaming.
  2. Mega Joker (NetEnt) — RTP up to about 99.00% with the right Supermeter play. Very high volatility, classic fruit style. Top RTP needs optimal play and the right bet mode; not all casinos show the top setting. Provider: NetEnt.
  3. Ugga Bugga (Playtech) — RTP around 99.07%. Low volatility, “hold” feature on reels. This is a legacy title and can be hard to find. Provider: Playtech.
  4. 1429 Uncharted Seas (Thunderkick) — RTP about 98.60%. Low volatility, clean gameplay, free spins. Often available but check your market. Provider: Thunderkick.
  5. Blood Suckers (NetEnt) — RTP about 98.00%. Low to medium volatility, free spins, bonus game. A long-time favorite for steady play. Some sites run lower RTP versions now. Provider: NetEnt.
  6. Marching Legions (Relax Gaming) — RTP around 98.12%. Medium to high volatility, marching re-spins and free spins. Good math for long sessions, but swings can happen. Provider: Relax Gaming.
  7. Starmania (NextGen/NYX) RTP about 97.87%. Medium volatility, classic space theme. NextGen is part of the Light & Wonder family today. Provider hub: Light & Wonder.
  8. RTP about 97.87%. Medium volatility, classic space theme.
  9. NextGen is part of the Light & Wonder family today. Provider hub: Light & Wonder.
  10. Jokerizer (Yggdrasil) — Effective RTP can be near 98% when you use the Jokerizer mode well. High volatility because the Jokerizer mode risks wins for bigger hits. Check the info panel for your version’s RTP. Provider: Yggdrasil.
  11. High volatility because the Jokerizer mode risks wins for bigger hits.
  12. Check the info panel for your version’s RTP. Provider: Yggdrasil.
  13. Rainbow Riches: Pick’n’Mix (Barcrest/Light & Wonder) — Variable RTP by settings and stake. Some setups are high-97%+. Rules and RTP change by market and options. Always read the game help. Brand owner: Light & Wonder.
  14. Rules and RTP change by market and options. Always read the game help.
  15. Brand owner: Light & Wonder.
  16. Jackpot 6000 (NetEnt) — RTP up to about 98.86% with optimal Supermeter play. Very high volatility. Top RTP needs skill with the mode. Not always offered. Provider: NetEnt.
  17. Very high volatility. Top RTP needs skill with the mode. Not always offered.
  18. Provider: NetEnt.

1429 Uncharted Seas Thunderkick, RTP: 98.6%, free spins game, uncluttered main game, check if available for your country

Blood Suckers NetEnt, RTP: 98%, free spins and bonus round, been around for a long time, so many casinos changed to a low RTP version

Marching Legions Relax Gaming, RTP: 98.12, free spins and marching re-spins, probably a good game but is on the high volatility side

Starmania (NextGen/NYX)

Blood Suckers (NetEnt) — RTP about 98.00%. Low to medium volatility, free spins, bonus game. A long-time favorite for steady play. Some sites run lower RTP versions now. Provider: NetEnt.

Jokerizer (Yggdrasil) — It’s possible to achieve an effective RTP close to 98% if dodging mode is played optimally.

Starmania (NextGen/NYX)

  • RTP about 97.87%. Medium volatility, classic space theme.
  • NextGen is part of the Light & Wonder family today. Provider hub: Light & Wonder.

Jokerizer (Yggdrasil) — Effective RTP can be near 98% when you use the Jokerizer mode well.

  • High volatility because the Jokerizer mode risks wins for bigger hits.
  • Check the info panel for your version’s RTP. Provider: Yggdrasil.

Rainbow Riches: Pick’n’Mix (Barcrest/Light & Wonder) — Variable RTP by settings and stake. Some setups are high-97%+.

  • Rules and RTP change by market and options. Always read the game help.
  • Brand owner: Light & Wonder.

Jackpot 6000 (NetEnt) — RTP up to about 98.86% with optimal Supermeter play.

  • Very high volatility. Top RTP needs skill with the mode. Not always offered.
  • Provider: NetEnt.

Note on adjustable RTP: Many providers (for example, Pragmatic Play, Play’n GO, Red Tiger, and others) ship the same slot with choices like 96%, 95%, 94%, or even lower. A casino can pick one. You should always check inside the game before you play.

Table games with the best RTP

Table game RTP depends on rules and correct play. Small rule changes can move RTP a lot. Below are common numbers. Your table may differ. For deep math, see Wizard of Odds.

Blackjack

  • RTP can be about 99.5%–99.7% if you use basic strategy and rules are good (e.g., dealer stands on soft 17, doubling allowed, surrender sometimes).
  • Side bets (like Perfect Pairs) have much lower RTP and raise the house edge.
  • Learn basics here: Wizard of Odds: Blackjack.

Video Poker

  • 9/6 Jacks or Better has RTP around 99.54% with perfect play.
  • Some Deuces Wild paytables can be 99.7%+ or even over 100% in rare land-based cases, but those are very rare online.
  • Paytables matter a lot. Check this: Jacks or Better paytables.

Baccarat

  • Banker bet RTP is about 98.94% (house edge ~1.06%).
  • Player bet RTP is about 98.76%.
  • Tie is poor value with a much lower RTP. Avoid it.
  • More details: Wizard of Odds: Baccarat.

Craps

  • Pass Line RTP is about 98.59% (house edge ~1.41%).
  • Taking the Odds bet has 0% house edge. It lowers your overall edge on total action when added to Pass/Don’t bets.
  • Good guide: Wizard of Odds: Craps.

Roulette

  • European (single zero) RTP ~97.30%.
  • French with La Partage/En Prison on even money bets: RTP ~98.65% on those bets.
  • American (double zero) RTP ~94.74%. Try to avoid if you can choose European.
  • Learn more: Wizard of Odds: Roulette.

Even with a game that has a high RTP, it can still “cool” if you are playing for a short period of time. Why?

  • Pick good rules (single zero roulette, fair blackjack rules).
  • Use basic strategy for blackjack and proper holds for video poker.
  • Avoid side bets unless you play for fun and accept the lower RTP.

RTP is not everything: volatility, hit rate, and bankroll

A high RTP game can still feel “cold” in a short session. Here is why:

  • Volatility: High-volatility slots can go long with no big hit, then pay a large win. Low-volatility slots pay small wins more often.
  • Hit rate: A game can have a high RTP but a low hit rate. You will wait longer between wins.

Before you play:

  • Set a session budget. Only play what you can afford to lose.
  • Use small bet sizes so your bankroll lasts. Many pick 0.5–1% of bankroll per spin/hand.
  • Set a stop-loss and a time limit. Take breaks.
  • Pick games that fit your goal: long playtime (low volatility, high RTP) or a shot at a big hit (high volatility, accept swings).

How to verify RTP and casino fairness

Do this before you play:

  • Open the game and click the info or paytable button. Look for “RTP” or “theoretical return.”
  • Check the provider’s site for the game page or RTP policy (e.g., NetEnt, Relax Gaming, Playtech, Play’n GO, Red Tiger).
  • Look for a strong license: UKGC, MGA, New Jersey DGE, AGCO and iGaming Ontario, Kahnawake, and others in your area.
  • Check if games are tested by eCOGRA, GLI, or iTech Labs.
  • Read withdrawal rules and fees. Slow or unclear payouts are a red flag.

If you want a quick place with RTP notes, paytables, and license checks in one spot, see https://besterecensies.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://besterecensies.com. It keeps an eye on adjustable RTP versions and flags casinos that run below-default settings.

Common RTP myths

  • “High RTP means I will win today.” No. RTP is a long-run average. Short runs can be up or down.
  • “A betting system beats RTP.” No. Betting systems do not change the math or the house edge.
  • “All copies of a slot have the same RTP.” No. Many titles ship with 2–4 RTP settings.
  • “A license means the casino uses the highest RTP.” No. A license means legal and fair rules. It does not force the highest RTP setting.

Responsible gambling and legal notes

  • Only play if it is legal for you and you are of legal age in your location.
  • Set limits. If play stops being fun, stop.
  • Get help if you need it: BeGambleAware, GamCare, NCPG (US), or your local help line.

FAQs

What is a good RTP?

For slots, 96% is a common benchmark. Higher is better. For table games, many reach 98%–99% with the right rules and correct play.

Do higher RTP slots pay more often?

Not always. RTP is long-term payback. How often you win is the hit rate. Volatility also matters. A high RTP slot can still be swingy.

Which table game is best for beginners?

Baccarat (Banker bet) is simple and has a good RTP. Blackjack is also strong, but learn basic strategy first.

How do I find a game’s RTP?

Open the game, click the info or help icon, and look for “RTP” or “theoretical return.” You can also check the provider’s website.

Why does the same slot show different RTPs at different casinos?

Because many providers offer more than one RTP setting. Each casino can choose. Always check the info panel at your casino.

Can I improve RTP with strategy?

In slots, no. In blackjack and video poker, correct play can reach the stated RTP. Side bets usually lower RTP.

Are loyalty programs worth it?

They do not change RTP, but they can give cashback or perks. Read the terms and see if rewards fit your play style.

Sources and further reading

  • UKGC: Remote gambling and software technical standards (RTP rules)
  • Malta Gaming Authority
  • New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement
  • Gaming Laboratories International (GLI)
  • eCOGRA
  • iTech Labs
  • Wizard of Odds: Blackjack
  • Wizard of Odds: Roulette
  • Wizard of Odds: Baccarat
  • Wizard of Odds: Craps
  • Wizard of Odds: Jacks or Better paytables
  • NetEnt (provider)
  • Relax Gaming (provider)
  • Playtech (provider)
  • Thunderkick (provider)
  • Yggdrasil (provider)
  • Light & Wonder (provider)
  • BeGambleAware
  • National Council on Problem Gambling (US)
  • GamCare

Bottom line

RTP is a simple number that helps you choose smarter. Pick games with strong RTP and fair rules. Check the game’s own info panel because many titles have more than one version. Keep your bankroll safe and your sessions in control. If you want a shortcut to find RTP notes, license checks, and clear terms in one place, a review hub like https://besterecensies.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://besterecensies.com can save you time. Play legal, play safe, and treat any win as a bonus, not a plan.