What RTP mean for casino games not just slot machine?

Unpacking Return to Player in Table Games and Beyond Slots

Emily Davis
2025-09-07
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Hey there, casino fans! When you hear about RTP, or Return to Player, what game comes to your mind first? Most likely, it's slot machines, right? Everybody talks about slot RTPs, like "this slot has 96% RTP." And yes, for slots, this number is super important for understand how much you might get back over time. But you know what? RTP is not only for slot machine fun. It's actually a concept that applies to almost every single casino game RTP out there, including the classic table game RTP values that many players overlook. It's like a secret weapon for smart players!


So, what exactly is RTP? Simply put, it's a percentage that shows the theoretical amount of money a game will pay back to players over a very long period of play. For example, if a game has 97% RTP, it means for every $100 bet, the game is expected to return $97 to players, keeping $3 for the casino (this is the house edge). Important thing to remember, this is a theoretical average, not a guarantee for your short session. Your personal results can be very different, luck plays a big part in short term, but long term, RTP is the boss.

While slots shout their RTP numbers often, other games, especially table games, don't always display it so openly. But it's there, and it's just as important for understanding your odds. For table game RTP, it can be a little more complex because player skill can influence the outcome. Unlike slots where you just press a button, in games like blackjack, your decisions affect the house edge and, by extension, your personal RTP.


Let's look at some popular table games and see how RTP works for them. You might be surprised how much knowing this can change your game plan.

When you think about a high casino game RTP, blackjack often comes to mind. Why? Because it's one of the few games where your decisions directly impact the game's outcome. The blackjack RTP can be incredibly high, sometimes over 99%, if you play with optimal strategy. This means if you play "perfectly," making the mathematically correct decision for every hand, the casino's advantage is very small.


Of course, not everyone plays perfectly. Small mistakes, like hitting when you should stand, or splitting when you shouldn't, increase the house edge and lower your effective RTP. This is why learning basic blackjack strategy is so valuable. It helps you get as close as possible to that high theoretical blackjack RTP. Many guides and charts are available for free to help you master this. Don't just sit and play; learn a little bit first!

Roulette is another classic where casino game RTP is very clear, but it depends on which version of the game you play. This is where roulette RTP comes into play, and it's a big difference between American and European wheels.

  • European Roulette: This wheel has a single zero (0). The house edge is 2.70%, which means the roulette RTP is approximately 97.3%. This is a quite good RTP for a game of pure chance.
  • American Roulette: This wheel has a single zero (0) and a double zero (00). That extra pocket almost doubles the house edge to 5.26%, making the roulette RTP around 94.74%.

See the difference? Just choosing the right wheel can significantly improve your roulette RTP. Always pick European roulette if you have the option! It's an easy way to boost your odds without any skill involved.

RTP is present in nearly all other table game RTP too:

  • Baccarat: This game often boasts one of the highest RTPs among table games, especially when betting on the Banker hand. The Banker bet typically has an RTP around 98.94% (after commission), making it a very favorable option for players.
  • Video Poker: Similar to blackjack, video poker games have very high RTPs, often exceeding 99% if played with optimal strategy. Each specific video poker variant (like Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild) has its own paytable and associated optimal RTP. It's crucial to find the games with the best paytables for the highest return.
  • Craps: While craps can seem complicated, some bets offer excellent RTPs, like the Pass/Don't Pass and Come/Don't Come bets, often around 98.64% (meaning a house edge of 1.36%). However, other "prop" bets on the table can have a much lower RTP, so knowing which bets to make is key.

For every casino game RTP, it's about making smart choices, not just blindly playing. Knowing the game's rules and optimal strategies can really help to maximize your chances of seeing that higher theoretical return.

Understanding casino game RTP, whether for slots, blackjack RTP, roulette RTP, or any other table game RTP, empowers you as a player. It helps you to:

  • Choose Better Games: You can select games with higher RTPs, giving you a better theoretical chance to win back more of your money over time.
  • Manage Expectations: Knowing the RTP helps you understand the long-term reality of playing any casino game. You'll know that the casino always has an edge, but some edges are smaller than others.
  • Play Smarter: For skill-based games, knowing how strategy affects RTP encourages you to learn and improve, turning you into a more informed and potentially more successful player.

Don't just play for fun (though that's important too!). Play with knowledge. The more you understand how these games work, the more you can enjoy your time at the casino, knowing you're making the best choices possible.

So, next time someone talks about RTP, remember it's not just a slot machine thing. It's a fundamental concept for all casino game RTP, from the spinning wheel of roulette RTP to the strategic decisions in blackjack RTP, and across all table game RTP options. By knowing what RTP means for each game, you can approach the casino floor with a clearer mind and better strategy. Good luck and happy playing!