What Is RTP? How It Affects Your Casino Winnings & Game Selection

When playing online casino games, understanding Return to Player (RTP) can help you make smarter betting decisions and increase your chances of winning. RTP is a key factor in game selection, influencing how much a game pays back to players over time.
For Filipino players, knowing the difference between high RTP slots, live dealer RTP rates, and progressive jackpot RTPs is essential when choosing where to play—especially at PAGCOR-licensed casinos and internationally regulated platforms under UKGC and MGA.
This guide explains how RTP works, the best high RTP casino games, and how volatility affects your overall winnings.
What Is RTP? Understanding the Basics
1. Definition of Return to Player (RTP)
RTP, or Return to Player, represents the percentage of total bets a game returns to players over time. It is calculated based on millions of spins or hands played.
For example, a slot with a 96% RTP means that, on average, it will return ₱96 for every ₱100 wagered. However, results vary in the short term due to randomness.
2. How RTP Relates to House Edge
The house edge is the casino’s advantage over players. It is calculated as:
House Edge = 100% – RTP
Example: If a game has an RTP of 97%, the house edge is 3%.
Best Choice: Lower house edge = better odds for players.
High RTP vs. Low RTP Games: Which Should You Play?
1. High RTP Casino Games (Best for Consistent Winnings)
High RTP games return more money to players over time, making them ideal for players looking for longer gameplay and better odds.
Best High RTP Games in PH Online Casinos:
- Mega Joker (99%) – One of the highest RTP slots
- Blood Suckers (98%) – A popular low-volatility slot
- Blackjack (99.5%) – Best RTP among table games
- Baccarat (98.76%) – One of the lowest house edges in casinos
- European Roulette (97.3%) – Better odds than American Roulette
2. Low RTP Games (Higher Risk, Bigger Payouts)
Some games have low RTP but high payouts, making them riskier but potentially more rewarding.
Examples of Low RTP Games:
- Progressive Jackpot Slots (Usually 88%-92% RTP)
- American Roulette (94.74% RTP) (Higher house edge due to double zero)
Best Choice: For steady wins, choose high RTP games. For big wins, go for progressive jackpots.
How Volatility Affects RTP & Winnings
1. Understanding Volatility (Variance) in RTP Games
Volatility determines how often and how much a game pays out:
Volatility Type | Payout Frequency | Win Size | Best for Players Who… |
Low Volatility | Frequent wins | Small payouts | Prefer longer playtime |
Medium Volatility | Balanced wins | Medium payouts | Want steady but bigger wins |
High Volatility | Rare wins | Large payouts | Want jackpot-style prizes |
Example:
- Low Volatility Game: Blood Suckers Slot (98% RTP, frequent small wins)
- High Volatility Game: Mega Moolah (88% RTP, rare but massive jackpots)
Live Dealer Games & RTP: What to Expect
1. Best RTP for Live Casino Games
Live casino games, streamed from PAGCOR, UKGC, or MGA-licensed studios, offer some of the best RTPs.
Top Live Casino Games with High RTP:
- Live Blackjack (99.5% RTP) – Best odds with perfect strategy
- Live Baccarat (98.76% RTP) – Popular among high rollers
- Live European Roulette (97.3% RTP) – Better RTP than American Roulette
Best Choice: Play Live Dealer Blackjack for the highest RTP.
How Casinos Adjust RTP & Fair Play Regulations
1. RNG & eCOGRA Certification for Fair RTP
Online casinos must regularly test their RTPs through independent agencies like:
- eCOGRA (eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation & Assurance)
- Gaming Laboratories International (GLI)
- iTech Labs
Tip: Only play at casinos that display their eCOGRA certification to ensure fair play and accurate RTPs.
2. PAGCOR, UKGC, & MGA Licensing Requirements
Casinos licensed by PAGCOR, UKGC, and MGA must:
- Publish accurate RTP rates
- Undergo independent RTP audits
- Offer games with certified RNG fairness
Best PAGCOR & International Casinos for High RTP Games
1. Top PAGCOR-Licensed Casinos (Philippines)
- PHBet Casino – Offers Live Dealer Blackjack & High RTP Slots
- Swerte Gaming Casino – Features 98%+ RTP slots & fast withdrawals
- JILino1 Casino – Includes European Roulette & Baccarat with low house edge
2. Best UKGC & MGA-Licensed Casinos for High RTP Games
- 888Casino – Known for Mega Joker (99% RTP) & Live Blackjack
- Betway Casino – Offers eCOGRA-certified slots & table games
- LeoVegas Casino – Mobile-friendly RTP-tested slot games
FAQs About RTP in Online Casinos
1. What is a good RTP for casino games?
96%+ RTP is considered good, while 98%+ is excellent.
2. How can I find the RTP of a casino game?
RTP is usually displayed in the game info section or on the casino’s website.
3. Do progressive jackpot slots have lower RTP?
Yes. Jackpot slots have lower RTP (88%-92%) because part of the bets go into the prize pool.
4. Can casinos change the RTP of their games?
Some casinos adjust RTP within allowed ranges—always check eCOGRA-certified sites for fairness.
5. What RTP games are best for beginners?
Low volatility, high RTP slots (like Blood Suckers) or Live Blackjack with basic strategy.
Final Verdict: How to Use RTP to Your Advantage
Choose games with 96%+ RTP for better chances of winning.
Play low-volatility games for frequent, smaller wins.
Stick to eCOGRA-certified casinos for fair RTP rates.
Use bankroll management & betting strategies for longer gameplay.
Disclaimer
This article is published by MerryPH Gaming, an independent iGaming content platform. MerryPH Gaming is not affiliated with any casino operators but provides unbiased reviews. Always gamble responsibly and verify casino terms before depositing money.

Devin Scott is a seasoned Technology Expert with over 10 years of experience in mobile software development, specializing in iOS applications, digital security, and online casino technologies. Having worked with leading gaming platforms and app developers, Devin possesses in-depth knowledge of mobile gaming trends, secure payment systems, and innovative software solutions tailored for the evolving online casino landscape.