RTP vs House Edge: Is There a Difference, and Does it Really Matter?

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Whether or not you consider yourself to have an affinity with numbers, some digits really do demand our attention. Alongside any game at any reputable casino, you’ll see a collection of game stats and insights published alongside. They’re not as flashy or as attention-grabbing as the game itself, but they’re there nonetheless – and any UK online casino aficionado knows who to use them, and why they matter.

Whether you’re a regular player who routinely brushes off those grids of game data or a complete beginner who’s got no idea whether that information is of vital importance or not, you need to stick around a while and let us talk you through two of the most important bits of info you could know: RTP and house edge.

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What is RTP?

RTP stands for Return to Player. It’s represented by a percentage – often high. Most slots have an RTP of 90% or higher since that’s what a lot of casual players are hoping for.

That percentage represents the average ROI of the game. So, 97% means that, on average, a player will win back 97% of their deposit. Put in £20, and you’ll get £19.70 on average. A lot of players will win bigger than that and leave the game with more than their initial deposit back in their pocket, but a portion of gamers will also have less luck.

The main thing you need to remember about RTP is that it’s an average, not a guarantee.

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What is House Edge?

This is the statistical advantage held by the house – or, in this instance, by the online casino.

We all know that casinos turn a profit. Caesar’s Palace isn’t built on hopes and wishes, and Macau didn’t get that glitzy on breaking even. Games are designed to deliver steady returns to the casino, but that doesn’t mean players don’t win, whether we’re talking about those small jackpots or those big, life-changing wins.

So, again, house edge is not a guarantee – it’s a calculation based on factors like probability, but it can’t account for every single possible outcome. That’s why games with even a considerable house edge still see winners. Luck is luck.

House edge is also typically represented as a percentage. The higher the percentage, the stronger the house edge. A lower house edge means you stand a higher chance of walking away lucky, but that also tends to mean that the potential winnings are lower.

In general, the higher the risk, the bigger the potential jackpot.

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Is RTP or House Edge More Important?

Both are essential stats for you to take into account, and, as you gain experience at these sites, you’ll start to figure out your ‘ideal range’ as a player. Some players prefer higher risks for the potential for higher payouts; others prefer to operate on a smaller scale, taking small wins alongside small losses.

If we had to pick between the two, RTP may just clinch it. Since RTP offers a broad-view perspective on the game’s average payouts, it touches upon the house edge.

Then again, it’s best to see everything from all sides, Since the best UK online slots will all be accompanied by both stats, it’s always worth taking a look and gradually figuring out where you stand on the spectrum.