RTP comparison between old and new NetEnt slots
Introduction
NetEnt is traditionally considered one of the developers with the most stable and honest RTP settings. However, careful analysis shows that in the old slots of the company (2000-2010s), the level of return to the player was often higher than in modern releases. This is due to both the change in the industry and the new requirements of operators and regulators.
1. RTP in classic NetEnt slots
NetEnt's classic hits, which built the company's reputation, featured generous RTP scores.
Starburst (2012) — RTP 96,09%.
Blood Suckers (2009) - RTP 98%, one of the highest for the industry.
Jack Hammer (2010) — RTP 97%.
Gonzo’s Quest (2011) — RTP 95,97%.
The peculiarity of early projects was that NetEnt was focused on attracting players through honest mathematics and high returns, even if such indicators reduced operators' profits.
2. RTP in new NetEnt slots
Modern releases (2018-2025) show a different trend. RTP has become lower on average:
Moreover, in recent years, variable RTP models are increasingly common. Depending on the casino, the slot can be presented with RTP of 96%, 95% or even 92%. This allows operators to adjust the math to their strategy, but reduces transparency for players.
3. Reasons for reduced RTP
Main factors:
4. Impact on players
In the old slots, the player could count on a more stable return.
In new releases, the stake is placed on dynamics, entertainment and large potential winnings, but with a lower frequency.
Players in Australia should take into account that RTP is not the same in all casinos: you need to check the values in the "Information" or "Paytable" menu.
5. Direct comparison examples
Blood Suckers (2009) - 98% vs. Street Fighter II (2020) - 96.06%.
Jack Hammer (2010) - 97% vs. Twin Spin Megaways (2020) - 96.04%.
Starburst (2012) - 96.09% versus Narcos (2019) - 96.23% (stability example).
It is noticeable that the difference between the "old" and "new" slots ranges from 1-2%, but at a distance this significantly affects the result.
Conclusion
The old NetEnt slots featured generous RTP and simplicity of mechanics, while modern releases are focused on entertainment, innovative features and brand collaboration. As a result, the average RTP decreased slightly, and for players the role of choosing a specific casino has increased, since variable models allow operators to reduce returns. For Australian users, this means: always check RTP in a specific version of the slot before starting the game and consider the balance between volatility and return.
NetEnt is traditionally considered one of the developers with the most stable and honest RTP settings. However, careful analysis shows that in the old slots of the company (2000-2010s), the level of return to the player was often higher than in modern releases. This is due to both the change in the industry and the new requirements of operators and regulators.
1. RTP in classic NetEnt slots
NetEnt's classic hits, which built the company's reputation, featured generous RTP scores.
Starburst (2012) — RTP 96,09%.
Blood Suckers (2009) - RTP 98%, one of the highest for the industry.
Jack Hammer (2010) — RTP 97%.
Gonzo’s Quest (2011) — RTP 95,97%.
The peculiarity of early projects was that NetEnt was focused on attracting players through honest mathematics and high returns, even if such indicators reduced operators' profits.
2. RTP in new NetEnt slots
Modern releases (2018-2025) show a different trend. RTP has become lower on average:
- Dead or Alive 2 (2019) - RTP 96.8%, but high volatility makes returns less predictable.
- Narcos (2019) — RTP 96,23%.
- Street Fighter II: The World Warrior Slot (2020) — RTP 96,06%.
- Divine Fortune Megaways (2020) — RTP 96,06%.
- Twin Spin Megaways (2020) — RTP 96,04%.
Moreover, in recent years, variable RTP models are increasingly common. Depending on the casino, the slot can be presented with RTP of 96%, 95% or even 92%. This allows operators to adjust the math to their strategy, but reduces transparency for players.
3. Reasons for reduced RTP
Main factors:
- Commercial pressure: Casinos require lower RTPs to increase margins.
- Rising competition: Developers are being forced to focus more on visuals, licensed brands and complex bonuses, driving up the cost of games.
- Regulation: Some jurisdictions impose restrictions that indirectly affect RTP.
- The popularity of alternative mechanics: Megaways, Cluster Pays, etc. sometimes suggest balancing towards volatility rather than maximum RTP.
4. Impact on players
In the old slots, the player could count on a more stable return.
In new releases, the stake is placed on dynamics, entertainment and large potential winnings, but with a lower frequency.
Players in Australia should take into account that RTP is not the same in all casinos: you need to check the values in the "Information" or "Paytable" menu.
5. Direct comparison examples
Blood Suckers (2009) - 98% vs. Street Fighter II (2020) - 96.06%.
Jack Hammer (2010) - 97% vs. Twin Spin Megaways (2020) - 96.04%.
Starburst (2012) - 96.09% versus Narcos (2019) - 96.23% (stability example).
It is noticeable that the difference between the "old" and "new" slots ranges from 1-2%, but at a distance this significantly affects the result.
Conclusion
The old NetEnt slots featured generous RTP and simplicity of mechanics, while modern releases are focused on entertainment, innovative features and brand collaboration. As a result, the average RTP decreased slightly, and for players the role of choosing a specific casino has increased, since variable models allow operators to reduce returns. For Australian users, this means: always check RTP in a specific version of the slot before starting the game and consider the balance between volatility and return.
