Providers and RTP: who sets the return level
Providers and RTP: who sets the return level
What RTP is and why it matters
RTP (Return to Player) - theoretical percentage of return to the player. For example, with an RTP of 96% over a distance of millions of spins, players on average will get back 96% of all bets. RTP directly affects the perception of the game and long-term profitability for both casinos and players.
The role of the provider in the formation of RTP
The provider (software supplier) is the only one who develops and approves a mathematical model of the game. It is he:
Facts:
Casino Role in RTP Selection
Although the provider sets the parameters, it is the casino that chooses which version to use.
When the game is connected, the operator specifies the desired RTP within the available values.
The choice depends on the jurisdiction (somewhere the minimum RTP is tightly regulated) and the business model (the lower the RTP, the higher the profitability for the operator).
Therefore, on different sites, the same slot may have different RTP, although mathematics and honesty are guaranteed by the provider.
Role of regulators and jurisdictions
Legislatures set lower RTP thresholds:
In jurisdictions without strict regulation, casinos can connect the lowest versions of RTP.
Why one game has multiple RTP versions
Marketing and flexibility for casinos: Large venues choose "honest" 96% to gain trust.
Local requirements: somewhere the minimum RTP is limited, and it has to be reduced to 90-92%.
Operator economics: Low RTP increases margins but reduces player loyalty.
Example:
How to check RTP
1. Open the information panel of the game - honest providers always indicate RTP.
2. Compare with the official math-sheet - information is available on the websites of providers or from independent aggregators.
3. Check casino license - UKGC, MGA and others require accurate RTP.
4. Avoid gray areas - minimal versions can be used there without notifying players.
Result
The provider sets the RTP range and fixes it in the model.
The casino selects a specific version available in the jurisdiction.
The slider determines the minimum threshold and transparency of the display.
For the player, a reliable choice is to play only with operators who indicate RTP in the interface and cooperate with licensed providers.
What RTP is and why it matters
RTP (Return to Player) - theoretical percentage of return to the player. For example, with an RTP of 96% over a distance of millions of spins, players on average will get back 96% of all bets. RTP directly affects the perception of the game and long-term profitability for both casinos and players.
The role of the provider in the formation of RTP
The provider (software supplier) is the only one who develops and approves a mathematical model of the game. It is he:
- specifies the possible RTP levels;
- conducts simulations of billions of spins to confirm the result;
- sends the game for certification in the laboratory (eCOGRA, GLI, iTech Labs, BMM);
- releases official math-sheets with model descriptions.
Facts:
- The provider always offers several versions of RTP for one game (for example, 96%, 95%, 94%, 92%, 88%).
- All these versions are certified and honest, but differ in the expected benefit for the player.
- The player cannot change RTP - this is a fixed part of the mathematical model.
Casino Role in RTP Selection
Although the provider sets the parameters, it is the casino that chooses which version to use.
When the game is connected, the operator specifies the desired RTP within the available values.
The choice depends on the jurisdiction (somewhere the minimum RTP is tightly regulated) and the business model (the lower the RTP, the higher the profitability for the operator).
Therefore, on different sites, the same slot may have different RTP, although mathematics and honesty are guaranteed by the provider.
Role of regulators and jurisdictions
Legislatures set lower RTP thresholds:
- UK (UKGC) - requires transparent RTP display in the game client.
- Malta (MGA) - obliges the provider to provide all available versions for certification.
- Sweden, Denmark - set minimum limits (usually not lower than 85-90%).
- Netherlands - tightly control the honesty of math-sheets.
In jurisdictions without strict regulation, casinos can connect the lowest versions of RTP.
Why one game has multiple RTP versions
Marketing and flexibility for casinos: Large venues choose "honest" 96% to gain trust.
Local requirements: somewhere the minimum RTP is limited, and it has to be reduced to 90-92%.
Operator economics: Low RTP increases margins but reduces player loyalty.
Example:
- Pragmatic Play's Sweet Bonanza has versions of: 96.51 %/95.45 %/94.50 %/91.59%. Everyone is honest, but the player's experience is changing markedly.
How to check RTP
1. Open the information panel of the game - honest providers always indicate RTP.
2. Compare with the official math-sheet - information is available on the websites of providers or from independent aggregators.
3. Check casino license - UKGC, MGA and others require accurate RTP.
4. Avoid gray areas - minimal versions can be used there without notifying players.
Result
The provider sets the RTP range and fixes it in the model.
The casino selects a specific version available in the jurisdiction.
The slider determines the minimum threshold and transparency of the display.
For the player, a reliable choice is to play only with operators who indicate RTP in the interface and cooperate with licensed providers.
