by For years, many online slots developers released games with a single RTP figure. The majority didn’t allow online casinos to request a different payout percentage than what was given.
These days, though, more slots providers are giving their casino partners flexibility. The result is payout percentages that can vary greatly from one casino to the next,
It might seem harmless for online slots providers to give casinos options regarding RTP. As you’ll see in the following post, though, this trend is becoming a problem for players.
What is Variable Slots RTP?
Variable RTP means that a game’s payout percentage is different across a variety of casinos. A certain slot might feature 96.5% RTP at one online casino and 95% payback at the next.
Some developers provide a list of RTP options to casino partners. Their associated casinos can then choose an option for each game.
Here’s an example on variable payout percentages:
- 3% RTP
- 25%
- 2%
- 3%
- 5%
The number of options that gaming sites have to choose from varies based on the developer. Generally speaking, they may have 3-5 RTP options to pick from.
Of course, not all slots providers let casinos choose from a list of payout percentages. Some still only offer one RTP figure per game across every casino it supplies. A growing number of providers, however, do let casino customers choose from different payback figures.
Variable Payback Used to Only Be in Land-Based Casinos
Variable RTP used to be relegated to brick-and-mortar casinos and developers. Land-based casinos have been able to choose from different payout percentages for years.
This is a big reason why very little information exists on RTP for land-based slot machines. It’s hard to pinpoint a figure when RTP can change from one casino to the next.
Why Varying Payout Percentages Is a Problem
The concept of giving casinos the ability to choose between different payback settings isn’t inherently wrong. Developer should be willing to work with their casino partners on things like slots RTP.
The problem, though, is that these different settings move downward. I’m not seeing developers that offer 98%, 97.3%, 96.2%, 94.5% and 93% payback. Instead, I’m seeing examples like this:
- 28% RTP
- 24%
- 24%
- 28%
- 28%
Perhaps regulation costs are cutting into slots providers’ and casinos’ bottom lines. After all, more regulated online gaming markets exist than ever before.
These markets require licensing fees and, oftentimes, high taxes. Online operators might seeking lower payout percentages to help offset these costs.
What You Can Do to Still Enjoy High RTP
#1 Check the Info Screen
Many slots developers list their RTP within the info screen. You may already be used to checking for payback in this section.
With all of the variable payout percentages of today, though, you especially want to be looking at the info section. This way, you’ll figure out if a certain online casino is offering lower-than-average RTP.
Unfortunately, not all slots providers list payout percentages. In these cases, you can either go into the matter blind or simply avoid playing that developer’s games.
#2 Avoid Casinos that Choose Lower Settings
Assuming you play slots at multiple online casinos, you might notice that one gaming site consistently offers lower payback than the rest. This operator is likely choosing lower payback when given the option.
Thanks to numerous mobile casinos throughout the industry, you don’t have to settle for lower chances of winning. Instead, you can take your business elsewhere.
You might even consider taking notes on different mobile casinos and their payback figures. These notes will help you determine which gaming sites offer the best RTP on average.
#3 Read Online Slots Reviews
Mobile slots developers don’t advertise that they let internet casinos choose from different payout percentages. Instead, these decisions are made between the associated parties.
However, online slots providers don’t hide this information either. By looking closely into the matter, you can see if a developer has variable payback for games.
Of course, you may not feel like digging through slots providers’ websites to find this info. You might instead appreciate the convenience of slots reviews.
The best review sites indicate when an online slot has varying RTP. They cut down on the work for you by providing potential payback figures somewhere within the review.
#4 Avoid Developers with Varying RTP Settings
Unfortunately, some of the top gaming providers feature multiple payout percentages. These RTP figures generally start around 96% and move downward.
You may like a particular developer’s slots, but you still don’t have to play them. If you’re unhappy with lower RTP settings, you can vote with your bankroll and play other providers’ games.
Plenty of online developers still offer uniform payout percentages for each slot they release. You might consider these providers if you’re really serious about consistently high payout percentages.
Will This Trend Continue in Gaming?
As a mobile slots player, you definitely want the best chance to win. Online slots typically outperform their land-based counterparts in the RTP department.
However, you may no longer be able to take it for granted that internet slots pay more. The lower RTP options now offered by many developers are threatening to lower the industry average.
Some of These Payout Percentages Go as Low as 84%
As discussed earlier, some developers and online casinos may be trying to compensate for increasing regulatory costs.
With more markets now regulating online gaming, developers and casinos must pay extra licensing fees. They may be passing these costs off to customers through lower RTP.
Perhaps this trend will level out whenever a balance is struck between licensing fees and profits. Some gaming jurisdictions may lighten up on fees and taxes if their operators are struggling.
For the time being, though, I expect more developers to offer lower RTP options. This scenario obviously doesn’t benefit players, but it appears likely moving forward.
