Variable Online Slots RTP – Why This Is A Big Problem
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 clots 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 form.
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.
More Online Developers Are Now Featuring RTP Options
Variable payout percentages are no longer limited to the land-based gaming industry. Instead, more and more developers are now rolling out payback options.
Play’n GO and Nolimit City, for example, have engaged in this practice for a while. Both let casino operators choose from a variety of RTP settings. Besides that, Hacksaw Gaming started doing this too. Previously, Hacksaw was only offering one RTP figure per game.
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’ 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.
What You Can Do to Still Enjoy High RTP?
You don’t have to accept whatever payout percentages an online casino offers. Instead, you can take the following steps to ensure that you enjoy higher payback.
#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.
#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.
Conclusion
More and more slots developers are offering variable RTP options to mobile casinos. Gaming sites can now choose payouts percentages that are less than 90% if they feel like it.
You certainly want to avoid any site that offers payback this low. That said, you should always check slots’ info screens whenever playing at a new online casino. You may discover that a certain developer often chooses lower payback. In this case, you can simply move on to another casino with more favorable payout percentages.
I don’t look for slots providers and online casinos to stop this trend any time soon. Luckily, though, you can still find plenty of games with 96% RTP and above.

