If you’ve ever sat down at a casino table or spun the reels of a slot machine, you’ve probably heard of RTP—Return-to-Player. It’s one of the most important metrics to understand if you want to get the most value from your gambling sessions. RTP is essentially a percentage that tells you how much a game is designed to pay back to players over the long run. For example, a game with a 97% RTP will return, on average, £97 for every £100 wagered. Of course, the keyword here is “on average,” since short-term outcomes can be vastly different.
But which casino games actually offer the highest RTP? Let’s dive into the details, explore how RTP works across different games, and see where you stand the best chance of stretching your bankroll.
Understanding RTP and House Edge
Before breaking down the best games, it’s important to understand the relationship between RTP and house edge. They’re two sides of the same coin. If a game has an RTP of 98%, that means its house edge is 2%. The higher the RTP, the lower the house edge, and the better your long-term chances of winning—or at least minimizing losses.
Many casual players overlook RTP, focusing instead on flashy graphics or jackpot prizes. But serious gamblers know that chasing higher RTP games is a smarter strategy. This is one reason why some players explore platforms like non gamstop casinos, which often feature a wider selection of high-RTP titles not always available under strict UK regulations.
Blackjack: A Player’s Favorite
If you’re looking for games with consistently high RTP, blackjack should be at the top of your list. Depending on the variation and rules in place, the RTP can range from 98% to over 99.5% when played with optimal strategy. Unlike pure chance games, blackjack rewards skill, decision-making, and strategy. Factors such as the number of decks, dealer rules, and payout ratios for blackjack hands all impact the RTP.
For example, single-deck blackjack with a 3:2 payout on natural blackjacks offers one of the best RTPs in the entire casino. On the other hand, side bets often reduce the RTP significantly, so sticking to the core game is usually the smarter choice.
Video Poker: Skill Meets High RTP
Video poker is another game known for offering excellent RTP. Variants like Jacks or Better can reach up to 99.54% RTP when played with perfect strategy. The catch is that most players don’t play perfectly, and even small mistakes can lower the expected return.
Other popular variations such as Deuces Wild and Double Bonus Poker also have high RTPs, sometimes exceeding 100% in very rare cases when factoring in promotions or rewards programs. Casinos rely on the fact that few players master these strategies, but for those who do, video poker offers one of the best values.
European Roulette vs. American Roulette
Roulette is one of the most iconic casino games, but the version you play makes a huge difference in RTP. European Roulette, which has a single zero, offers an RTP of 97.3%. American Roulette, with its additional double zero, drops the RTP to 94.74%. That small change dramatically increases the house edge.
For players who enjoy the thrill of roulette, sticking to European (or even French Roulette, which offers rules like La Partage that further improve RTP) is the smarter choice. Over the long run, that extra percentage point makes a big difference.
Baccarat: A Simple but Favorable Game
Baccarat is a game of elegance and simplicity, often associated with high rollers. Despite its glamorous reputation, it’s one of the most player-friendly games in terms of RTP. Betting on the banker hand typically gives you around 98.94% RTP, making it one of the best bets in the casino. The player hand isn’t far behind, with around 98.76% RTP.
The only bet you should avoid is the tie bet, which looks tempting due to its high payout but carries an RTP of around 85%, making it one of the worst bets in the casino.
Slots: A Mixed Bag
Slot machines are by far the most popular casino games, but their RTPs can vary widely. On average, online slots range between 94% and 97%, while land-based machines often sit lower. However, some online slots, particularly those designed by top software providers, offer RTPs above 98%.
The problem with slots is variance. Even a high-RTP slot can drain your bankroll quickly if it has a high volatility design. That means long stretches of small or no wins before hitting a significant payout. For casual fun, slots are fine, but for maximizing your return, table games usually offer better odds.
Poker: Player Skill Takes the Lead
Traditional poker games, like Texas Hold’em, don’t have a fixed RTP in the same way as casino-operated games. Instead, your “house edge” comes in the form of rake, the small percentage the casino takes from each pot. This means your return depends heavily on your skill compared to other players.
For skilled poker players, RTP can essentially exceed 100% over time, since you’re playing against other individuals rather than the house. But for beginners, poker can be punishing, as mistakes compound quickly.
Why RTP Shouldn’t Be Your Only Consideration
While RTP is a crucial metric, it shouldn’t be the only factor in choosing which casino game to play. Personal enjoyment, skill level, and bankroll management are equally important. For instance, someone may prefer the excitement of slots despite their lower RTP, while another player may find the calculated decisions in blackjack more rewarding.
It’s also important to remember that RTP is calculated over millions of plays. In the short term, anything can happen. You could sit down at a 99% RTP game and lose quickly, while someone else hits a massive win on a 95% RTP slot.
Final Thoughts
So, which casino games have the highest Return-to-Player? Blackjack, video poker, and baccarat rank among the best, with roulette (European or French) also offering strong value compared to other options. Slots, while entertaining and potentially lucrative in the short term, generally don’t compete in RTP with skill-based or table games.
If you’re looking to maximize your chances, learn basic strategies for blackjack or video poker, and always choose the version of a game that offers the best odds. And remember: gambling should always be seen as entertainment first, not a guaranteed way to make money. RTP gives you insight into the long game, but in the moment, luck still reigns supreme.
