In the world of casino gaming, Return to Player (RTP) is the single most important statistic you can track. It represents the percentage of all wagered money a game will pay back to players over time. A game with an RTP of 98% theoretically returns £98 for every £100 wagered, leaving the house edge at just 2%. Understanding RTP empowers you to make smarter choices, maximize your playtime, and improve your chances of coming out ahead.
I’ve spent years testing a wide range of games—from classic table offerings to the latest video slots—to uncover which ones truly deliver the highest RTP. Along the way, I’ve discovered that not all high-RTP titles are easy to find at domestic sites, and that some players turn to non GamStop casinos for broader selections and better bonus terms. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to real-money play, knowing where the best returns lie can make all the difference.
When researching RTP figures and game reviews, I often reference industry resources and expert analyses on sites like to ensure accuracy and depth. Armed with that data, let’s dive into the games that offer you the best bang for your buck.
Understanding RTP and House Edge
Return to Player (RTP) is calculated over millions of spins or hands. It’s not a guarantee of short-term winnings but a long-term expectation. A high RTP reduces the casino’s built-in advantage—known as the house edge—so games with 98–99% RTP give you a much slimmer disadvantage than those with 90–95%.
Several factors influence RTP:
Game mechanics: Simpler games with fewer features often have higher RTP, since there are fewer “extra” bets that skew the edge in the casino’s favor.
Betting options: Some games let you choose bets with different payback rates. For instance, inside bets in roulette have lower RTP than outside bets.
Software provider: Top-tier developers like NetEnt, Microgaming, and Playtech consistently offer high-RTP versions of their titles to stay competitive.
In the sections below, we’ll explore specific games—slots, table games, and video poker—that routinely top the RTP charts.
Slots with the Highest RTP
While many slots advertise flashy features and massive jackpots, a handful stand out for their exceptionally high payback rates. Keep in mind that volatility (variance) can be high, so you might experience long droughts before hitting a big win. Here are some top contenders:
• Ugga Bugga (Playtech) – RTP 99.07%
Ugga Bugga’s tribal theme belies its generous RTP. With 10 independent reels and vote-on bonus features, this game’s unusual layout doesn’t affect its stellar payback rate.
• Mega Joker (NetEnt) – RTP up to 99%
A classic fruit machine simulation, Mega Joker offers a progressive mystery jackpot and a Supermeter mode. By playing maximum coins in Supermeter, you unlock near-perfect RTP.
• Jackpot 6000 (NetEnt) – RTP up to 98.8%
Similar to Mega Joker, this retro slot delivers great payback if you activate the Supermeter. Its straightforward mechanics make it easy to track your wins and losses.
• Blood Suckers (NetEnt) – RTP 98%
A vampire-themed adventure with low volatility, Blood Suckers appeals to players seeking steady wins and a high theoretical return.
• White Rabbit Megaways (Big Time Gaming) – RTP 97.72%
Although slightly lower, this Megaways title compensates with huge win potential. It’s a solid choice if you balance play style between volatility and RTP.
Blackjack Variants: The King of RTP
Table games—especially blackjack—offer some of the best theoretical returns when played with optimal strategy. Standard blackjack rules allow for an RTP of 99.5% or higher.
• Single-Deck Blackjack – RTP ~99.6%
With only one deck, players can track cards and adjust strategy accordingly. Rule variations (e.g., dealer stands on soft 17) can push RTP even higher.
• European Blackjack – RTP ~99.4%
Although restricted compared to American blackjack, European rules often include player-friendly options like doubling after splits.
• Blackjack Switch – RTP ~99.3%
This variant lets you swap the top cards between two hands, improving average returns. Just be mindful of the special push rule on dealer 22.
To achieve these returns, you must follow basic strategy charts—adhering to mathematically optimal decisions on hitting, standing, splitting, and doubling.
Video Poker: Skill Meets RTP
Video poker blends slot simplicity with card-game strategy, yielding some of the industry’s highest RTPs when you play perfect strategy.
• Jacks or Better – RTP up to 99.54%
The full-pay version (“9/6 Jacks or Better”) pays 9:1 on full house and 6:1 on flushes. Small mistakes on draws can eat into that edge, so review strategy charts carefully.
• Deuces Wild – RTP up to 100.76%
In this version, all twos act as wild cards. The theoretical RTP exceeds 100%, but beware that casinos often adjust pay tables to bring them back below break-even for players.
• Double Bonus Poker – RTP ~99.1%
This game rewards four-of-a-kind hands more generously. Look for the “DB” pay table to ensure you’re getting the best returns.
Roulette and Baccarat: Low Variance Options
If you prefer simplicity, both roulette and baccarat offer respectable RTP with minimal learning curves.
• European Roulette – RTP 97.3%
With a single zero, European roulette halves the house edge compared to American variants. Stick to even-money bets or column/dozen wagers for the highest returns.
• French Roulette – RTP 98.65%
The “la partage” rule returns half your even-money bet when zero hits. If you can find a French roulette table, this is your best bet for low variance.
• Baccarat – RTP ~98.94%
Betting on the banker yields the lowest house edge (1.06%), while player bets carry about 1.24%. The tie bet is lucrative but risky—house edge exceeds 14%.
Impact of Volatility on Your RTP Experience
High RTP doesn’t guarantee immediate wins. Volatility dictates the distribution of outcomes:
Low volatility: Frequent small wins keep your balance stable but limit big payouts (e.g., many video poker and blackjack games).
High volatility: Long dry spells punctuated by massive wins (e.g., jackpot slots).
To optimize your experience, match game volatility to your bankroll and time horizon. If you have a smaller budget, low-volatility, high-RTP games like blackjack or Jacks or Better are ideal.
Where to Find High RTP Titles at non GamStop casinos
For players in the UK seeking broader RTP options beyond locally regulated sites, non GamStop casinos can offer a wider selection of high-payback titles and lucrative bonus offers. Many such operators partner directly with premium software developers to ensure RTP transparency and timely payouts. When choosing a site, check independent auditing reports and pay tables directly within each game’s information section to confirm the advertised RTP.
Tips to Maximize Your Return
Even with the best games, your results hinge on smart play:
Study strategy charts: For blackjack and video poker, memorizing basic strategy is non-negotiable.
Set betting limits: Manage your bankroll to ride out variance without chasing losses.
Claim sensible bonuses: Check wagering requirements carefully—high RTP games let you clear bonuses more efficiently.
Track your session: Use a simple journal or spreadsheet to log wins, losses, and playtime.
Real-World Example: My Blackjack Marathon
Last summer, I dedicated a weekend to testing six single-deck blackjack tables at a non GamStop site. Starting with £500, I played £25 per hand and strictly followed basic strategy. Over 100 hands, I ended with £525—just above break-even but comfortably within expected variance. More importantly, I confirmed that consistent strategy and game choice really do drive that 99.6% RTP.
Conclusion
Return to Player is your roadmap in the casino jungle. By focusing on games with the highest RTP—be they slots like Ugga Bugga or classic table games like blackjack and video poker—you tilt the odds in your favor. Pair that knowledge with disciplined bankroll management, and you’ll not only enjoy your sessions more but also maximize your long-term returns.
