House Edge vs RTP Explained

What Is Return to Player (RTP)?

Let's get started by explaining what you'll usually find with slots and other games at Canadian online casinos– RTP. RTP is an abbreviation for Return to Player, a percentage that gives you an idea of how much a specific casino game is expected to give back over time. Do note that this percentage doesn't apply to one player or a single gaming session, but to repeated plays over a long period.

Take The Godfather 3: Pillars of Fire slot by BGaming for example. This game has an RTP of 96.57%. This basically means that for every $100 wagered on the slot across many rounds, about $96.57 is expected back in the long run. There's no guarantee here, and you could still lose your stake on several spins, break even, or end up with more than your stake.

What Is the House Edge?

The house edge looks at a slot or table game from the perspective of the operator or online casino. It’s the percentage the casino is expected to keep from all wagers on that specific game over time. A lower house edge is favourable for players. But this figure applies across a large number of rounds and not just a single gaming session.

Using our earlier example, The Godfather 3: Pillars of Fire, its RTP of 96.57% means a house edge of 3.43%. You can get this number by subtracting 96.57% from 100%. So, for every $100 used to spin this slot, the online casino is expected to keep around $3.43. It doesn't mean this amount will be taken from your own $100 stake. It’s a cumulative estimate that's based on the wagers made across a large number of spins.

RTP Vs House Edge: Is There Any Difference?

RTP and house edge aren't quite the same, but they're linked since both are calculated using the same theoretical 100%. Just that they represent different perspectives. To make it even easier, we've put together a table that shows you the main differences between both at real-money online casinos.

Pros and Cons of RTP and House Edge

Pros and Cons

• Help you compare the performance of different games
• Show how games may perform over time
• Can be calculated from each other

• Neither predicts the result of a gaming session

Conclusion: RTP and House Edge Are Two Sides of the Same Coin

If you were curious about RTP and house edge, we hope this guide has explained each in simple terms. Return to Player and house edge have their distinct uses when you play online casino games.

RTP gives you a solid idea of the expected percentage game should give back, while the house edge indicates the percentage the casino is expected to retain from stakes on the specific game. One could call them two sides of the same coin, especially since they’re connected by the same theoretical 100%. So, now you know what to expect when you see either number, and you can make more informed decisions on which titles are worth playing.

RTP and House Edge FAQs

Gamble Responsibly

Playing at online sportsbooks, real money casinos, and sweepstakes sites should always be safe and enjoyable. Keep control of your activity by following responsible gambling guidelines such as:

Set a Budget:

Decide on a budget you’re comfortable with and stick to it. Once it’s gone, stop playing.

Don’t Chase Losses:

Trying to recover losses often leads to overspending.

Play with a Clear Head:

Avoid playing under the influence, or when angry, stressed, or tired.

Set Time Limits:

Take breaks and ensure gambling doesn’t cut into time with family or friends.

Know Your Stuff:

Learn the rules, bet types, odds, and payouts before playing to avoid mistakes.

Use Responsible Gambling Tools:

Make use of features like budget limits and self-exclusion.

If you or someone you know is struggling to gamble responsibly, these free, confidential resources can help:

Gamblers Anonymous

National Council on Problem Gambling

Gaming Addicts Anonymous

To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Mac Douglass as part of our fact-checking process.