Whether you’re a sports bettor or a casino game fan, a beginner or a newcomer, understanding all about the RTP or Return to Player percentage is essential. RTP is a theoretical figure that tells you how much of your stake money will be paid back to you over time, so the higher the figure, the better.
Slot machines may be the most popular games at most casinos but the highest payouts at online casinos are usually found with table games, which tend to offer much higher RTPs, particularly when played with an optimal strategy. In this article we will take a closer look at which games provide the best return, and how to fine tune your strategy to get the most out of them.
Why RTP Is Important
The RTP figure is basically the inverse of the house edge. This means you can work out the house edge in a game by deducting the RTP figure from 100. So, if a game has an RTP of 99%, you can calculate that the house edge is 1%. All casino games will have a house edge of some kind, which is how the casino makes its profit, but if you want to ensure you get the most out of your casino play, choosing games with the highest RTP is the best way to prolong the fun.
Blackjack
Blackjack is the best casino game for high RTP. In fact, if you’re playing with perfect strategy, some versions of this game give you an RTP as high as 99.6%. The best versions to focus on are games like Classic Blackjack or European Blackjack, which allow doubling after splits and which also have a rule requiring the dealer to stand on soft 17.
It’s important to remember, though, that getting that 99.6% RTP depends on using the optimal strategy on every hand, as just a small mistake can cause the RTP figure to drop. The best strategies typically involve steering clear of side bets such as 21 plus 3 or Perfect Pairs, as these often have much lower RTPs. For those who have a clear strategy and the discipline to stick to it, however, blackjack is potentially the most player-friendly table game at an online or land-based casino.
Baccarat
Baccarat is another great option for players looking for a high RTP gaming session. The key to success with baccarat lies in sticking to the banker bet, which offers an RTP of around 98.94%. Steer clear of the tie bet, which offers an RTP of about 85% and the player bet, which has a 98.76% RTP.
The advantage of baccarat is that beyond sticking to the banker bet, the game requires little to no strategy and is based largely on luck. This simplicity, combined with one of the best RTP figures of any table games, has made baccarat a favorite with beginners and high rollers alike.
Craps
Craps may look complex at first, but when you take a disciplined approach to the game, it can be one of the best RTP games in the casino. By sticking to fundamental bets like the Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line and linking these with odds bets, it is possible for players to register an RTP of up to 99.17%. One of the most favorable aspects of this game is that odds bets have no house edge, making them a useful tool in creating a table game strategy.
It is important to remember that although the game features a variety of exotic bets and side wagers, most of these have poor associated RTP figures, so you should steer clear. By sticking to the core bets and following a strategy consistently, you can get the most out of this game.
Video Poker
Though technically this is a machine-based game, video poker functions more like a table game and is usually included in the table game category at most online casino sites.
Video poker comes in many different variants, but the best option if you’re trying to maximize your RTP is the full pay 9/6 version of Jacks or Better. (In this case, 9/6 refers to the payouts for a full house (9:1) and a flush (6:1)). When you play with perfect strategy, the RTP can hit 99.54%.
Other versions of the game, like Deuces Wild or Double Bonus can also give you high RTP figures, although to play them correctly is more complicated than with Jacks or Better. As with blackjack though, maximizing your RTP requires you to apply the right strategy consistently.
Casino Hold’em
Casino Hold’em is a poker-style game, but rather than taking on other players, you compete with the dealer. When you play this poker variant with the right strategy, your RTP can reach 99.18%. That strategy is based around knowing when to fold or call, which in turn depends on how strong your hand is and the identity of the dealer’s up card.
Casino Hold’em variants often feature side bets, but these almost always give you a lower RTP, so should be avoided. While Casino Hold’em is not in the same league as Texas Hold’em when it comes to strategy, playing the game correctly can boost the value you receive.
Pai Gow Poker
This is another version of poker that is played at a slower pace and has an RTP of 97.15%. Although this is a lower number than video poker or blackjack, the game’s low volatility makes it a good choice for players who are hoping to stretch their bankroll as far as it will go. The basics of the game involve building two poker hands out of seven cards and attempting to beat the dealer with both. There is also sometimes a ‘bank’ option that further increases the RTP.
Find the Best Site
Choosing the right online casino is almost as crucial as picking the right game. The best sites are reliable and don’t apply hidden rules or fees. They also use games from licensed and reputable developers, such as NetEnt or Microgaming, and hold licenses from respected regulators like the Malta Gaming Authority or the UK Gambling Commission.
Tips for Getting the Best RTP at Table Games
- Use a trusted strategy guide when you play. Getting the best RTP from a game usually relies on making the right decisions and doing so consistently, so take time to search for strategies that are logical and effective and then stick to the rules when you play.
- Avoid getting involved with side bets. These bets may look interesting, but they usually have a poor RTP and can eat into your bankroll quickly.
- Try to focus on games with RTP above 98%t. The difference between 95% and 99% may not seem that big, but over time it makes a significant difference.
- Practice effective bankroll control by setting a budget and a stake and sticking to that, whether you are ahead or behind.
- Only play at licensed, reputable casinos that provide transparent, fair gaming.
Conclusion
If you’re a casino gamer and you want your bankroll to last longer, then table games with high RTP figures are often the best option. Games like blackjack, baccarat and craps can give significantly higher returns than most slot games, and though you will not make a profit in the long term, you will be able to prolong your gaming and maybe enjoy an occasional big win along the way.
