Return to player (RTP) has become one of the most important metrics for online casino players in 2025.
While entertainment and themes are big draws, many players carefully check a game’s RTP before committing their bankroll.
A higher RTP suggests that over time, the game is designed to pay back a larger portion of wagers, making it especially attractive for those who prefer maximizing long-term value.
This applies to any UK online casino and it’s important to understand RTP before you begin playing.
Understanding RTP
RTP is expressed as a percentage and represents the average amount a player can expect to win back from their bets over the long term.
For example, if a slot has an RTP of 97%, that means that on average, it will return £97 for every £100 wagered.
Of course, this is calculated over millions of spins or rounds, so individual sessions can deviate significantly.
Games with higher RTPs generally appeal to more strategic players who want to reduce the house edge.
Table Games: Consistently High RTP
Table games often offer some of the best RTPs in any casino, both online and offline.
Blackjack is frequently at the top of the list, with many variations offering RTPs above 99% when players use optimal strategy. European blackjack, in particular, can reach around 99.6%, giving players one of the lowest house edges in the industry.
Baccarat is another game with a strong RTP profile. Betting on the banker hand yields an RTP of about 98.9%, while player bets return slightly less. Although ties have a lower RTP, the game remains one of the more favourable options for those seeking value.
Roulette depends heavily on the variation. European roulette, with a single zero, has an RTP of 97.3%, whereas American roulette, with its double zero, drops to 94.7%. Savvier players almost always gravitate toward European or French roulette to maximize their returns.
Video Poker: A Player’s Favourite
Video poker has long been celebrated for its high RTPs, especially for players who take the time to learn proper strategies.
Games like Jacks or Better can achieve RTPs of up to 99.5% with perfect play.
Other versions, such as Deuces Wild or Double Bonus Poker, can exceed 99% as well, provided players use optimal decision-making for every hand.
Because of its mix of skill and luck, video poker continues to attract players who enjoy a balance of strategy and favourable odds.
Slots: The High-RTP Standouts
Slots are often the most popular category in online casinos, but their RTPs vary widely.
While some high-volatility titles offer RTPs in the low 90s, several games stand out for their generosity.
One of the most famous is Mega Joker by NetEnt, boasting an RTP of up to 99% in its classic mode.
Similarly, Blood Suckers, another NetEnt slot, is well-known for its player-friendly 98% RTP.
Ugga Bugga from Playtech is another legendary high-RTP slot, with a return rate of around 99%.
These games have maintained popularity not only because of their payout potential but also because they buck the trend of modern slots, which often sacrifice RTP for flashy features.
Live Dealer Games: Balancing Experience and Value
The explosion of live dealer casinos has introduced a new dynamic to RTP discussions.
While many live dealer games mirror their traditional counterparts, offering similar RTPs to blackjack, baccarat, and roulette, the newer game-show-style formats tend to have slightly lower RTPs.
For example, games like Crazy Time or Monopoly Live can be highly entertaining, but they rarely reach the RTP levels of traditional table games, often hovering between 95% and 97%.
Still, their popularity comes from interactive gameplay and streaming quality rather than pure return rates.
The Role of Volatility
It’s important to note that RTP is only part of the equation.
Volatility — or variance — describes how often and how much a game pays out.
A slot with a high RTP might still be very volatile, meaning players could endure long dry spells before landing significant wins.
Conversely, a lower-volatility game may pay out smaller amounts more frequently, offering a steadier experience.
Balancing RTP with volatility is key for players deciding where to place their bets.
Why Casinos Offer High-RTP Games
It may seem counterintuitive for casinos to offer games that return 99% of wagers to players, but the house always retains a small edge.
High-RTP games attract more discerning players who might otherwise avoid casino play altogether.
They also increase session length, leading to greater engagement and more opportunities for cross-play into other games with higher house advantages.
From the operator’s perspective, offering high-RTP games is as much about retention and customer satisfaction as it is about direct profit margins.
What Players Should Remember
While RTP is a useful guide, it should not be mistaken for a guarantee of outcomes in any single session.
Luck and variance play a huge role in short-term results, and even a 99% RTP game can deliver losses over the course of an evening.
Players are best served by combining RTP awareness with sound bankroll management, sticking to budgets, and viewing gambling primarily as entertainment rather than a source of income.
Closing Thoughts
As online casinos continue to evolve in 2025, high-RTP games remain a central draw for savvy players.
From blackjack and video poker to legendary slots like Mega Joker, the pursuit of better odds shapes how many users choose where to play.
Still, RTP is only one factor among many — gameplay experience, volatility, and personal enjoyment all play an equally important role.
For those who prioritize value, the UK’s online casinos offer plenty of high-RTP options, but success still depends on discipline, strategy, and knowing when to walk away.
Media Contact
James Clifford
j.clifford@Imperium-comms.com
