Why Do Some Players Prefer Lower RTP Slots?

Most online casino players are aware by now that online slot machine software providers and game development studios use highly sophisticated Random Number Generators (RNGs) to produce outcomes and results designed to mimic the true randomness of real life and be as fair and realistic as possible.

In other words, the computer-generated animations and graphics showing the reels randomly spinning are just an illusion because the results are already predetermined. However, these frequently tested mathematical algorithm programs are designed to produce outcomes/results with no clear or discernible pattern, just like in real life.

Therefore, online slots are pre-programmed to pay back a certain amount of money after a certain amount has been spent, which is otherwise known as the ‘expected’ return to player (RTP%) payout rate.

Here’s why the RTP in online slot machines matters more for some players than it does for others.

Why does RTP matter more for some players than it does for others?

The RTP tells us roughly how much an online slot machine should pay back in winnings after, say, $/€/£100 has been spent on that game, and you will find that most online slots today on online casino websites tend to have an average RTP payout rate of around 93.00% to 98.00%.

Therefore, if an online slot has a 93.00% RTP payout rate, then for every $/€/£100 wagered on that game, it should, theoretically/mathematically speaking, pay back $/€/£93.00 in winnings for every $/€/£100.00 spent on that game.

The remaining $/€/£7.00 would go to the casino operator/software provider as revenue, so you could say that an online slot with a 93.00% RTP payout rate has a 7.00% house edge.

In comparison, if an online slot has a 98.00% RTP payout rate, then for every $/€/£100 wagered on that game, it should, theoretically/mathematically speaking, pay back $/€/£98.00 in winnings for every $/€/£100.00 spent on that game, and so on. 

The remaining $/€/£2.00 would go to the casino operator/software provider as revenue, which means that an online slot with a 98.00% RTP payout rate has only a 2.00% house edge.

The RTP payout information can usually be found in the paytable, and it’s one of the main reasons why some people will only ever play ‘high RTP’ slots (ones with around 97.00% to 98.00% or higher RTP payout rate), and will avoid playing low RTP slots with a 94.00% to 93.00% or lower RTP payout rate.

Why do some players prefer low RTP slots?

Although low RTP slots don’t pay out as often as high RTP slots, when the wins occur, they are typically higher in value. Therefore, most low RTP slots have a higher volatility win rate and are only appealing to some players, especially those who are in it for the long term and have a much bigger initial bankroll.

However, you are never guaranteed to win more in low or high-volatility slots with low or high RTP payout rates. The important thing to remember is that winning and losing still boil down to Lady Luck, even though RNGs produce the predetermined results.

For example, there could be one million players all playing the same online slot machine as you at the same time. They might spend $/€/£100 and not see a penny of that $/€/£100 returned as winnings, whereas you might spend just $/€/£2.00 and win $/€/£100 or more on your first spin.

It’s still luck whether you win or lose, so although some savvy players look for low or high RTP slots with low or high volatility win rates, at the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter which games you choose to play because it’s still random.

It’s a great online slot strategy to have, but it won’t guarantee a return on your initial investment.

Which online slots have the highest RTP payout rates in 2025?

If you would rather play online slots with a high or above-average RTP% payout rate, then you might want to check out some of the following titles from various top-tier, marketing-leading providers:

• NetEnt’s Blood Suckers online slot has an average 98.00% RTP payout rate
• IGT Play Digital’s Maya Gold slot has a 98.44% RTP payout rate
• Light & Wonder’s Rainbow Riches – Pick ‘n Mix slot has a 98.01% RTP payout rate
• Yggdrasil Gaming’s Jokerizer online slot has a 98.00% RTP payout rate
• Relax Gaming’s Money Cart online slot has a 98.00% RTP payout rate
• Thunderkick’s 1429 – Uncharted Seas online slot has a 98.60% RTP payout rate
• NextGen Gaming’s Starmania online slot has a 97.86% RTP payout rate

Some of the other high-RTP payout slots (97.00% to 98.00% or higher) to keep an eye out for in 2025 are hit titles like Fishin’ Frenzy from Reel Time Gaming and Blueprint Gaming, Steam Tower from NetEnt, Halloween Fortune from Playtech, White Rabbit Megaways from Big Time Gaming, and SG Digital’s Medusa Megaways, to name just a few.

Final thoughts

The important thing to remember about playing online slot machines in the real money mode is to gamble sensibly and responsibly, whether you decide to play low or high-volatility slots with a low or high [average] RTP% payout rate.

The easiest way to ensure you don’t spend more money than you can afford is to set a reasonable spending budget before playing, take frequent session breaks, manually set as many safer gambling tools as possible that you think will help you the most, never chase your losses, and never play while tired or intoxicated.

By GamesAndCasino