RTP and house edge are the two figures that define the long-term math behind gambling. An advertised RTP of 96.5% means that over time $96.50 is returned for every $100 wagered, while the remaining 3.5% is the house edge. Both numbers describe the same calculation but from opposite viewpoints.
RTP Shows the Long-Term Returns to Players
Return to player, or RTP, represents the long-term return to players across millions of spins. For example, a slot certified at 96.51% RTP means that out of every $100 wagered, on average $96.51 is paid back to players as winnings. At Rony online casino, games with RTPs above 95% are standard, with some climbing to 98% on video poker. Independent labs such as GLI-19 and QUINEL certify these figures for accuracy.
House Edge Explains the Casino Advantage
House edge is the mirror of RTP. A roulette game with 97.3% RTP has a house edge of 2.7%. Blackjack with optimal strategy can bring the house edge down to about 0.5%, while some keno games reach 25%. Casinos rely on these margins for revenue, which is why regulations in Malta, the UK and New Zealand require transparency in RTP display.
Game Types Show Percentage Variations
Different game formats show different standard values. Table games usually offer the lowest house edge, while slots vary widely depending on the mechanics.
| Game type | Typical RTP | Typical house edge |
| European Roulette | 97.3% | 2.7% |
| Blackjack (basic strategy) | 99.5% | 0.5% |
| Slots (standard) | 94%–97% | 3%–6% |
| Video Poker | 98%+ | 1%–2% |
| Keno | 75%–80% | 20%–25% |
This table shows how percentages can shift depending on design. A slot with tumble mechanics and bonus buys may run at 96%, while another with jackpots may sit at 94%.
Short-Term Play Differs From Long-Term Math
Percentages such as 96% RTP are based on millions of game rounds. In short sessions, results are volatile. A player may double their stake in minutes or lose everything quickly. Volatility, variance and hit frequency play roles that go beyond RTP. For instance, a slot with cascading reels and 100x multipliers can swing balance far faster than a stable blackjack table.
Certification Ensures Numbers Stay Fair
Independent labs and licensing bodies require games to match their advertised figures. Certification such as ISO 27001 for data security and audits by GLI or eCOGRA ensure the numbers are not manipulated.
For players in New Zealand, regulators verify that local online casinos offering RTP details are fully licensed and provide unrestricted access under international compliance.
Strategies Interact With RTP and Edge
In skill-based games, strategies can push results closer to the theoretical RTP. Blackjack card counting, while restricted in most casinos, demonstrates how player choices affect long-term outcomes. In slots, no strategy changes RTP, though selecting games with features like ante bets or bonus buys at 100x stake affects volatility. For roulette, sticking to even-money bets does not improve RTP but smooths bankroll swings.
Percentages Shape Player Expectations Globally
The relationship between RTP and house edge provides a framework for informed play. Players choosing 97% games understand that their wagers face a 3% disadvantage over time. Casinos operating on house edge margins build predictable revenues, while regulators enforce fair display of these figures.
By reading RTP and house edge numbers correctly, players understand both the return percentage and the hidden cost of every wager. These metrics remain central to the global gambling industry, from European roulette to high-volatility slot mechanics with multipliers reaching 100x.
