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Pokies guide

RTP explained

Return to player, or RTP, is a theoretical long-run percentage used to describe a game. It is not a guarantee of what an individual person will receive.

Information guide · Last reviewed 19 August 2026

The long-run concept

An RTP of 96% is commonly understood as a theoretical return of $96 for every $100 staked across an extremely large number of plays. It does not mean that a player who spends $100 will receive $96 back. Individual results can be much higher, much lower or zero.

House edge

The house edge is the inverse of RTP. In the example above, the theoretical house edge is 4%. It describes the game’s long-run mathematical advantage, not a short-term prediction or a strategy for profit.

Use the term carefully

RTP should never be treated as a reason to continue playing after a loss. If you choose to gamble, decide on an affordable limit beforehand and avoid trying to recover money already lost.

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