Have you ever logged onto a casino, gone to the games page and wondered which game will give you the most value for your dollar? If so, you are not alone because that is the question most casino players ask themselves, but few know the answer. The truth is that not all casino games are the same, and some may give you hours of playing time while others will just chew through your money.
The main factor behind all of this is what is called the RTP (Return to Player). This is a percentage that tells you how much money the game returns to the players. RTP is not the only factor that decides how much money will be returned to the player. There are also aspects like the volatility, game rules, house edge and your own betting strategy all have a part to play.
Understanding what RTP is
RTP is actually a theoretical figure of how much one can expect to get over a long time period. Of course, none of us know how long that time period is, which is why we say it is a theoretical figure. However, it is the clearest indication of how fair a game is built to be.
A few examples of RTP are the following:
– A game with a 99.5% RTP would be a good one to play because this means that over time, the game will pay back $99.50 for every $100 bet over time.
– A game with a 96% RTP is also reasonable, as this means it will pay back $96 for every $100 bet over time.
– The worst one would be a game with an 88% RTP because this means that the game will only pay back $88 for every $100 bet over time.
To put it in a better perspective: Let’s say you play 2 identical slot machines, for an equal number of spins, but the RTP is slightly different on each one.
You will find that the slot with the higher RTP will more than likely give you a longer playing time, meaning your money will last longer, you will get more bonus features and have a better chance of winning. Remember, nothing is guaranteed, though. Gambling is still a game of chance, and there is no guarantee you will win, as the house will always have the upper hand.
Multiple RTP Versions
Most online slot games fall within the 95% to 97% range, but some can be as low as 88%. Furthermore, what many people don’t know is that in many instances, the developer of the game allows the casino itself to set the RTP of the game.
For example, you could play a slot at casino A and the RTP is set at 96% and then play the same slot at casino B and find the RTP is only 92% – that 4% can make a big difference over time.
This is why it is extremely important to check the RTP of the game before you start playing.
Where can you find the RTP Information?
Most reputable online casinos make the RTP visible, but others will tuck it away where you need to search for it.
The normal place to find it is on the game’s information page. Click the “i”, “Help” or menu icon. You will see the RTP either under game rules, payouts, about, help or game info. Sometimes you will find it under the game’s title or even on the website of the software developer.
If you cannot find an RTP in all of these places, this should be considered a red flag because it means the casino could be hiding the fact that the game has an extremely low RTP.
RTP vs. Volatility
As we now know, the RTP of a game tells you the long-term value, but volatility tells you what your experience will feel like.
In other words:
– Low volatility: A game with low volatility means you will get frequent small wins, but probably nothing mind-blowing.
– Medium volatility: This is the ideal one and gives a balanced mix of small and medium wins.
– High volatility: This is even better if you can afford it because it consists of rare wins, but the payouts are generally much bigger when they do pay.
A 97% RTP high-volatility slot can make you lose your money quicker, whereas a 95% low-volatility slot may keep you entertained for longer.
If your goal is maximum value per dollar, low or medium volatility would probably be the better option for you to choose.
Which Casino Games have the Best Overall Value?
Slot machines are the most popular game at online and land-based casinos, but the unfortunate thing is that they don’t offer the highest value. Games like poker, blackjack and some other games outperform slots in terms of RTP almost every time.
Let’s break down which ones are considered the best ones to play in terms of getting the best value:
Video Poker is one of the best value plays in the casino.
Video poker is often considered one of the top games to play in view of its high RTP. Some versions can go as high as 99.5% RTP.
Best high-RTP video poker games:
Jacks or Better
– RTP: 99.54%
– Very low edge for the house
Deuces Wild
– RTP: 100.76% – yes, over 100% but these are rare online
– Requires strategy charts to maximise returns
Double Bonus Poker
– RTP: 100.17%
If you want insane value and don’t mind learning a strategy chart, video poker is unbeatable.
Blackjack – The Classic High-Value Game
Blackjack’s house edge can drop to 0.5% or lower, which puts the RTP around 99.5%
However, not all blackjack tables are the same. Look for ones that offer the following features/rules:
– Blackjack pays 3:2, not 6:5
– Dealer stands on soft 17
– You can double down on any two cards
– You can split pairs multiple times
– Surrender is allowed
The more player-friendly the rules, the higher the RTP.
Great-value blackjack versions:
Classic Blackjack (Microgaming)
– RTP: 99.91%
Blackjack Surrender (Playtech)
– RTP: 99.65%
Atlantic City Blackjack (Multiple providers)
– RTP: 99.64%
Pro tip: Live dealer blackjack usually has a lower RTP due to side bets and different rules.
European Roulette – Far Better Than American
If you want the best value for your dollar, we would suggest that you play European roulette instead of American roulette, as the double zero in American roulette brings the RTP down substantially.
European Roulette (Single Zero)
– House edge: 2.70%
– RTP: 97.30%
American Roulette (Double Zero)
– House edge: 5.26%
– RTP: 94.74%
Same game. Double the house edge. Always avoid the American version unless you enjoy donating money.
Some premium European wheels also offer:
– La Partage (half back on even-money losses)
– En Prison (bet stays locked for next spin)
These rules can push the house edge down to 1.35%, making them one of the best-value non-skill games available.
High-RTP Online Slots
Most players love slots, and while they are generally not the best bet in a casino, you can still find some slots which have a decent RTP.
Here are some slot titles famous for having an above-average RTP:
Blood Suckers (NetEnt)
– RTP: 98%
– Low volatility, frequent wins
– A favourite among value-conscious players
Mega Joker (NetEnt)
– RTP: Up to 99% in Supermeter mode
– Feels old-school but pays extremely well with correct betting
– One of the highest RTP slots ever made
Book of 99 (Relax Gaming)
– RTP: 99
– High volatility adventure slot
Ugga Bugga (Playtech)
– RTP: 99.07%
– Strange reels but a rewarding slot
Jackpot 6000 (NetEnt)
– RTP: Up to 98.8%
– Similar to Mega Joker in style and design
Baccarat – Surprisingly Solid Long-Term Value
Baccarat has simple rules, a low house edge and is easy to understand. It also has a really decent RTP depending on which bet you place:
Banker Bet
– RTP: 98.94%
– Best-value wager in the game
Player Bet
– RTP: 98.76%
Tie Bet
– RTP: 85%–90% (avoid this one)
Worst Value Games: What to Avoid
With the help from OnlineCasinosRealMoney.co.nz, we have listed some of the games that it would be best to avoid if you are hoping to win some money. These are best considered to be light-hearted entertainment:
Keno
– RTP: 70%–85%
– One of the worst returns in the casino
Scratch Cards
– RTP: 60%–75%
– Designed to be low-value products
Certain branded or heavily advertised slots
Some “big-name” slots run at:
– 88%–92% RTP
Because they’re popular, operators use the low-RTP versions.
Progressive jackpot slots
– Mega Moolah, Divine Fortune, WowPot, etc.
– RTP can drop to 85%–92% because part of each bet contributes to the progressive jackpot.
Our Final Verdict on Which Casino Games Give You the Most Value Per Dollar
Ultimately, the casino games that give you the most value per dollar aren’t necessarily the flashiest or most heavily promoted. They’re the ones with reasonable RTPs that can keep you playing for longer and hold onto your money for longer.
If you’re playing mainly for entertainment, high-RTP slots and low-edge table games make your budget last longer. However, if you’re playing for the best value, then it is best to stick to video poker, blackjack and European roulette (the one with the single 0).
To summarise what we have said above, the top games are as follows:
Best Overall Value
1. Video Poker – 99.5% to 100%+ RTP
2. Blackjack with Good Rules – 99.5% RTP
3. European/French Roulette – 97.3% to 98.65% RTP
Best Value Slots
1. Book of 99 – Relax Gaming (99% RTP)
2. Mega Joker – NetEnt (Up to 99% RTP)
3. Blood Suckers – NetEnt (98% RTP)
Best Simple/Low-Skill Game
Baccarat (Banker Bet) – 98.94% RTP
Worst Value
– Keno
– Scratch Cards
– Low-RTP slots (88%–92%)
– Most progressives
