Understanding RTP: How It Impacts Your Pokies Experience

With pokies, players usually are concerned about getting a big win, or a fantastic bonus round — but there is one aspect that they do not think about, which can carry a monumental effect on their long-run play — RTP (Return to Player). Mastering reading and listening to RTP will help you pick games with a higher chance of offering more play, maintain good risk management, and, if Lady Luck is smiling in your direction, improve opportunities for walking away from content.

The Basics in 30 Seconds

Before you understand the tips and strategies, it's good to have a brief idea of what RTP stands for. RTP (Return to Player) is the percentage of all wagers a pokie is predicted to return in the long run. If a game has an RTP of 96%, that means that game will, on average, return $96 for every $100 wagered — that being said, every session will be different.

RTP does not mean you will win every session you play, but it is a more consistent method of comparing games and then deciding how to plan your sessions. When considering RTP and volatility together, you are better able to estimate how many times, and how much, a game is likely to payout. This will help you choose pokies.

Strategic Play Advice for Pokie Lovers

If you're looking to get beyond basic strategies and start utilising RTP to your advantage, then it's time to really start thinking like a professional player. Below, each tip has a lot of things that you can use, plus things that habitual players will use in their quest to play smarter and not just luckier.

Check the RTP Before Playing

Your first defence against low-value games is knowing their numbers.

Where to find it: Most online pokies display RTP in the game’s info, help, or paytable screen. If it’s not listed there, check the casino’s support pages or the developer’s official website.
What to aim for: 96%+ is an average RTP for online casino titles. Usually, the RTP below 96% is considered to be low.

Extra tip

If you can’t find the RTP listed, take it as a red flag — reputable developers are transparent about their payout rates.

Match RTP to Your Playstyle

The best RTP for you depends on how you play, not just the number itself.

For long sessions: If you plan to play for an extended period, higher RTP games are your friend. They’re designed to return a larger portion of wagers over many spins, which means your bankroll lasts longer and you get more entertainment for the same spend. For example, a 97% RTP slot is better suited for a 200-spin session than a 94% RTP slot, because over time the small difference compounds.
For quick bursts: If your goal is short, high-energy sessions, RTP is less important than volatility — the risk/reward pattern of the game. High-volatility pokies pay out less frequently but can award bigger wins when they hit, which suits players looking for fast thrills. Low-volatility slots, meanwhile, give smaller but more frequent wins, which can be satisfying for short play but may feel underwhelming for those chasing jackpots.

Balance RTP with Volatility

While RTP indicates how much a game is expected to pay back over the long run, it does not measure how often we will get wins. That's where volatility comes in.

High RTP + High Volatility: These types of games sometimes offer substantial payouts, but we might not get a lot of wins. Generally, for players who have larger bankrolls or for players who want to chase the thrills of big jackpots.
Low Volatility + Adequate RTP: These types of games will offer smaller payouts, and we will see them regularly. Great for casual play, shorter sessions or other players that want consistent entertainment without the worry of going on long losing streaks.

Test in Demo Mode First

Trying before buying works for pokies too.

How to do it: Most online casinos and developer sites offer free play or “practice mode.” Aim to play 100–200 spins to get a representative sample of the game’s rhythm. Take note of how often wins occur, the size of payouts, and how frequently bonus rounds trigger. The goal isn’t to win money — it’s to understand the gameplay experience.
Why it matters: Same RTP doesn’t mean the same “fun factor”.

Combine RTP Awareness with Bankroll Discipline

Numbers mean nothing without money management. Before every session, you should set your own budget and maximum loss limit. Consider this money to be the cost of entertainment as opposed to an investment. When you reach your limit, you walk away. A disciplined Stop-loss is far more valuable than possibly winning every amount in that moment.

Final Takeaway

RTP is a benefit to you in the long haul — it’s not a magical win button. By adding some less obvious strategies, like tracking game updates, pairing high RTP with cashback offers, and looking for older high return games, you can continue to stack the stats as much as mathematically possible while maintaining control of your play.