Can Online Casinos Change RTP?

Online casinos typically use a return to player (RTP) percentage as a way of measuring the likelihood that players will win, lose, or break even when playing specific games.

The RTP for a specific game is usually listed on its casino page and is expressed as a percentage. For instance, an online slot machine might have an RTP of 95%, which means that in the long run, the slot has a 5% chance of players losing money.

Similarly, a game like blackjack might have an RTPC of 99%, which means there’s only a 1% chance you’ll lose money. Each game has its own standardised RTP across all online casinos but this can change based on various factors.

This article breaks down how certain influences that can change an online casino’s RTP, and what you should look out for if you want to increase your chances of winning whenever you play.

Wagering Requirements

An online casino’s RTP can change based on wagering requirements, the game being played, and the terms and conditions of the casino. Wagering requirements are the amount of money that players must bet in order to be eligible to claim a casino bonus.

Typically, casinos will require players to first bet a certain amount of money (e.g. $25) several times before claiming any winnings from the bonus. By requiring players to bet a certain amount before withdrawing any winnings, casinos can lower their RTP rates and increase the amount of money they take in from players.

For example, let’s say that a specific online casino has a slot machine with an RTP of 95%. However, if players want to withdraw any winnings from that slot machine, the casino only allows players to wager a $25 minimum.

This means that in order to withdraw any winnings, a player must first bet $25 three times. If the player wins $100 after the first bet, they must bet another $25 twice. This brings the player’s total bet amount up to $75, which is $25 less than the original $100 won. This means there’s now only $25 left over to be withdrawn from the casino. This is assuming the player doesn’t lose any of the money they’ve bet.

How Online Casino’s RTP Can Change Based On Their T&Cs

Different types of games have different house edges, which is the casino’s edge over players. The house edge is the expected amount that a casino will win from a specific game relative to the amount wagered.

This can affect an online casino’s RTP. For example, slot machines with a higher house edge typically have a lower RTP rate. Meanwhile, slot machines with a lower house edge have a higher RTP rate.

As you can see, any number of factors can affect an online casino’s RTP. This is why it’s important to check how an online casino has changed its RTP before playing. This way, you can ensure that you’re playing in an online casino that’s most likely to pay out.

Change in Software Quality, Reliability and Variety of Games

For example, online casinos can change their RTP based on the accuracy and reliability of their games’ software. If an online casino updates the software for a specific game, it can potentially change its RTP.

This is because the new software might be less reliable and more prone to glitches and errors than the previous software. Online casinos can also change their RTP based on the variety of games they offer. This is because some games are more profitable than others for casinos. For instance, slot machines generally have a lower RTP rate than table games like blackjack.

Risks of Changing the Online Slot RTP

When it comes to online slots, there are plenty of risks involved in changing the RTP. This is especially the case if you’re a smaller operator with limited financial resources and a limited player base.

Changing the online slot RTP involves more than just switching out some code or altering an algorithm. It involves changing how players perceive your brand and how they view your fairness as an operator.

There are several pitfalls involved in any switch involving fairness, which is why we advise all operators to think twice before proceeding.

Legal Risks Involved in Changing the Online Slot RTP

The first thing any operator needs to consider when switching RTPs is the risk that the switch might be considered an unfair practice. While the law varies by jurisdiction, operators need to be aware of the potential legal risks associated with changing the RTP of their slots.

Even if a change is warranted, operators need to be certain to communicate it in a way that is both transparent and factual. The key here is to make sure that you have the research and data to back up whatever decision you make. Make sure you’re not just changing it because the current RTP is not giving the results you want. Any change must be based on solid data.

Reputation and Brand Risk

Operators risk damaging their brand and reputation if they change the RTP of their slots without a valid and tested reason for doing so. There’s no set formula for how long a particular RTP should last.

However, there are a few important factors to keep in mind when deciding when to make a switch. First, you want to make sure you have enough data to run the kind of analysis that provides a valid conclusion.

You also want to make sure that you’ve given your current RTP enough time to show results. Last, but not least, you want to make sure you have a clear reason for making the switch.

Changing the RTP of your slots without a valid reason for doing so can be a serious detriment to your brand. You need to be certain that the switch you’re making is for the right reasons.

Financial Risks Involved in Changing the Online RTP

Operators need to ensure they’re not switching RTPs simply to make a few extra percentage points at the expense of their clients.

A change in RTP doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It affects the entire business and can potentially have a wide range of financial consequences. A change in RTP can affect player acquisition, player retention, and cash flow. If the change is drastic enough, it can potentially eat into your profits, which can be very detrimental for any business.

Operational Risk

Operators need to be aware of the potential for increased operational risk when switching the RTP of their slots. It’s true that changing your RTP does not necessarily require a change in your technology.

However, it does require you to make changes to your business processes. You might need to change how you offer bonuses and promotions, or how you calculate your payouts.

If you’re not careful, these changes can result in serious operational issues. You need to make sure that you’re making changes with caution and with an eye to the future.

Conclusion

Changing the RTP of your slots is a big decision. It can have an impact on your business in several ways, so you want to make sure that you’re making the right call.

If you’re thinking about switching to a new RTP then you need to ask yourself a few important questions first.

First, are the current rates of your slots sustainable over the long term? Next, do your current rates have the right mix of short-term rewards and long-term payouts? Finally, do your slots provide players with a consistent experience across all devices?

If you can answer yes to these questions, then you might be ready to make a change. If you are, then you need to make sure that you’re aware of the risks involved in changing the RTP of your slots. These risks vary from legal to financial, and everything in between, and therefore, you must also be ready for the consequences that come with it.