When choosing an online casino, one of the key factors that savvy players consider is the payout percentage or Return to Player (RTP) of the games offered. RTP is a crucial metric that indicates the percentage of all the wagered money a game will return to players over time. Games with higher RTPs give you better chances of winning in the long term, making them more appealing for those looking to maximize their winnings. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore which online casino games offer the best payouts, how to interpret RTPs, and what strategies can help you get the most from your gameplay.
What is RTP, and Why Does it Matter?
Before diving into the specific games, it’s important to understand what RTP means and why it should be a primary consideration when selecting an online casino game.
RTP stands for Return to Player and is expressed as a percentage. It reflects the amount of money a game returns to players over time. For example, a game with an RTP of 96% will return $96 for every $100 wagered, on average. However, this figure is calculated over the long term and does not mean you’ll receive exactly 96% of your money back in each session.
A higher RTP means the house edge—the casino’s built-in advantage—is smaller, offering players a better chance of making their money last longer or winning more frequently.
| Game Type | Average RTP |
|---|---|
| Slots | 93% – 98% |
| Blackjack | 99% (with strategy) |
| Roulette | 94% – 98% |
| Video Poker | 97% – 99% |
| Baccarat | 98% |
Online Slots: Top Games with High RTPs
Online slots are the most popular casino games, known for their exciting gameplay and potential for big payouts. However, not all slots are created equal, especially when it comes to RTP. Some slots have higher payout percentages than others, giving you a better shot at winning in the long term.
Here are some of the best-paying slots, along with their RTPs:
- Mega Joker by NetEnt – RTP: 99%
This is one of the highest-paying slots available online. It’s a classic slot with a simple design, but the RTP is incredibly high when playing in “Supermeter” mode. - Blood Suckers by NetEnt – RTP: 98%
Known for its vampire-themed graphics and engaging bonus features, Blood Suckers offers an impressive RTP and is popular among players looking for consistent payouts. - Guns N’ Roses by NetEnt – RTP: 96.98%
This branded slot features the famous rock band and offers high RTP combined with an immersive gameplay experience and bonus features. - Jackpot 6000 by NetEnt – RTP: 98.9%
Another classic slot, this game features traditional symbols and straightforward gameplay, making it ideal for those seeking high returns. - Starburst by NetEnt – RTP: 96.09%
While Starburst has a slightly lower RTP than other top-paying slots, its frequent payouts and exciting features keep it a player favorite.
| Slot Game | RTP |
|---|---|
| Mega Joker | 99% |
| Blood Suckers | 98% |
| Jackpot 6000 | 98.9% |
| Guns N’ Roses | 96.98% |
| Starburst | 96.09% |
Table Games: The Best Options for High Payouts
While slots are highly popular, table games such as blackjack, roulette, and baccarat often offer the highest RTPs in online casinos. These games combine strategy with chance, allowing skilled players to improve their odds.
1. Blackjack – RTP up to 99.5%
Blackjack is renowned for having one of the lowest house edges of all casino games. When played with basic strategy, blackjack can have an RTP as high as 99.5%. This makes it one of the best games for players who want to stretch their bankroll and maximize their chances of walking away with a profit.
Best Blackjack Variants for High RTP:
- Classic Blackjack (NetEnt) – RTP: 99.65%
This version of blackjack sticks to traditional rules, offering high RTP for players using the correct strategy. - Vegas Single Deck Blackjack (Microgaming) – RTP: 99.69%
With only one deck in play, this version increases your chances of beating the dealer if you play strategically.
2. Video Poker – RTP up to 99.9%
Video poker is another top choice for players looking for high payouts. Many variants of video poker offer RTPs above 99%, especially when optimal strategy is used. The key is to pick the right game and learn the correct strategy for that specific version.
Best Video Poker Games for High RTP:
- Jacks or Better – RTP: 99.54%
This classic variant of video poker offers one of the highest RTPs in online casinos. With the right strategy, players can enjoy very low house edges. - Deuces Wild – RTP: 99.73%
This version of video poker uses wild cards to boost players’ chances of winning, offering a very high RTP when played optimally.
| Game | RTP |
|---|---|
| Classic Blackjack | 99.65% |
| Vegas Single Deck | 99.69% |
| Jacks or Better | 99.54% |
| Deuces Wild | 99.73% |
3. Roulette – RTP up to 98.65%
Roulette is another popular casino game, with European roulette offering a better RTP than American roulette. The difference comes down to the number of zeros on the wheel. European roulette has a single zero, which lowers the house edge compared to American roulette’s double zeros.
- European Roulette – RTP: 98.65%
European roulette offers one of the best returns to players, especially when you stick to simple bets like red/black or odd/even. - French Roulette – RTP: 98.65%
Similar to European roulette, French roulette also has a single zero, but with an added “La Partage” rule that can further reduce the house edge on even-money bets.
4. Baccarat – RTP up to 98.94%
Baccarat is one of the easiest casino games to play and offers excellent payouts, especially when betting on the banker. The banker bet has a house edge of just 1.06%, resulting in an RTP of 98.94%. This makes baccarat one of the best table games for high payouts.
| Table Game | Best Variant | RTP |
|---|---|---|
| Roulette | European/French | 98.65% |
| Blackjack | Classic Blackjack | 99.65% |
| Video Poker | Deuces Wild | 99.73% |
| Baccarat | Banker Bet | 98.94% |
Progressive Jackpot Slots: High Risk, High Reward
Progressive jackpot slots are different from standard slots because a small portion of every wager contributes to a growing jackpot that can sometimes reach millions. While these slots tend to have lower RTPs, the potential for massive payouts draws many players.
Popular progressive jackpot slots include:
- Mega Moolah (Microgaming) – RTP: 88.12%
Though the RTP is lower, the potential to win multi-million-dollar jackpots keeps players coming back. - Hall of Gods (NetEnt) – RTP: 95.3%
This game offers large progressive jackpots and a relatively higher RTP compared to other jackpot slots.
What’s the Best Strategy for Maximizing Payouts?
Choosing games with high RTP is just one part of a smart gambling strategy. Here are a few tips to help you further maximize your winnings:
- Learn the Game’s Strategy: For skill-based games like blackjack and video poker, learning the optimal strategy can drastically improve your chances of winning.
- Manage Your Bankroll: Always play within your means and set limits to avoid losing more than you can afford.
- Take Advantage of Bonuses: Use casino bonuses, like welcome bonuses and free spins, to boost your bankroll and extend your playing time.
- Play Games with Low Volatility: Low volatility games may pay out more frequently, though the amounts will be smaller. These are great for players looking for consistent returns rather than large, infrequent wins.
Conclusion: Which Online Casino Games Have the Best Payouts?
The best-paying games in online casinos are those with the highest RTPs, such as blackjack, video poker, and certain slots. While no game guarantees a win, choosing games with favorable payout percentages and employing smart strategies can greatly improve your odds of winning. Always do your research, choose games that fit your playing style, and, most importantly, enjoy the process of gambling responsibly.