Are Casinos Really Transparent About Payout Percentages?

Payout percentages and RTP rates should definitely be part of any casino player’s consideration, but some might even make it difficult for players to find accurate information.

The concept of payout transparency varies across different jurisdictions, with strict regulations in some areas and more flexible rules in others. Online casinos tend to provide more info about RTP figures but it is not always obvious and some do not disclose the same details. This raises an important question: are casinos truly transparent about their payout percentages, or is there a lack of openness that leaves players at a disadvantage?

Transparency is the least people should be able to expect from their playing.

What is RTP and How It Works

Return to Player (RTP) is a percentage that represents the average amount of money a player can expect to win back from a game over the long term. For example, a slot machine with an RTP of 96% means that, theoretically, for every £100 or $100 wagered, £96 or $96 is returned to players as winnings, while the remaining £4 is kept by the casino as profit.

While this might sound straightforward, RTP is a theoretical figure calculated over millions of spins. Individual sessions can vary wildly and short-term results can be completely unpredictable. Some players may win big in a short period, while others might lose their entire bankroll without seeing a significant return. The RTP of 96% would not guarantee that players who bet £100 would definitely get £96 back.

Online casinos usually display RTP information directly in game menus, making it easy for players to check payout percentages before playing. Game developers often publish RTP details on their official websites as well, further enhancing transparency.

Land-based casinos rarely display RTP figures on slot machines. Payout percentages for physical slot games are usually programmed by the casino and can vary based on location and machine settings.

Transparency Across Different Jurisdictions

Casino transparency largely depends on the regulations imposed by gambling authorities. Some jurisdictions require clear RTP disclosures but others have more relaxed standards.

Regulators like the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) and the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) enforce strict rules regarding payout transparency. In the UK, licensed online casinos must display RTP values for each game and independent auditors regularly test games to ensure fairness. Similarly, the MGA requires operators to maintain accurate and publicly available RTP figures for all approved games.

Some gambling markets around the world offer casinos more freedom in setting RTP. For example, in Nevada (home to Las Vegas casinos), land-based slots are regulated but do not require public RTP disclosures. Players often have no easy way to check payout rates unless casinos voluntarily release this data.

Players who assume that all versions of a game are identical might be unknowingly playing at a disadvantage. Without clear disclosures, gamblers could end up playing games with worse odds than expected. This lack of transparency means it is a good idea for players to research a casino’s reputation and regulatory oversight before playing.

⚠️ On JohnSlots we always provide only licensed game demos, coming directly from the game developers. The RTP announced on our website is the same as the one of the official game provider and the demo.

Challenges in Transparency

In most cases, reputable casinos do provide accurate RTP data, but this doesn’t guarantee anything in an individual session. Short-term variance means that actual player experiences may not match theoretical expectations.

There are also instances where casinos deliberately choose not to share this information. They may hope that players don’t really spend any time checking and just take the site at face value. Choosing not to share this information may be in breach of some licensing organisations.

To ensure fairness, independent auditors such as eCOGRA, iTech Labs, and GLI conduct tests on casino games. These firms check random number generators (RNGs) to verify that games operate as advertised. However, not all casinos undergo these audits and rogue operators may manipulate payout settings – this is another reason why people need to check before playing.

To avoid playing at casinos that obscure payout information, players should take a few extra steps before depositing money. If a site has been verified by someone like iTech Labs or Gaming Labs International’s regulatory services then it is generally trustworthy, people can pay close attention to these independent verifiers if they are worried about a casino’s authenticity. If a site does not seem to have a license or other information then this can definitely be a red flag.

How to Verify a Casino’s Payout Transparency

It’s all very well pointing out that players need to check, but this process actually varies a lot around the world. It depends on who the gambling regulators are and the licensing companies that casinos are answering to. Some of the top tips are:

• Check the casino’s licensing and regulations – Casinos regulated by authorities like the UKGC, MGA, or the Gibraltar Gambling Commission are required to provide transparent RTP data.
• Look for RTP information within games – Many online casinos display payout percentages in game menus. If this information is missing, it may be worth reconsidering where to play.
• Visit the game developer’s website – Most slot providers list standard RTP figures for their games. If a casino is offering a version with a significantly lower RTP then this could be a red flag.
• Read player reviews and industry reports – Casino review sites and forums often highlight which casinos are upfront about payouts and which ones make it difficult to find information.

The good news is that a reputable casino company will have no problem sharing this information. Anyone who has any doubts can potentially reach out to casinos and organisations like the UK’s Gambling Commission to check. They have a lot of information about legal compliance so that players know what a UKGC license means and what it is intended to guarantee (including a high level of transparency for players). These marks of quality are definitely relevant for players.