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RTP vs House Edge: What's the Difference?
RTP and house edge are two ways of describing the same thing — the built-in maths of a casino game. Understanding both helps you choose games where your money lasts longer.
Two sides of one coin
RTP (return to player) is the percentage of all stakes a game pays back over the long run. House edge is the percentage the casino keeps. They always add to 100%: a slot with 96% RTP has a 4% house edge. Same fact, stated two ways.
Which should you look at?
Either works — just compare consistently. A higher RTP (and so a lower house edge) means, over time, you keep more of your stake. A 97% RTP slot is better value than a 92% one.
The caveat
Both are long-run averages over millions of rounds. Any single session can swing far above or below — that short-term variation is volatility, a separate thing. See what RTP means, what a good RTP is and slot volatility.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between RTP and house edge?
They're two sides of the same coin: a 96% RTP means a 4% house edge.
Which should I look at?
Either — a higher RTP (lower house edge) means your money tends to last longer.
Do they guarantee results?
No — both are long-run averages; any session can differ widely.
Related guides: what RTP means, what a good RTP is and slot volatility.