Theoretical returns

Quite a few of the bigger providers are getting into the (welcomed) habit of publishing theoretical returns for their games on game rules pages. These pages are typically accessed from a help (?) button on the game interface.

Set out below are those published rates. Games/providers are absent from the list if they do not publish returns.

Theoretical returns / RTP / Return to Player/ House edge

These are all different expressions for the same concept: what proportion of total bets will the house take and what proportion will be returned to the player, assuming optimal play over a long period of time.

An RTP rate or theoretical return of 98% is the equivalent of a 2% house edge and implies that (for example) for every $100 staked the player will win $98 and the house takes $2. There’s a little more on RTP rates here, including the difference between theoretical and actual returns.

Live dealer games with the best theoretical returns

Here is a list of live dealer games and the theoretical returns for available bets. The list is sortable so you can easily see the games (and bets within each game) that offer the best returns.

When sorted by theoretical return, best to worst, there are a couple of key takeaways:

• The main bets on traditional casino games dominate the top of the list
• Game Shows and side bets dominate the bottom of the list.

• 1. La Partage rule gives half the money back on even money bets when the ball lands on zero
• 2. Calculated as incorrect at blackjack house edge page. Should read 99.39%