Do Online Casinos Change Slot Returns?

Numerous players have complained they have been robbed and cheated by the casinos, not being paid what belongs to them. Most complaints are related to ignorance of how the games function in general. However, sometimes rumours and suspicions lead to fascinating revelations.

The game providers, not casinos, have mostly determined the return-to-player rates. However, casinos can now change the RTP rates for specific games. They can control the RTP values if they remain in the range the developer sets.

The RTP value is essential for all players, influencing the long-term strategy and profits. When an operator changes the RTP of their favourite games, it pulls the rug under the patrons. Read this article to understand to what extent casinos can affect their slot games and RTP values.

Critical Information

The RTP rate statistically predicts how much money a player will win back after several spins. The industry standard is 96%, but the ranges can be broad. Casual visitors and beginners are usually primarily interested in jackpot prizes and lucrative wins. However, long-term players look for a payout involving steady growth and are much more into higher RTPs.

For those who want long-term payouts, certain information is particularly relevant. Some examples include an RTP, a hit frequency and slot volatility. All info of importance is displayed in the game or on the cabinet. Experienced players take everything into account before they start playing a particular game.

The risk vs reward percentage is called the variance rate, with high rates resulting in fewer wins with bigger payouts. Conversely, low rates bring more stable wins but smaller amounts. Moreover, hit frequency represents the percentage of wins you can get from a certain amount of spins.

The RTP can help players pinpoint the games with the best edge against the venue, allowing seasoned players to avoid traps. Some games are designed to take as much money as possible from the patrons.

Changing the RTP

Operators can change the RTP value only if the provider leaves an option for them to do so. Operators can adjust it according to their preferences if it is built-in by the studio. For example, Play’n GO delivers several versions of their games with various RTP values. For example, you can find 7 Sins with an RTP of 96% on one site and 95% on another.

Different operators choose a version that fits their business goals, and everybody knows what most of them will choose. The first situation with Play’n GO happened in 2017 when a player posted info on different returns of the same games in different venues. It started a discussion about cheating players, full of accusations towards the studio.

However, no crime happened, for manufacturers have all versions licensed in various jurisdictions. The flexibility in choice brings more customers, improving the business. The operator cannot influence the results but can choose which version it will use. In addition, it needs to be clarified if the choice is fixed or can be regulated over time.

Famous and well-respected jurisdictions like Malta and the UK require each value to be specified. On the other hand, some other popular markets like Curacao do not have to release this information. You have three guesses of what they will use, a higher or lower RTP. The maximum return is not their most popular option.

While Play’n GO releases its games with a minimum RTP value of 96%, it added various RTP levels based on the market and jurisdiction. Each operator can change the RTP if they choose; hence the choice is theirs. All providers offer different game setups, but each game and its values are certified.

Other developers (like Games Global, formerly Microgaming) have fixed values for all games and jurisdictions. They cannot be changed under any circumstances, which gives players an idea of how much they can hope for. Such transparent moves have helped this provider build the reputation it now has.

Can Providers Keep RTP a Secret?

Operators are not obligated to show this information, but licensed online companies must be transparent. The RTP value should be publicly available for the games to be fair. If an operator has a game with a different RTP from the one advertised on the site, they might get in trouble with the law. For this reason, most crypto casinos and online venues do not show the RTP.

Established markets like the US or the United Kingdom have operators focusing on the sites’ profit margins. They can change RTP rates to favour the house to ensure they can cover the monthly overhead. Most operators likely do this, particularly the new studios, which need some time to penetrate the industry.

The developers risk being left without demand for their services if there is no choice of return for the operator. While the studios tend to stay out of the casino business, they do depend on it. Hence, it is unsurprising to find them tailoring products to the needs of the operators.

Players often do not know which version they are playing, and it is impossible to determine it. The UK generally recognises only its own standard, meaning only one RTP version is available, namely, the one licensed there. Moreover, many solutions are possible if the jurisdiction is flexible, like Curacao.

Conclusion

Operators risk losing the players if they alter the RTP value, lowering the player’s edge. If people know it happens, high rollers are less likely to play there, which is dangerous, for they constitute most of the revenue. If a vast player base bored of not winning leaves, it is unsuitable for the business.