RTP and volatility, without the myths
Two numbers describe every pokie. Neither predicts what will happen in your session — but together they tell you how a game behaves, and that is useful.
RTP: the long-run average
Return to Player is the share of all money bet that a game pays back over millions of spins. A 96% RTP game returns $96 for every $100 wagered — across everyone, over a very long time. In a single session, anything can happen.
Volatility: how the wins arrive
- Low volatility — frequent small wins. Balance moves slowly.
- High volatility — long dry spells, occasional big hits. Balance swings hard.
What actually makes a session last
Your stake per spin matters far more than RTP. Halving your bet roughly doubles the number of spins your balance buys, whatever the game. RTP and volatility are listed in each game's info panel.
When you are clearing a bonus
Low-volatility pokies with a high RTP are usually the steadier way to work through wagering. See wagering requirements explained.
Questions
Does a high RTP mean I will win?
No. RTP is a long-run average across millions of spins and says nothing certain about a single session.
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