RTP in Australian Pokies

In Australia, the Return to Player (RTP) percentage for pokies (known as 'slot machines' in other parts of the world) can vary depending on which state you are in, and the venue type. If you're a bit confused about where has the highest chance of winning (which is different to probability!) then read on.

RTP is a percentage that indicates how much a pokies machine is programmed to return to players over time. For example, if a pokie has an RTP of 90%, it means that, on average, the game will return 90% of the money wagered to players in the long run, with the remaining 10% going to the house.

It's important to note that RTP is calculated over millions of spins, so it doesn't guarantee the outcome of any individual spin. In other words, the machine can be played for a month without paying out anything significant, after which time someone may hit a good run where they win many times more than they have played.

A higher RTP generally suggests a better chance of winning, but like all forms of gambling, pokies are still based on luck, you have to be on the right machine at the right time. RTP is just one factor to consider when choosing which game to play, as it might increase your CHANCE of winning more than you put in, but when all is said and done it doesn't change the PROBABILITY of beating the odds.

Venues in Australia, whether they be clubs, pubs or casinos, are regulated to return at least 85% of monies to the player. This can be slightly higher in some states, as well as in casinos.

On machines that offer a large jackpot, some of the RTP goes towards the jackpots. This means that you may not have as may 'line pays', or small wins in general spins, as machines without a large jackpot. Factor this into your game play if you're looking for machines with high RTP. Of course, if you win the jackpot (small or large), it certainly tips the RTP in your favour!

Generally, clubs in Australia are known for offering pokies with a higher RTP compared to pubs. This is because many clubs are non-profit organisations, and they often reinvest the money they generate back into the community or into the business, which can result in slightly better payouts on pokies.

Clubs in certain states, like New South Wales and Queensland, are required to set their pokies with a minimum RTP of around 85% to 90%. Some clubs may set it even higher, especially if they have a larger set of machines which gives players a variety of games to choose from, across a range of RTP percentages.

In contrast, pubs (hotels) in Australia tend to have pokies with a slightly lower RTP compared to clubs. Pubs are more commercially driven, aiming to maximize their revenue. They are more focused on profitability, potentially resulting in RTP percentages on the lower end of the scale.

Pubs typically have a smaller number of pokies, which not only gives you little choice of what to play, but overall they may not offer as wide a variety in RTP percentages as clubs.

Many clubs, particularly those affiliated with sporting groups, have a mission of community service. The funds from pokies may be reinvested into the local community or the club's activities, which can lead to more favorable RTPs to attract and retain players.

Conversely, pubs are typically profit-driven businesses, and their revenue from pokies plays a major role in their bottom line. This might result in slightly lower RTPs as they aim for higher profitability.

In general, clubs may offer pokies with a higher RTP compared to pubs in Australia, but the difference is often small and varies depending on the specific venue and state regulations. To maximize your chances of winning, it's a good idea to check the RTP settings of individual pokies machines, if available, or choose venues that are known for their community focus, which might offer better RTPs.

If you are serious about finding higher RTP machines, in states where it's available, check the game information screen to see whether the game you want to play has a higher chance of giving you your money back. Remember, the RTP can vary across different machines in the same venue.