What is RTP?
RTP is the percentage of all money wagered on a game that is paid back to players over a very large number of rounds. A pokie with 96% RTP will, on average, return NZD 96 for every NZD 100 wagered across millions of spins. The remaining 4% is the house edge.
RTP is a long-run average
RTP is calculated over tens of millions of spins. In a single session of 100 or 500 spins, your actual return can vary wildly — you might win 200% of your stake or lose everything. RTP does not predict your individual session outcome; it describes the game's mathematical behaviour over time.
Where to find RTP
RTP is usually displayed in the game's information or paytable screen. NZ-licensed casinos are required to make RTP information available. Game developers publish verified RTP figures on their websites. Look for games with RTP above 95% for better long-run value.
RTP vs volatility
RTP and volatility are separate concepts. A high-RTP game can still be high volatility — meaning it pays infrequently but in large amounts. A low-RTP game can be low volatility — paying small amounts often. Both figures together give a fuller picture of how a game behaves.
Bonus buy features and RTP
Some pokies offer a 'bonus buy' feature that lets you pay to trigger the bonus round immediately. The RTP for the bonus buy is often different (sometimes higher, sometimes lower) than the base game RTP. Check both figures if you use this feature.