Best payout pokies: high RTP games and what RTP means

What makes a pokie a "best payout" pokie?

A best payout pokie is one with a high return to player (RTP): the share of all money wagered that the game pays back over a very long run. The higher the RTP, the lower the house edge and the lower the average cost of playing. It is the single most useful number for comparing pokies, as long as you understand what it does and does not tell you.

What are the published RTPs of well-known pokies?

These are the RTPs the provider lists on its own game pages. Your casino's version may differ, so check the game rules.

In Australian venues, each state sets a minimum return for pokies. In Victoria, the minimum was lowered from 87% to 85% in 2014. Online pokies publish their RTP in the game rules, often in the mid-90s.

How do you check the RTP version your casino runs?

You check the RTP version by opening the game itself:

1. Load the game at your casino, in real money or demo mode.
2. Open the rules, usually through an "i", "?" or menu button.
3. Find the RTP line, often near the end of the rules.
4. Compare it with the provider's published figure. A lower number means the casino chose a lower version.

Why does volatility matter as much as RTP?

Volatility matters because it decides how the RTP is delivered. Two games with the same RTP can feel completely different: a low volatility game pays small wins often, while a high volatility game pays rarely but sometimes large. Over a short session, volatility shapes your result far more than a one-point difference in RTP. Our guide to how pokies work explains both.

Why are jackpot pokies different?

Jackpot pokies split their return between normal wins and a jackpot pool. On a progressive game, part of each bet feeds the jackpot, so the base game returns less, and most of the remaining return goes to a rare winner. If your goal is the lowest average cost of play, a non-jackpot pokie with a high RTP is usually the better choice. See our guides to jackpot pokies and Mega Moolah.

Can a high RTP pokie help you win?

A high RTP pokie lowers the average cost of play; it does not make any single session more likely to win, and it cannot overcome the house edge. Use RTP to choose between games, then set a budget as if you will lose it. Our guide on how to win on pokies explains what you can and cannot control.

How do you keep play under control?

Even at 97% RTP, every dollar wagered costs about 3 cents on average, and re-betting your wins adds up quickly. Set your budget and time before you start, and stop when you reach either. Gambling Help Online offers free, confidential support 24/7 on 1800 858 858.

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