A game's RTP (return-to-player percentage) can differ between casinos. That's because game developers can create multiple RTP versions, and casinos choose which one to offer. I will explain to you how slot RTP works, why the numbers differ, and how to check which version you're playing.
How Can the Slot RTP Have Different Values?
When a game developer creates a slot, it can come with a range of RTP settings. For example, a game might have versions with RTPs of 96.5%, 95% and 94%. The casino then chooses which version to offer, so you could play the same slot at two sites and get different theoretical returns.
This is known as the RTP range. A lower RTP generally means a higher theoretical margin for the operator, while a higher RTP returns more to players over time. Casinos may choose different settings based on their commercial strategy, operating costs and agreements with game providers.
Real Example: Book of Dead
I checked the RTP listed for Book of Dead at four UK casino sites. These sites show their RTP rates in either game information or terms, so I was able to get accurate figures.
| Casino | Book of Dead RTP |
|---|---|
| Hollywoodbets | 96.21% |
| Mecca Games |
94.25% |
| Bet365 |
94.00% |
| Virginbet |
91.25% |
*RTP figures checked in October 2026 using each casino's game information or terms and conditions.
The difference between the highest and lowest RTP is 4.96 percentage points. For every £1,000 wagered, the Hollywoodbets version has an average theoretical return of £962.10, compared with £912.50 at Virgin Bet. That's a difference of £49.60 in expected losses per £1,000 wagered over the long run. Actual results while playing the slot can vary, and you could win or lose more in any individual session.
How Can You Check a Slot's RTP?
You can check a slot's RTP in its game information, the casino's terms, or by asking customer support. However, it gets tricky here because many casinos don't display RTP directly, and some make it difficult to find before you register.
Try these steps:
- Open the game's information menu - Look for an information icon, paytable or game rules.
- Check the terms and conditions - Some casinos publish RTP figures there, as Mecca Games does.
- Ask customer support - If you can't find the figure, ask which RTP version the casino offers.
- Check the game developer's information - This can help you identify the available RTP versions, although it won't necessarily confirm which one a particular casino uses.
💡 Expert tip: Don't assume a casino offers the highest RTP version just because it's available from the game provider. If the casino won't confirm its RTP setting, compare it with sites that publish their figures before deciding where to play.
Expert Recommendation - Hollywoodbets Casino
Choosing where to play can make a difference to a slot's theoretical returns, even when the game is the same. Check the RTP before you start, and consider Hollywoodbets if a higher return is your priority.
In my comparison of four UK casinos, Hollywoodbets had the highest Book of Dead RTP at 96.21%, while Virgin Bet had the lowest at 91.25%. Other examples on the site include Big Bass Splash at 96.71%, Gates of Olympus at 96.50% and Immortal Romance at 96.86%.
| 1st deposit bonus | 100 bonus spins |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit for bonus | £10 |
| Extra 1st deposit bonus info | |
|---|---|
| Wagering requirements (bonus money) | 0x |
| Wagering requirements (bonus spins) | 0x |
| Maximum bet for wagering | No limit |
| Maximum cash out | £1,000 |
| Basic information | |
|---|---|
| Launch date | 03/2019 |
| Minimum deposit | £5 |
| Platform | Independent / No platform |
| Sports betting | Yes |
| Live casino | Yes |
| Bingo | No |
