Have you ever wondered why the same online slot game seems to pay out differently at various casinos? You’re not alone. Many players have complained about feeling cheated, suspecting that games don’t pay out as they should. But the truth lies in a little-known practice in the online gaming industry: operators can choose the Return to Player (RTP) of the same game.
The Flexibility of RTP
Game developers create multiple versions of the same slot game, each with a different RTP. This flexibility allows them to cater to different casinos, which may prefer a higher or lower RTP depending on their business strategy. For instance, some casinos might opt for a 96% RTP version to attract players with higher payouts, while others might prefer a lower RTP to increase their profit margin
The GameArt Controversy
A notable example of this practice is the GameArt demo games controversy. Players noticed that the demo version of a game was more profitable than the real-money version. Initially, the developer denied any wrongdoing, but eventually admitted to the discrepancy. This incident highlights the importance of understanding how online casino games work and the variations that can exist between different versions of the same game.
Play'n GO's Multiple Versions
In 2017, a player on the Casinomeister forum revealed that Play’n GO slot machines had different RTPs at different casinos. This sparked a discussion about whether developers and casinos were deceiving players. However, it was discovered that Play’n GO offers operators a choice of three RTP versions for their slots: 89%, 94%, and 96%. This practice is legal and allows developers to appeal to a broader range of customers.
The Impact on Players
While this flexibility may benefit developers and casinos, it can also contribute to player confusion and frustration. Players may experience different payout rates at different casinos, leading to accusations of cheating or unfair practices. It’s essential for players to understand that RTP variations are a common practice in the industry and to research the specific RTP of a game before playing.
