RTP arithmetic: turnover is not a session forecast

Why this matters

RTP describes a theoretical relationship between turnover and payouts under a game model. Multiplying a stake by a number of rounds produces turnover, not the amount a reader must deposit. Money returned during play may be wagered again.

Before entering the numbers

RTP describes a theoretical relationship between turnover and payouts under a game model. Multiplying a stake by a number of rounds produces turnover, not the amount a reader must deposit. Money returned during play may be wagered again.

Open the calculator: RTP / House Edge Loss Estimator. All figures below are hypothetical. CU denotes a consistent currency unit, not a named currency. Field and result names match the English calculator interface.

Example 1: the starting assumptions

Use 1 CU per round, 1,000 rounds and 96% RTP. The difference between theoretical gross payouts and turnover gives an expected net loss, not a predicted closing balance.

Entered fields: Amount per round: 1 (CU) · Number of rounds: 1000 (rounds) · Theoretical RTP: 96 (%)

Calculated results: Total turnover: 1,000.00 CU · House edge: 4.00 % · Expected gross payouts: 960.00 CU · Expected net loss: 40.00 CU

• 1 × 1,000 = 1,000 CU turnover
• house edge = 100 − 96 = 4%
• 1,000 × 0.96 = 960 CU payouts; 1,000 − 960 = 40 CU expected loss

Example 2: change the inputs

Double the stake to 2 CU and halve the round count to 500. Turnover stays at 1,000 CU, so this expectation formula gives the same result. It does not show that the two sessions have the same dispersion.

Entered fields: Amount per round: 2 (CU) · Number of rounds: 500 (rounds) · Theoretical RTP: 96 (%)

Calculated results: Total turnover: 1,000.00 CU · House edge: 4.00 % · Expected gross payouts: 960.00 CU · Expected net loss: 40.00 CU

• 2 × 500 = 1,000 CU turnover
• 1,000 × (1 − 0.96) = 40 CU expected loss

What the result leaves out

The model does not contain a payout distribution, changing stakes, bonus conditions or a stopping rule. An individual session may finish far above or below the expectation. RTP is not a refund rate for one player.

Arithmetic uses unrounded intermediate values; displayed numbers are rounded. These examples document the model, not a provider quote or an observed transaction.

18+. Educational information only. This is not financial, investment, legal or tax advice, and it is not a guarantee of any result. Betting, gambling and crypto involve a risk of losing money. Estimates depend on your inputs; verify current provider terms and local rules.

Practical checklist

• Record the source, units and time of each input.
• Keep fees and principal in their stated units.
• Reproduce both examples before comparing other inputs.
• Read the stated limitations and current provider terms.