Study Finds that Slots RTP Information is Misunderstood by 32% of Gamblers

Research carried out by The Behavioural Insights Team has revealed that there is a distinct lack of understanding of current return to player (RTP) statements for gamblers who play online slots and that this can lead them to take more risks than they would normally do.
Simplified odds in £ terms led to greater understanding and less willingness to take risks

For the study, the Behavioural Insights Team created an online slot game and studied the gambling activity of 5,311 participants as they played. The group was divided into segments that were each presented with RTP information in a variety of formats. This included simpler odds presented as potential losses in £ totals and slight changes such as making the RTP information more prominent or highlighting/changing the colour of the RTP text.

Half of all participants were also presented with free spins to see how this would impact their activity and whether or not it encouraged gamblers to take more risks than usual.

Meanwhile free spins encouraged even those who understood the odds and the risk involved to play more. According to the research this resulted in 75% of participants opting to play, up from 70% in the segment with no free spins offer.

Based on the findings of the report, The Behavioural Insights Team has recommended that RTP statements should be banned or radically overhauled to help improve players’ understanding of the risks involved. It has also suggested that odds should be listed in £/€/$ terms that are clearly visible and presented before any other gaming information.

The full report is available for download.

Olivia Richardson

Olivia has worked as an editor and writer for major brands across multiple niches. She now focuses on the iGaming and sports betting industries.