RTP 101: what “edition” actually means

• Provider presets: studios often ship several profiles (e.g., 96/94/92%) per title.
• Operator choice: the casino selects which profile runs in your region/brand.
• Lobby mismatch: the banner may show “up to 96%” while your instance loads 94% — check in-game rules.

Where to read the active RTP (fast)

• Info/ⓘ panel: open paytable → “Game rules” → look for “RTP”, “Theoretical return”, or “Payout %”.
• Game footer: some providers display the exact edition in the bottom bar or settings cog.
• Jurisdiction badge: MGA/UKGC pages sometimes list the RTP range; confirm the loaded instance, not just the range.

Edition impact in plain terms

• 96% vs 94%: −2% house edge swing. Over volume, this compounds — especially during bonus wagering.
• Volatility unchanged: hit rate/variance feel similar; only long-run expectation shifts.
• Session hygiene: keep the same unit and block length; just avoid the lower edition when you can choose.

Quick audit before you play

• Open the slot rules and confirm the exact RTP (not “up to”).
• If the edition is ≤ 94%, switch title or provider in the same lobby.
• During bonuses, use a whitelist of 100% contribution games that also run 96% builds.

Provider patterns to recognize

• Fixed per brand: some operators apply the same edition across all titles (easy to verify once).
• Mixed per title: a few lobbies run flagship slots at 96% but side titles at 92–94%.
• Live updates: after maintenance, re-check: editions can change quietly.

Clean routine you can repeat

• Step 1: shortlist 3 titles you actually enjoy; verify each edition in the rules panel.
• Step 2: mark “96%” in your notes and keep them as your go-to set for cash and WR runs.
• Step 3: if a lobby forces ≤ 94% on all picks, leave the brand — expectation matters over time.