Crash game RTP and house edge explained
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RTP (return to player) is the percentage of all money wagered that a game pays back over the long run. The house edge is what’s left: 100% − RTP. A crash game with 97% RTP keeps, on average, about 3% of everything wagered on it. It’s the most important number on any crash game page, and the one thing no strategy can change. See How Crash Games Work for the basics.
How the edge is built in
In the standard crash formula, crash = max(1, floor(100 × (1 − edge) ÷ (1 − U)) ÷ 100), the edge shows up in two places:
- Instant crashes. Roughly edge% of rounds end at 1.00x, before anyone can cash out.
- Scaling. Every probability is multiplied by (1 − edge), so P(reach x) = (1 − edge) ÷ x.
What the edge costs
Expected loss = edge × total wagered.
| You wager | At 97% RTP | At 99% RTP |
|---|---|---|
| $100 | $3 | $1 |
| $1,000 | $30 | $10 |
| $10,000 | $300 | $100 |
Because crash rounds are short, totals wagered climb fast. Two points of RTP can be the difference between losing $30 and $10 per $1,000 wagered.
RTP options and operator settings
Some providers ship more than one RTP version and let casinos choose. The same game name can carry different RTPs at different sites. Where a game’s help screen shows the RTP, check it before you play. Our game pages list the provider’s published figures and mark unverified values as “—”.
RTP is not a session forecast
97% RTP doesn’t mean you’ll get $97 back from $100 tonight. Individual sessions vary widely, and the simulator shows how wide. RTP describes the average over millions of rounds.
Auto-cashout probability calculator
- Chance to reach target
- 48.5%
- Expected value per $10.00 bet
- -$0.30
- Win rate needed to break even
- 50.0%
Common targets (3.0%)
| Target | Chance to reach target | About 1 in | Expected value per $10.00 bet |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.20x | 80.8% | 1.24 | -$0.30 |
| 1.50x | 64.7% | 1.55 | -$0.30 |
| 2.00x | 48.5% | 2.06 | -$0.30 |
| 3.00x | 32.3% | 3.09 | -$0.30 |
| 5.00x | 19.4% | 5.15 | -$0.30 |
| 10.00x | 9.70% | 10 | -$0.30 |
| 100x | 0.97% | 103 | -$0.30 |
Top crash games
Frequently asked questions
What is a good RTP for a crash game?
Crash games usually sit in the high-90s, which is generous compared with many slots. Check each game page, because some providers let casinos pick lower RTP settings.
Does RTP change with my cash-out target?
Not in a standard crash game. The edge applies equally to all targets.
By Daniel Foster · Crash Game Maths & Mechanics Analyst
Daniel focuses on the mathematics and mechanics behind crash games. His reviews examine RTP disclosures, volatility, multipliers, game mechanics and the mathematical principles behind different crash titles.
Published · Updated
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