Walking into a new casino with 2,000+ games feels overwhelming. Which ones actually pay well? Which are designed to drain your bankroll quickly?

I spent years playing random games based on graphics or themes, not realizing I was choosing some of the worst-paying options available. Now I have a 5-minute system that identifies the best games before I risk a single dollar.

This method has improved my overall results dramatically—not because I win more often, but because I lose money slower on games with better odds.

When applying this system, platform choice matters significantly. Take casino LordLucky—it offers German players a 400% welcome bonus plus 20 free spins, with over 1,000 slots and clearly marked recent winners showing games like Book of Ra, Razor Returns, and Rise of Merlin—exactly the kind of transparent RTP information and game variety needed for effective high-RTP hunting.

Step 1: Check the Casino’s RTP Page

Time: 30 seconds

Most legitimate casinos publish RTP (Return to Player) percentages somewhere on their site. Look for “Game Information,” “RTP,” or “Theoretical Return” in the footer or help section.

This page lists RTPs for all their games. I immediately bookmark any slots showing 96.5% or higher and table games with house edges under 1.5%.

Quick wins: Games like Blood Suckers (98% RTP), Mega Joker (99% RTP), and basic blackjack (99.5% RTP) jump out immediately.

If the casino doesn’t publish RTPs, that’s a red flag. Transparent casinos share this information freely.

Step 2: Use the Provider Filter

Time: 1 minute

I filter games by provider because some developers consistently create higher-paying games:

  • NetEnt: Known for transparent RTPs and many 96%+ slots 
  • Microgaming: Mixed bag, but their classic slots often hit 97-98% 
  • Play’n GO: Solid RTPs across most titles 
  • Pragmatic Play: Decent RTPs, clearly labeled

Providers I avoid: 

  • Unknown/white-label developers: Often have terrible RTPs with no transparency 
  • Casino’s “house” games: Usually designed with higher house edges

Filtering by reputable providers eliminates 70% of the junk games immediately.

Step 3: The 30-Second Game Check

Time: 2 minutes for 4-5 games

For each potential game, I check three things:

  1. RTP percentage: Must be visible in game info or help section. If hidden, I skip it.
  2. Volatility level: High volatility = big swings, low volatility = steadier play. I choose based on my session goals.
  3. Hit frequency: How often does the game pay anything? Higher hit frequency means more entertainment value.

I open the game info panel (usually a “?” or “i” button) and scan for these numbers. Takes 30 seconds per game.

Step 4: Table Game Priority List

Time: 1 minute

For table games, I have a go-to priority order based on house edge:

  1. Blackjack (basic strategy): 0.5% house edge 
  2. Baccarat (banker bet): 1.06% house edge
  3. Craps (pass line): 1.41% house edge 
  4. European Roulette: 2.7% house edge 
  5. American Roulette: 5.26% house edge (avoid)

I always check if the casino offers favorable rule variations, such as surrender in blackjack or single-zero roulette.

Step 5: The Demo Test

Time: 1 minute per game

Before playing with real money, I run a quick demo test:

  • 20 spins on slots or 10 hands on table games
  • Note hit frequency and bonus trigger rates
  • Check if the game feels “tight” or generous with small wins
  • Test the interface and betting options

This isn’t about predicting results—it’s about understanding the game’s rhythm and whether I’ll enjoy playing it.

Red Flags to Avoid

No RTP information anywhere: If they won’t tell you the odds, assume they’re terrible.

Progressive jackpot games: Usually have lower base RTPs (88-94%) to fund the jackpot.

Games with excessive features: Bonus buy options, multiple side bets, complex mechanics often mean worse odds.

Brand-name licensed slots: Movie/TV tie-ins typically pay licensing fees by reducing RTP.

“Exclusive” casino games: House games designed specifically for that casino are usually worse than standard offerings.

For players wanting to practice identifying high-RTP games without financial pressure, list of wms slot machines provides classic WMS titles where you can learn to recognize quality game mechanics and transparent payout structures.

The 2-Minute Mobile Check

For mobile play, I have additional criteria:

  • Interface designed for small screens (not just shrunk desktop version)
  • Touch controls that don’t cause accidental bets
  • Fast loading times
  • Battery usage (some games drain phones quickly)

Bad mobile optimization can turn a good game into a frustrating experience.

The Reality Check

This system doesn’t guarantee wins—no system can. But it ensures I’m playing games with the best possible odds available.

The difference between a 94% RTP slot and a 98% RTP slot is huge over time. On $1,000 wagered, that’s $40 more returned on average.

Those differences add up quickly across multiple sessions.

This entire process takes 5 minutes and saves hours of playing suboptimal games. I’d rather spend 5 minutes researching than 2 hours playing a 92% RTP slot when a 98% RTP option was available.

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