Source status
Actual RTP vs theoretical RTP
Theoretical RTP is the expected long-term payout setting. Actual or deployed RTP is the value a player may see in a real game lobby or paytable. A good RTP database keeps those values separate because a single number can hide the question that matters most: where did this value come from?
RTP gaps
How RTP gaps should be reported
If the deployed value is lower than the reference value, the page should show the difference plainly and explain the source status. It should not exaggerate the finding, but it also should not bury it. Small differences can matter when users compare several slots or providers.
| Status | Meaning | Reader action |
|---|---|---|
| Seeded | Initial database value. | Use as a placeholder until checked. |
| Reference | Provider or known public value. | Compare with the lobby value if available. |
| Checked | Recorded from a live paytable or source note. | Prefer this over an unsourced value. |
Next route
Where to go after checking the source
Use the RTP checker to search, then open the slot record. Pages such as Book of Dead, Starburst and Gates of Olympus show how the number should be paired with volatility and casino cards.