For Icelandic players venturing into the world of online casinos, the allure isn’t just about entertainment; it’s also about the potential for returns. Understanding “payout percentages,” also known as Return to Player (RTP), is crucial for those looking to maximize their winning potential.1 In 2025, with Iceland’s “grey market” allowing access to a global array of online casinos, players can strategically choose platforms and games that offer the best theoretical payout rates.
This article will explain what Best Online Casinos in Iceland payout percentages mean, how to find them, and highlight top online casinos and games renowned for their high RTP, ensuring Icelandic players make informed choices for their online gambling.
What is Payout Percentage (RTP)?
Return to Player (RTP) is a theoretical percentage that indicates the amount of wagered money a casino game is expected to pay back to players over an extended period of time and a massive number of plays. For example, if a slot game has an RTP of 96%, it means that for every €100 wagered on that game, it is theoretically expected to pay back €96 to players over millions of spins. The remaining 4% is the “house edge,” which is the casino’s profit.
Key Points about RTP:
- Theoretical, Not Guaranteed: RTP is a long-term average.2 It doesn’t mean you’ll get 96% back on every €100 you play in a single session. Individual sessions can be highly volatile.
- Game-Specific: RTP varies significantly from game to game.3 Slots generally range from 92% to 98%, while certain table games (like Blackjack with optimal strategy) can reach over 99%.
- Audited for Fairness: Reputable online casinos have their games’ RTPs regularly audited by independent third-party agencies like eCOGRA, iTech Labs, or Gaming Laboratories International (GLI).4 This ensures the percentages are accurate and the games are fair.
How to Find Payout Percentages
For Icelandic players looking for high-paying games and casinos:
- Game Information/Help Section: Most online slot games have an “i” (information) button or a “Help” or “Paytable” section within the game itself.5 This is often where the specific RTP for that game is listed.
- Casino’s Website: Many reputable online casinos publish the RTP percentages for their entire game library on a dedicated “Payouts,” “RTP,” or “Fair Play” page.6
- Game Developer Websites: Software providers like NetEnt, Microgaming, Play’n GO, and Pragmatic Play often list the RTP for their games on their official websites.
- Third-Party Review Sites: Independent casino and game review sites frequently include RTP information in their detailed analyses.
Casino Games with the Best Payout Percentages
While overall casino RTP can be an indicator, focusing on specific game categories and titles is more effective for maximizing your potential returns:
- Blackjack:
- Average RTP: Often with optimal strategy.
- Why it’s High: The game involves skill and strategy, allowing players to influence the outcome.
- Recommendation: Learn basic Blackjack strategy to significantly improve your odds.
- Video Poker:
- Average RTP: Many variants offer , with some reaching over if played perfectly with certain pay tables (though these are rare online).
- Why it’s High: Combines elements of poker and slots, requiring strategic decisions on which cards to hold.
- Recommendation: Look for “Jacks or Better” (often 8 RTP) or “Deuces Wild” (can exceed 9 with optimal strategy).
- Baccarat:
- Average RTP: Banker bet: ; Player bet: ; Tie bet: .
- Why it’s High: Very low house edge on the Banker and Player bets.
- Recommendation: Always bet on the Banker for the statistically best odds, even with the small commission. Avoid the Tie bet.
- Roulette (European/French):
- Average RTP: European Roulette: 11; French Roulette: 12 (with La Partage/En Prison rules).13
- Why it’s High: Single zero on the wheel significantly reduces the house edge compared to American Roulette (which has a and , giving it an RTP of ).
- Recommendation: Always choose European or French Roulette over American Roulette.
- High RTP Slots:
- Average RTP: Most slots are , but some are designed with higher RTPs.
- Why it’s High: Certain game developers release slots specifically with above-average RTPs to attract players.
- Recommendation: Look for titles like:
- Ugga Bugga (Playtech): 14
- Mega Joker (NetEnt): (with optimal strategy in Supermeter mode)
- Book of 99 (Relax Gaming): 15
- Blood Suckers (NetEnt):
- Starmania (NextGen Gaming): 16
Top Online Casinos for Best Payout Percentages (Iceland 2025)
While individual game RTPs are paramount, overall casino payout percentages are an aggregate of all their games. Casinos that feature a large number of high RTP games and transparently publish their payout reports tend to have higher overall percentages. Many top crypto-friendly casinos popular in Iceland are excellent choices for high payouts.
- BC.Game:
- Payout Focus: Known for its “provably fair” games (often with very high RTPs, sometimes over ) and a vast library of slots from top providers, many of which are high RTP. Their transparency about game fairness contributes to a perception of excellent payouts.
- Overall: Strong contender for overall high payouts due to game selection and provably fair options.
- Lucky Block:
- Payout Focus: Offers a wide range of games from top-tier providers known for fair RTPs. Their commitment to instant withdrawals and no maximum withdrawal limits suggests a player-friendly approach to payouts.
- Overall: Features many high RTP slots and table games.
- 7Bit Casino:
- Payout Focus: Provides a massive game library with titles from numerous providers, allowing players to seek out the highest RTP slots and table games.
- Overall: Solid overall payout reputation due to diverse game selection and regular audits.
- Jackbit:
- Payout Focus: Features a large game selection, including many high RTP slots and a comprehensive live casino. Their VIP Rakeback program also means a portion of every bet is returned, effectively increasing overall player return.
- Overall: Strong choice, especially with the added benefit of rakeback.
- Bet365 Casino:
- Payout Focus: A globally recognized brand, Bet365 Casino is known for its independently audited payout rates, which are consistently high (often exceeding 17 overall).18 They feature games from major providers with transparent RTPs.
- Overall: A highly reliable choice with a proven track record of fair payouts.
Important Considerations for Icelandic Players
- Licensing: Always ensure the casino is licensed by a reputable international authority (MGA, UKGC, or a strong Curacao license) to guarantee game fairness and payout reliability.
- Volatility vs. RTP: High RTP doesn’t mean frequent big wins. High volatility games pay out less often but in larger amounts, while low volatility games pay out more frequently but in smaller amounts.19 Choose based on your risk preference.
- Bonuses and Wagering Requirements: While high RTP is great, remember that bonuses come with wagering requirements that can impact your ability to withdraw winnings.20 Factor these in when calculating your true potential return.
By understanding payout percentages and choosing casinos and games with favorable RTPs, Icelandic players can significantly enhance their long-term winning potential and make their online casino experience both enjoyable and more rewarding in 2025.