The payout percentage, commonly referred to as return to player (RTP), is a measure used to indicate the average amount of money a slot machine returns to players over an extended period of play. Expressed as a percentage, it reflects the proportion of total wagers that are paid back in winnings compared to the total amount bet. For example, a slot machine with a 95% RTP would theoretically return $95 for every $100 wagered, although this is calculated over many plays and does not guarantee individual outcomes. RTP is an important factor for players to consider as it helps them understand the potential value of a machine and informs their overall gaming strategy.