Before we begin, make sure you understand the concept of Return-to-Player rates and what they mean. If you’re not familiar with the term at all, we suggest reading our dedicated guide to RTP in live casino games. It will help you understand what these numbers mean and why they’re so important for your profits while gambling.
If you already know what RTP is, you should still consider a few important factors relating to game shows and how they work.
- Game shows are universally games of chance, with little to no player input. Even games with interactive features always come down to pure luck.
- Generally speaking, game show RTP is lower than on most other casino table games. It’s higher than some other forms of gambling, though, such as slots, bingo, etc.
- This style of betting practically invites high volatility. Practically all game shows boast a high degree of variance, offering high potential winnings but a low chance to get them.
- Calculating game show RTP is practically impossible without knowing the inner workings and code of any given game. In that regard, we just have to take the word of those who make them (which we feel comfortable doing, seeing how all of the games on this list are made by licensed, reputable companies.)
- Not all bets in a single game show have the same RTP. It’s quite the contrary – RTP values for different bets often vary greatly despite belonging to the same game.
Although high RTP is clearly not a focus for many of these games, this figure is still the most reliable, fair, and objective way to measure their profitability.
Game Shows With the Best RTP
Now that we’re through with introductions and definitions, it’s time to get down to the list you’re here to read.
We’ll highlight the best and worst RTP values in every listed game. We’ll also provide some strategic info on how to get the most bang for your buck while playing them.
Evolution’s Crazy Time is easily the most popular live casino game show ever released. It’s one of the main driving forces of the popularity of this genre and a hugely recognizable brand.
However, the game’s RTP rates are a bit of a mixed bag.
The Number 1 bet stands out as the best with 96.08% RTP. However, it’s also hands down the dullest wager available. No one plays Crazy Time to just spin the numbers – we’re here for the crazy bonus rounds and multipliers.
In that regard, the Coin Flip and Cash Hunt bets stand out as the best with 95.70% and 95.27%, respectively.
On the flip side, the bets with the worst RTP in Crazy Time are Pachinko, with 94.33% and the titular Crazy Time bonus bet with 94.41%. The irony of Crazy Time being the worst bet in Crazy Time is not lost on us.
All in all, Crazy Time probably won’t be good for your bottom line, despite its popularity. One of the purposes of this list is to provide viable alternatives, though.
Best and Worst Bets in Crazy Time
- Best bets: 95.27-96.08%
- Worst bets: 94.33-94.41%
Stock Market is an atypical game in many different ways. We’ll make one thing clear right out the gate – this is an incredibly simple game that doesn’t have the usual bells and whistles of game shows. The studio and graphics are fairly rudimentary, and there are no money wheels, bonus rounds, or flashy visuals.
In fact, the game pretty much has two main bets that are almost identical to each other. It was inspired by crash-style games such as Aviator, so it’s pretty much the simplest form of gambling imaginable. In other words, it’s a niche product for niche tastes.
So why is it on this list? Simple – 99% RTP! Payout rates such as these can only be beaten by something like blackjack, which is saying a lot.
Granted, there’s not much to it, and it’s not for everyone. However, if a high RTP is important to you, you can’t do better than Stock Market Live.
Best and Worst Bets in Stock Market Live
- Best bets: 99%
- Worst bets: None
If you’re looking for a game like Crazy Time but with a higher RTP, Travel Fever is a great suggestion. It’s a typical high-concept game show with a money wheel, engaging presenters, and boatloads of surprises and bonuses. It’s not widely available as Evo games, but it’s still present in hundreds of top-notch casinos.
Setting aside the game’s theme, it fully relies on various bonus rounds for its gameplay. There are quite a few options to play, but they’re all relatively complex. We highly suggest reading our review to get the full scoop on how it all fits together.
In terms of RTP, most of the wagers are in the 96-97% range, which is more than decent. However, a few stand out, such as the Happy Race bonus and its 97.09%. The unique Continent Collect wager is the best one across the board with 97.26%.
On the other side of the spectrum is Ship Hunt with 96.01%. It’s a decent rate, but it’s also the worst one available.
Best and Worst Bets in Travel Fever Live
- Best bets: 97.09-07.26%
- Worst bets: 96.01 – 96.14%
This game is part of a series of ‘Mega Fire Blaze’ games by Playtech, which included roulette, blackjack, and other classics enhanced by multipliers.
The game itself is a bingo-like experience that throws in some additional features to keep things interesting. Namely, the game offers multiple bonus rounds you can predict, just like in most other game shows.
The main bet in Mega Fire Blaze Lucky Ball boasts an excellent rate of 97.32%. It beats out European roulette and the majority of other games you’d find in a casino.
However, the bonuses are slightly worse off. Their RTP rates range from 97.03% to 07.09%. That’s a refreshing bit of consistency from Playtech, allowing you to enjoy bonus rounds without worrying about your average returns. Moreover, 97.09% beats out the majority of game shows available today by a significant margin.
Best and Worst Bets in Mega Fire Blaze Lucky Ball
- Best bets: 97.32%
- Worst bets: 97.03%
As one of the latest games to come out of Evolution’s kitchen at the time we’re writing this, Lightning Storm has big shoes to fill. Interestingly, Evo seems to have taken some tips right out of their competitor’s playbooks when they were designing this game. Although it maintains the trademark Evolution graphics, it almost entirely focuses on relatively low-paying bonus rounds. Our review noted as much – it’s all about big flashy effects with relatively little payoff.
That said, the game’s math model is a solid improvement over many earlier releases. This mainly applies to the Leaf bet. Despite its modest 1:1 reward, it boasts a very strong 97.44% RTP. It allows you to play the bonus rounds more aggressively while keeping your bankroll topped off.
Sadly, though, the bonus rounds are about the same as in Crazy Time. With rates just over 95.12%, we’re certainly not impressed. Still, the main bet outshines most of the competition, so Lightning Storm Live is worth your attention for that reason alone.
Best and Worst Bets in Lightning Storm Live
- Best bets: 97.44%
- Worst bets: 95.12%