Slots Variance
As an online slots player, you would no doubt have seen the terms “volatility” or “variance” and “Return to Player”, or “RTP” mentioned when selecting your favourite game. But do you actually know how these terms relate in the way a slot game performs, or how it determines how much and how frequently you stand a chance to win at that game? No? Well, we’re not only going to explain it to you, but also show you how to use your newfound knowledge to choose slots that best suit your style of play.
Conditionally, all slot machines can be divided into slots with low, medium and high variance. The former can not boast of high payout ratios, but winning combinations fall out very often in them. The latter excite the fantasy of the players with huge payments, but combinations are formed in them extremely rarely.
- Slot Volatility The word volatile as applied to a slot machine basically refers to the amount of risk inherent to a specific game. It is used to describe how often and how much you can expect to win during your playing sessions. Some games can present long dry spells with occasional big wins.
- Slot Variance plays a big factor in this. Yes, short-term luck exists and is a big factor for those, who play once or few times a year. However, for those more addicted, long term is king. When you reach it, everything becomes clear. Check Out Some Slots At Bovada. Slot Variance and House Edge in Slots.
- Low variance slots tend to be the domain of newer casino players who aren’t yet immune to frequent wins, but even experienced players need a break from the cruel clutches of high variance slots from time to time. Whatever the case may be, low variance slots have their place in online gambling and those are what we’ll be discussing today.
- Slots variance ranks as one of the most important concepts to understand when you’re choosing the ideal online slot game for you. Variance measures the expected range between winning and losing. It’s important to learn because of the way it pertains both to bankroll management and to your chances of earning big wins.
What is volatility in slot games?
In essence, volatility or variance (both refer to the same thing) determines how risky a slot game is to play. The classifications are low, medium or high. A low variance slot poses less risk of you losing your bet than with a high variance slot, but with the risk being higher, so too is your reward!
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What is RTP and how does it relate to volatility?
A slot’s RTP (always expressed in percentage value) is the amount of wagered cash that will be returned to you as wins. For online slots the average RTP ranges between 94% and 98%. A practical illustration of that would be a return of $94 to $98 on a $100 worth of wagers. Generally, the higher the RTP, the better your chances of keeping your bankroll about the same level.
Variance however, also helps you to determine how long you can expect your bankroll to last during your time online. Statistically, a low-variance slot with a 95% RTP will pay out in small, regular wins. So, on a bankroll of $10, you could easily total $15 at the end of your session, which translates into a Return to Player of 150%. On the other hand, high variance games will offer more significant highs and lows. At the same RTP you might not see any wins for the first 15 spins, but you could win 1000x your bet at the 100th spin – that averages out to an RTP of 333% which is a considerable leap from the initial 95%.
Typically, you will find that high volatility slots have lower RTPs than low variance slots and the reason for this is that it is more profitable for casino operators in the long run. But if you have the persistence and the bankroll to see it through, you can win significant amounts.
High Variance Slots 2019
Choose the right slot type
Slot players can be grouped according to their desired objective. One the one side you have those on a conservative budget who want play for as long as possible with little loss. Their time spent online is more for casual entertainment than chasing down a big win. If this is you, then low-variance slots are the way to go. You will sustain a healthy bankroll over the longer term, with small but frequent wins (typically within five or so spins). A good example of this type of slot is Netent’s Starburst.
If you’re in it to win big, and you’re prepared to bet large amounts to get there, then you’re what is referred to as a high-roller and slots with a high volatility will give you the thrills you seek. As mentioned, high variance slots will quickly eat your bankroll but they can award massive wins, balancing out the losses. Push Gaming’s Fat Rabbit is a popular example here.
And then there’s the middle ground – medium variance slots that offer the best of both worlds. Here you can achieve bigger wins than you would with lower-variance slots, and more frequently than with high volatility slots. So, if you are a player with a mid-size budget, there are plenty of these types of slots available that strike the perfect balance between win size and frequency. Crowd favourites include Netent’s Gonzo’s Quest and Yggdrasil’s Wolf Hunters and Microgaming’s Avalon.
How to make the most of variance and RTP
Consider the following when deciding which kind of slot is best suited to your style of play:
Summary
Theoretically, the higher the RTP, the better payouts a slot can give. While this is not necessarily always true due to the variance / volatility factor, it is a good rule of thumb, so we recommend you try to avoid slots with an RTP of less than 96%. Play low-variance games if you want to wager, and high-variance games if you’re willing to risk more to win more.
Remember that in the long run, the house will have the edge in any casino game. This does not mean it’s impossible to win, but you must understand that both wins and loss streaks make up part of an enormous statistical pool. Our aim here is to help you balance the value of your entertainment vs. the impact on your bankroll.
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Medium Variance
Falling in-between high and low variance we find the medium category; these games are offering a slightly higher risk but not enough to lose your bankroll in a short time. These are popular with players who want a taste of both worlds as they can offer both high and low payouts, adding that little bit more excitement to the gameplay.
High Variance Slots
Paying out regularly with reasonable jackpots medium variance games are very popular with players. On these games, you do tend to find higher bet values possible due to the fact these games tend to have higher payout lines, but you also find they offer a lot more of the bonuses that players enjoy. Depending on the developer and game these bonuses will frequently be triggered, these can include a range of wilds, scatters and the favourite by far, free spins. Games like Starburst or Spinata Grande from NetEnet are good examples, great fun, with enough paylines and payouts to satisfy all players. Medium variance slots have many benefits; the game developers keep supplying new and more exciting ways to win, with a variety of paying symbols, clusters machines, each way wins and massive amounts of paylines offering numerous winning combos. From classic games to video games, three reels or five you can find a game that fits into this category providing excellent entertainment value along with regular wins and some good jackpots. Most of the slots at online casinos fall into this category, to be certain, check out the paytable when you open a game and compare the amounts you can win.