Slot Variance

Slots continue to enjoy staggering popularity among players mainly because they are highly entertaining. As it seems, most of the time, while deciding on the slot to play, casino enthusiasts are mainly guided by its visual appearance, theme, special features, or sometimes, the jackpot size.

Yet, every player who is well-versed in betting on such games is aware that there is much more to slots than their visual appeal. In spite of the fact that these are all factors that are worth paying attention to while picking a slot to bet on, its variance is not of less significance. The variance of the slot gambling enthusiasts are about to get down to playing is something that should be paid more attention to, especially if they aspire to enjoy a fruitful slots playtime.

• ✓ Slots Variance Explained
• ✓ Types of Volatility in Slots
• ✓ Low Volatility Slots
• ✓ Medium Volatility Slots
• ✓ High Volatility Slots
• ✓ How to Predict the Volatility
• ✓ Choosing the Right Slot Volatility
• ✓ Slots RTP vs Variance
• ✓ How to Maximize Your Wins
• ✓ Volatility in a Nutshell

Slots Variance Explained

If you are a slot devotee, volatility and variance are terms you might have heard many times, but you may have a hard time explaining what they are used to denote. First off, it should be noted that contrary to what many players consider, these two terms are not interchangeable.

While variance is concerned, it is used while describing the distribution of the results over a larger period of time. In other words, judging from the variance of a slot, we can figure out how far the outcomes of the spins of the reels deviate from the statistical average. Simply put, variance will indicate what is the likelihood of the outcomes to alter. Slot lovers should keep in mind that variance is not bound by a specific period of time, and instead focuses on rather long periods of time.

Volatility bears much resemblance with variance, which comes to explain why many players consider that they both refer to one and the same thing. Much like variance, volatility is also utilized to indicate the spins’ outcome distribution, but this time, a specific period of time is taken into consideration. Inspecting the volatility of the slot you are about to get down to playing will give you an idea of how often and how much you should anticipate winning over a shorter period of time, thus making it clear of what risk you will need to take while spinning the reels.

In other words, variance indicates the risk that incurs when taking into account a larger time span. In spite of the fact that each slot will bring back to players a specific amount over time, the results will deviate greatly. This is so as with some slots, hundreds of spins of the reels might be needed before they reach their theoretical payout percentage. Namely this is the reason why the results will still be unforeseeable even over the long run.

Volatility, on the other hand, indicates that casino enthusiasts can never say for sure how their slots betting session will pan out. What this means is that they can score a massive win after just a few spins or lose a massive amount after spinning the reels for an hour or two. What slot mavens should know is that most of the time, the variance of the slots is not indicated. Yet, they can get an idea about it when they pay attention to its volatility rating.

Types of Volatility in Slots

Based on their volatility, slots fall into three groups, as there are low, medium, and high volatility slots. Getting proper knowledge of how slots are divided based on their volatility will help you make wiser decisions while picking the game to play as you will be able to tell what bankroll you will need and how much you are expected to win or lose during your betting session.

Low Volatility Slots

As long as the slot you are about to start playing is of low volatility, this should hint you that the inherent risk will be rather small, which renders them much friendlier to players’ bankrolls. Such slots offer low-value winnings that are given with greater frequency. As players will be constantly on the alert for a new win to fall, they are unlikely to grow bored from spinning the reels that quickly.

In fact, while betting on such slots, players might not even notice how time slips as not only will wins fall almost every step of the way, but most of the time, such slots will be visually appealing, thus making for an immersive gameplay. Another reason why low-volatility slots turn heads is that they offer fast-paced gameplay.

Yet, players should not be under the impression that while reveling in a low volatility slot they will not have the chance to walk away with a heftier payout. Casino enthusiasts can do bag an overwhelming prize, but they should not expect that this will come about with the frequency high-volatility slots offer.

Medium Volatility Slots

As it seems, slots with medium volatility enjoy the greatest popularity among casino enthusiasts. The explanation of this is rather simple as they blend the best features of high and low-volatility slots. With such games, the level of risk will neither be too high or too low, thus attaining a balance between the size of the offered prizes and their occurrence.

When compared to high-volatility slots, slots of medium volatility offer small-scale prizes that fall with greater frequency. In distinction to low-volatility slots, however, slots with medium volatility offer payouts that have a higher value. Not to mention that most of the time, such slots are equipped with special features that further enhance their entertainment value.

Such slots are so well-liked by players because if they manage to allocate their bankroll properly, they will be able to extend their betting session dramatically. Another benefit of playing slots of medium variance is that usually, the value of the jackpots they offer is more appealing.

High Volatility Slots

High-volatility slots function in the exact opposite way to low-volatility slots, which means that the risk you will need to take is higher. While spinning the reels of such slots, gambling enthusiasts should expect to get more whopping payouts but the frequency at which they will land will not be that great. That is the reason why you may not settle for such slots if your bankroll is rather humble.

Oftentimes, the RTP of these slots exceeds the 96% mark, which comes to prove that players will be offered action-packed and enthralling gameplay. Yet, playing such a slot does not go without proper budgeting because otherwise, casino aficionados are likely to end up with emptied pockets rather promptly, which remains their main downside.

How to Predict the Volatility of Slots

Gambling enthusiasts who enjoy playing at land-based casinos might have a hard time finding out more about the volatility or variance of the slots that are offered at such establishments as operators are not in the habit of revealing such information. This is understandable due to the fact that they want to make sure that players will spend some time spinning the reels.

Fortunately, players are unlikely to encounter such issues while betting online as this information will be readily available with the bulk of the titles available out there. So as to learn more about the volatility of the slot, the RTP, and the payouts each winning combination provides, avid casino players simply need to navigate to its paytable.

Yet, there is always the chance that this information might not be at hand at all. If this is the case with the preferred slot, there are certain factors that if taken into account, can help you figure out what the volatility of the slot will be.

One of the first things that should be checked out is the jackpot size. In the event that the offered prize is on the upper end of the spectrum, players should know that what they are up against is a high-volatility slot. This rings true, especially when it comes to slots that have progressive jackpots attached to them. Such slots can be distinguished rather easily as payouts are not offered that frequently, but when this happens, they are truly lucrative.

Slots that offer a fixed jackpot are another kettle of fish as although the wins are not that overwhelming, they are much more regular.

The number of available bonus features is yet another thing that can help players determine the variance of the slot. If the available bonus features are rather plentiful, this should allude to higher volatility. The maximum bet values are yet another thing players should take a look at as if they have picked a high-variance slot, the ceiling on the wagers will be larger.

Furthermore, slot lovers need to focus on the number of smaller payouts that are awarded as they play. If such land almost all along the way, it is most likely that the volatility of the slot is low.

Inspecting the paytable of the preferred game is not the only thing you can do in order to determine its volatility as players should consider putting the game through its paces in a fun mode. That way, based on the frequency and size of the wins, casino enthusiasts will be able to say if the title suits their preferences and above all, their bankroll without putting their funds at risk.

Which Slot Type is Suitable for You

Choosing the right slot volatility will not be that hard, especially if you have a clear idea of what your goals are and how big your bankroll is. Therefore, players might find low-volatility slots suitable for them if they are looking to get an enjoyable gaming experience that lasts longer or if they do not feel like spending that much money on casino games. Such slots might fit you like a glove also if you are a slots novice or you are simply a faint-hearted player. Players who settle for such a slot will be able to continue spinning the reels significantly longer and enjoy wins that might not be that staggering, but occur more frequently. Another reason why avid casino fans might opt for this slot type is that occasionally, their bonus features are activated more frequently.

Slots with medium volatility might be right up to your alley if you enjoy spinning the reels for fun, but you are also seeking to sweep some decent wins. Such games might fit you also if you lack that much experience but at the same time, you are not that reluctant to take risks. In addition to this, such slots are suitable for players who insist on being rewarded more often. Finally, if you find special features rather intriguing, this type of slot volatility might be just right for you.

It is best to go for high-volatility slots if your bankroll is not that limited and if you do not mind running larger risks. This slot type might fit players also if they do not mind waiting a bit longer to trigger the bonus rounds or get a payout.

Slots RTP vs Variance

While polishing their knowledge about slots variance, players should make sure that they have gained a firm knowledge of the return-to-player percentage of these casino games. For beginners, it is used to indicate what long-term payoffs players should expect while spinning the reels.

Something vital gambling enthusiasts should be aware of is that the sum of the rate of the RTP and the house edge cannot exceed 100%. Thus, if we assume that the RTP of the slot you are playing is 96%, this will mean that the edge the house enjoys over you as you wager is 4%. Something to keep in mind is that a difference in the RTP of just 2% or 3% will have a noticeable effect on your winnings. That is the reason why going for the first slot they come across without checking all these things out is unlikely to help players achieve the desired results.

Another thing these values should show players is that they will get a payoff of $0.96 for every $1 they stake. Yet, casino enthusiasts should be aware that the payout distribution of slots is not that clean, and the main causes for this are volatility and variance.

The RTP rate is certainly a major factor players need to pay special heed of before they settle on a specific slot. Yet, the opportunity to check out the RTP of the slot you prefer might not always be possible even if casino enthusiasts play online. This makes it hard for them to figure out what edge the house will have over them or when payouts they can expect as they play. What is more, players should not forget the role Random Number Generators play.

Simply put, players will stand a better chance to snatch more appealing rewards when the value of the RTP is higher. In spite of the fact that volatility will have an impact on how much you will earn in reality, the rate of the RTP can be used by players as a strategy tool.

How to Maximize Your Wins

Slots are inherently thrilling, and betting on them can be instrumental in landing great wins, provided that you have the right approach. If you are looking to enjoy a fruitful betting experience, you should certainly read up on the tactics you can resort to that can help you maximize your winnings.

First and foremost, if the slot you have picked offers adjustable paylines, you should make sure that you have activated all of them. The reason why you should do so is that in this way, you will be eligible for the jackpot the slot goes hand in hand with. Thus, if you bet on a three-coin slot, and you have chosen to wager just two coins, for example, even if you land the rare combination that is needed to bag the jackpot, you will be provided with a reduced payout.

In the event that a jackpot is not available, activating all paylines will be instrumental in bagging the best possible payouts. With some modern-day slots, players need to stake the maximum possible number of coins so as to enter their bonus games.

Yet, in the event that you cannot afford to settle for the maximum possible bet size, it will be better to switch to another game.

Another thing gambling enthusiasts should consider doing when they are after bigger wins is to opt for higher denomination slots. The reason why this approach can get them closer to the winning goals they have set is that the RTP of such slots is higher, which therefore means that the edge the house will have will be smaller. Of course, players should only stick with such slots, provided that their bankroll allows them to do so.

Since playing slots should be entertaining above all, players are advised to opt for titles that correspond to their playing personality, and the goals they have set. Just ask yourself if you are looking for slots that are overflowing with opportunities to win big, such that offer more humble wins but rather frequently, or a combination of the two.

If the slot puts greater emphasis on the bonus features or the jackpots it offers, players should be prepared to go through more losing spins and to get payouts less frequently. Yet, be mindful of the fact that although such games provide the best opportunity to win, players’ chances to lose will be bigger as well.

Players are often tempted by slots that are equipped with the so-called pick’em bonus features because they provide payoffs quite often, which makes for a longer betting session. Yet, with such slots, players’ chance to snatch the most overwhelming rewards will not be that big. When free spins are concerned, most of the time, they provide better wining opportunities. In other words, it is up to players to settle for a slot type that has the capacity to bring them the best value and the entertainment they are after.

Since slots can be exceptionally alluring visually and when their gameplay is concerned, casino enthusiasts can easily get carried away. That is the reason why they should always make sure that they bet within the budget they have initially defined. Once you see that you are about to reach the limit you have set, just try to decrease your bet size, and if this is of little avail, just discontinue your betting session.

While speaking about the bet sizes, players should consider opting for smaller stakes at the beginning of their betting session and gradually increase the staked amount so that they could bet big when they reach the point when the big win will land.

Understanding the slot is certainly a must no matter if you want to enjoy a decent profit or you simply want to bet for fun. Make sure that you know which are the low-value and high-paying icons, are there any special icons, and how bonus features are unlocked so that you could have a better time spinning the reels.

Volatility in a Nutshell

One of the key takeaways for players should be that while deciding whether to opt for a low, medium, or high-volatility slot, they should be guided by their bankroll and of course, their personal preferences and their winning goals. If you are a budgeted player, you might be more comfortable with playing low-volatility slots. Yet, higher-risk slots might be right up to your alley, given that your budget is not that limited and you are after more substantial wins.