Understanding Slot Variance and What it Means
Slots are one of the most-played casino games, their popularity partly stemming from their simplicity — you don’t need to learn the rules or become experienced just to be able to enjoy a game or two. Over the years, slots have evolved, changing from single reels to games that have over 1000 winning combinations. You also have the addition of wild and scatter symbols, which help to add an extra dynamic to the game.
If you’re a fan of slots, one thing you need to understand is variance, as it has a key part to play.
What is Slot Variance?
Variance in slots refers to the frequency of wins, and is determined by a few factors including odds, winning stream and bankroll effectiveness. If you look at the Fluffy Favourites slot as an example, you’ll notice that the variance is high. Games of this type have high payouts, with small and medium wins being less frequent. If you trigger the Toybox Pick, you get to choose one of five animals, and if you’re lucky, you’ll win up to 100x your stake bet, reflecting the high variance tag of the game.
Games that are low variance, for comparison, have average-sized wins, and the chance of winning big is much slimmer. With slots, it’s also worth looking out for a game’s RTP, defined by eCOGRA as the percentage paid back to players over time.
How to Spot a Slot with High or Low Variance
If you want to determine the variance of a slot then it’s also wise to look at the pay table. This is often listed on every machine. A good rule of thumb would be for you to pay attention to the bet you’re placing and the multiplier. If five scatters pay up to 500x your bet, then this is huge. Free spins should also be taken into account, as this will again influence how long you can play a game, and it will also give you an idea of the variance as a whole.
Deciding what variance is best will come down to you as a player, and there is no hard and fast rule here. Even if a slot game has low variance, you still need to remember that wins are not guaranteed as the games are based on luck and chance. If you combine variance with the payout percentage, then this should help you find games that suit your playing style. It helps to have a foundational understanding of percentages in general, as explained here by Indeed, so you can apply them logically to each game you play.
Of course, you should also think about your personal gaming style too. If a particular theme appeals to you with a slot game, then you may want to play this over a theme that doesn’t interest you as much but has a higher RTP rate. If you can keep things like this in mind when playing slots, it’ll help you to take more control over your experience, and it will also help you understand the game you’re playing too.