Slot machine volatility, often referred to simply as “variance”, is an important concept for slot players to understand. Volatility determines how often a slot pays out, and the size of the payouts. Slots available at GoldenStarCasino and other popular gambling platforms are categorized as low, medium, or high-variance games.
How Slot Volatility Works
The math behind how often and how much a slot pays out is known as its payout percentage or Return to Player (RTP). This is based on probability and is built right into the game. Over hundreds of thousands of spins, a slot is programmed to pay back a certain percentage of the money put into it.
But the route it takes to arrive at that overall RTP varies. A low variance slot dishes out smaller wins more frequently. The amounts go up, along with the dry spells in between payouts, as you move to medium and then high-variance games.
Key Factors of Slot Volatility
- Hit frequency – How often winning combinations occur
- Payout size – The average amount paid out per win
- Dry spells – The number of spins between payouts
High volatility slots have a lower hit frequency and longer dry spells, but the wins tend to be bigger when they hit. Low volatility slots pay out more often but in smaller amounts.
Examples of Low, Medium, and High Variance Slots
To illustrate the difference in volatility, here are some popular real money slots in each category:
Low Variance Slots
These games feature a high hit frequency, low payouts, and short dry spells. Some examples are:
- Starburst
- Gonzo’s Quest
- Jack and the Beanstalk
Medium Variance Slots
Offering a balance between hit frequency and payout size, popular medium variance games include:
- Book of Dead
- Reactoonz
- Legacy of Dead
High Variance Slots
Prepared to endure long dry spells waiting for that one big win? Try these high volatility slots:
- Dead or Alive 2
- Bonanza
- Book of Shadows
How Volatility Affects Gameplay
Understanding variance helps you set reasonable expectations. It also allows you to adjust your bets and manage your bankroll based on the slot’s volatility.
Hit Frequency
High-hit frequency games like Starburst provide constant action, though the amounts won are small. This makes low variance better for casual gameplay when you want to make your bankroll last. The downside is it offers less chance for big wins.
Payout Size
If you want to swing for the fences hoping for a big payout, a high variance slot like Dead or Alive 2 is more likely to deliver. You’ll endure more dry spells chasing that one monster win, so managing your bankroll is crucial.
Dry Spells & Bankroll Management
High volatility slots can wipe out your bankroll quickly during cold streaks if you’re not careful. Bet small to last through the dry spells until that big break comes. With low variance games, you can bet a bit more aggressively since wins come around more often.
Adjusting Bets Based on Variance
Here are some bankroll tips based on a slot’s volatility:
- Low variance – Bet 10-20% of your bankroll
- Medium variance – Bet 5-10% of your bankroll
- High variance – Bet 2-5% of your bankroll
Finding a Slot’s Volatility
Slot volatility info isn’t always easy to find. Here are some tips:
- Check reviews and slot forums
- Study the paytable for clues
- Try free play demos to get a feel for yourself
- Track your gameplay stats
Casinos have an incentive to keep the variance secret. But knowing a slot’s volatility empowers you to make informed decisions and better manage your bankroll through the dry spells.
Understanding the differences between low, medium, and high variance is key to matching the right slots to your gameplay preferences and budget. With the right volatility slot, you’ll enjoy your gaming sessions even more.
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