The variance of slot machines explained simply

Anyone who is interested in playing slots has probably already heard of variance. This can be different for each machine and gives interesting clues as to what to expect in terms of payouts. In particular, players who want to play with a certain strategy and are thinking about how to best use their budget will also have to consider the variance of the games in their considerations. However, since this is a fairly complex topic, we will try to explain the special features of variance in slot machines as simply and clearly as possible.

If you’re into slots, you’ve probably heard of “variance”—it’s a big deal in shaping how often you win and how big those wins can be. And if you’re really into your gaming setup, adding some personal touches with unique casino-themed gifts can make it even more fun. For some creative gift ideas for casino lovers, check out this list. Whether you’re exploring variance or just want to deck out your setup, it’s these little extras that make the experience all the more enjoyable.

Anyone who is well informed and familiar with the special features that each game offers will certainly have even more fun. We will explain the different variance levels, what you need to consider and how you can use this knowledge. So next time you plan your budget and have an attractive amount available thanks to the casino bonus codes, you should be able to use this guide to make the most of your bankroll.

Volatility and variance

Sometimes you will come across the term "variance" as a synonym for "volatility". Slot machine terminology can be complicated, but in this case there is no need to familiarize yourself with a new term, as both terms describe the same thing. They refer to how often and how much winnings can be expected in a game, which gives you as a player information about your risk.

The different variance levels of slot machines

First of all, it is important to know that there can be very different variance levels that can be found in slots. So when you get to know a new game, you should first find out what volatility it actually has. Basically, the variances are divided into the following groups:

• Low variance
• Medium variance
• High variance

All slot machines can be assigned to one of these three groups. You can find out more information about this from the provider. But first, let's look at what low, medium or high variance actually means for the game.

Low variance

If it is a slot with low volatility, then you can expect smaller winnings. So you don't have to expect a big jackpot with these games. Nevertheless, you can often enjoy a win here, even if it won't be large amounts.

Top slots with low volatility:

• Jackpot Express (Yggdrasil)
• Clash of the Beasts (Red Tiger)
• Not Enough Kittens (Thunderkick)

Medium variance

With slot machines that work with a medium variance, the winnings can be a little higher. Winnings are not paid out as often as they are with a low variance, but if a payout does occur, you can certainly look forward to a respectable return.

Top slots with medium volatility:

• Hotline (NetEnt)
• Riddle Reels: A Case of Riches (Play’n GO)
• Sweet Bonanza (Pragmatic Play)

High variance

If you want to hope for particularly high winnings when playing, you should look out for slot machines that have a high volatility. Here, you can win considerable winnings, which can often be 1,000 times the stake or even higher. However, the high variance also ensures that such a payout does not occur very often. So you cannot hope for such a considerable return very often. But if you manage to win such a prize, you will certainly be very happy.

Top slots with high volatility:

• Dead or Alive II (NetEnt)
• Book of Dead (Play’n GO)
• Big Bamboo (Push Gaming)
• Where to read the volatility

Volatility in slot machine gamesIf you want to find out about the variance of slot machines, it is recommended that you look at the payout table. There you can see what variance the machine has and what payouts you can expect. You cannot get this information from all game manufacturers, as they do not provide any information about the type of programming. Therefore, always use the payout table to get an idea of ​​the variance. With a little practice, you will quickly get an overview and can immediately assess a new game.

Where to read the volatility

Volatility in slot machine gamesIf you want to find out about the variance of slot machines, it is recommended that you look at the payout table. There you can see what variance the machine has and what payouts you can expect. You cannot get this information from all game manufacturers, as they do not provide any information about the type of programming. Therefore, always use the payout table to get an idea of ​​the variance. With a little practice, you will quickly have an overview and can immediately assess a new game in this way.

Developing the game strategy based on the variance

Once you have found out about the volatility of the game, the next question is how to use this knowledge to plan your own strategy for betting. For development, it is important to note that slots with a high variance pay out winnings less often, but these are significantly higher. In comparison, slot machines with a low variance have more frequent winnings, but they are significantly smaller. These relationships are crucial when choosing bets. It doesn't matter whether you play with a large budget or have a relatively small amount available. The strategy, which is based on the variance of the machines, is always exactly the same.

The optimal betting strategy

If you are looking for the best strategy for your bets, you should pay attention to the variance and then choose smaller bets if the variance is higher. In comparison, it is advisable to choose higher bets for slots with low volatility. This way you can make the best use of your budget and optimize your chances of winning. It is therefore very important to look at the special features of a slot machine in order to develop a strategy that can provide better chances of winning.

Volatility and variance in slot machines

The explanation for this is actually quite simple, because if you look at the slots with high variance, it is clear that winnings are not paid out very often here. If you bet too high amounts here, your budget will soon be lost. This also means that there may have been many rounds without winning, considering the probability of payouts from slots with high variance. With smaller stakes, you stay in the game longer and therefore have more rounds in which you have a chance of winning. If you then do get a payout, the high volatility means that you will be happy about winning even with a smaller stake.

If you choose a slot with low variance, you will be able to enjoy a win more often, because as we have already established, these machines do not pay out large winnings, but they do pay out more often. The more frequent payouts mean you can risk larger bets here, because there will not be as many rounds in which the player will come away empty-handed. Therefore, you can enjoy winnings more often, even if they are not a jackpot.

Variance in slot machines can affect how often you win and how big those wins are. And if you’re looking for flexibility, there are also online casinos that don’t require you to register, which has its own pros and cons. For a rundown on the advantages and disadvantages of no-registration casinos, check out this article. Between understanding variance and trying registration-free sites, there are a lot of ways to make your gaming experience your own.

Conclusion: practice makes perfect

Conclusion: practice makes perfectSlot machines are still a pure game of chance, the outcome of which you obviously cannot predict. You should never forget that when playing and it is therefore important to keep pointing out that the main thing is to enjoy the game. Nevertheless, it makes sense to look at the individual features and especially the variance, and that can also be a lot of fun. Once you have developed a bit of routine and gained experience, you will quickly understand the connections and reliably improve your strategy, which can at least optimize your chances of winning. We hope that our article has explained the topic of variance in slot machines clearly and simply.