When playing online slots, you might have come across terms like slot variance and volatility. These concepts are crucial in determining how a slot game behaves, influencing both the frequency and size of payouts. Whether you enjoy playing for fun with frequent smaller wins or prefer games that offer the chance of bigger payouts, learning about slot variance can help you find a game that suits your style.
In this guide, we’ll break down what slot variance is, how it works, and how it compares to slot volatility. We'll also provide examples of games at different variance levels and explain how this knowledge can improve your gameplay experience.
Variance vs. Volatility: What’s the Difference?
Many players use variance and volatility interchangeably, but they have slightly different meanings:
- Slot variance focuses on the long-term payout behaviour of a slot game.
- Slot volatility describes short-term fluctuations in payouts.
For practical purposes, both terms refer to the same concept when discussing slot games. Game developers often label slots as low, medium, or high volatility, which aligns with their variance levels.
RTP & Variance: The Formula Explained
While slot variance affects payout patterns, another key factor to consider is Return to Player (RTP). RTP is expressed as a percentage and indicates how much a slot will pay back over time.
For example:
- A 96% RTP means that, on average, the slot will return £96 for every £100 wagered.
- A 90% RTP slot would return £90 for every £100 wagered.
However, RTP doesn’t guarantee individual results—it’s a long-term calculation. Variance determines whether you’ll experience frequent smaller wins or rare big payouts within that RTP framework.
Slot Variance & You: How It Shapes Your Casino Experience
The variance level of a slot game significantly influences the overall gaming experience. Understanding variance is essential because it helps players choose games that match their playing style and risk tolerance.
Low Variance Slots - Small Wins, Big Fun
Low variance slots are ideal for casual players, beginners, and those who prefer longer gaming sessions with minimal risk. These games provide frequent but smaller payouts, ensuring that your bankroll lasts longer while maintaining an entertaining experience. The lower risk factor makes them perfect for players who enjoy steady gameplay without the frustration of long losing streaks.
Additionally, low variance slots are great for meeting casino bonus wagering requirements, as frequent wins help players fulfil playthrough conditions more efficiently.
Examples of Low Variance Slots:
- Starburst – A classic slot known for frequent, smaller wins.
- Blood Suckers – Offers high RTP with regular payouts.
- Jack Hammer – A comic-style slot with many winning combinations.
Medium Variance Slots - The Sweet Spot Between Risk and Reward
Medium variance slots offer a balance between small, frequent wins and occasional big payouts, making them perfect for players who want a mix of entertainment and potential rewards. These games provide a moderate risk level, ensuring that while losing streaks can occur, they are not as extreme as in high variance slots. Players can also expect engaging bonus rounds, which often include free spins, multipliers, or additional in-game features that create more opportunities for significant wins.
Examples of Medium Variance Slots:
- Book of Dead – A popular adventure-themed slot with exciting features.
- Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen – Inspired by the famous chef, with balanced payouts.
- Jack in a Pot – A colourful game with fun features and fair variance.
High Variance Slots - High Stakes, High Rewards
High variance slots are designed for risk-takers, experienced players, and those looking for meaningful jackpots. These games offer massive potential payouts, but wins occur far less frequently. A single spin could yield an enormous reward, but players must be prepared for long dry spells.
This high-risk, high-reward gameplay requires patience and a larger bankroll to withstand losing streaks before hitting that big win. Many high variance slots feature bonus rounds with multipliers, expanding wilds, or jackpot mechanics that can significantly boost winnings.
Examples of High Variance Slots:
- Dead or Alive – A well-known high-risk slot with huge winning potential.
- Rome: The Golden Age – Offers big payouts through its unique features.
- Twin Spin Megaways – A Megaways slot with high volatility and rewarding mechanics.
Slot Variance Hacks: How to Spot High, Medium, and Low Variance Games
Unlike RTP, which is a publicly available percentage, slot variance is often not explicitly stated by developers. However, you can determine the variance level of a game by using the following methods:
Check Casino Reviews
Many real money casino sites and casino guide blogs provide detailed slot reviews, including information on volatility. Before playing a new game, it’s a good idea to check these sources for insights on variance.
Look at the Paytable
A slot’s paytable can provide important clues about its variance. Low variance slots usually have lower top payouts, with smaller prize amounts for high-value symbols. On the other hand, high variance slots often display massive potential rewards, but achieving them requires patience and the right bonus combinations. For example, if a slot offers a jackpot of 5,000x your stake but small payouts for basic symbols, it’s likely a high variance game.
Play the Demo Version
One of the best ways to determine slot variance is to test the game in free play mode. If you experience frequent wins but in small amounts, it's a low variance slot. If wins are rare but substantial, it's a high variance slot.
Observe Bonus Features
The bonus mechanics in a slot can also help determine variance. Low variance slots often provide frequent but modest free spins or multipliers. High variance slots have hard-to-trigger bonuses, but the rewards can be huge when activated. As an example, if a slot offers progressive multipliers, rare wilds, or expanding reels, it’s likely to be high variance.
Now You Know Slot Variance – Get Ready to Spin at Prime Slots
Understanding slot variance is essential for making informed decisions when playing real money slots. Whether you prefer the excitement of high variance games or the steady pace of low variance slots, knowing how variance works can improve your gaming experience.
When choosing your next slot at Prime Slots or another real money casino, consider your risk tolerance, bankroll, and entertainment preferences. Trying out different variance levels in demo mode is the best way to find what suits you.
By mastering the concept of slot variance, you’ll be better equipped to enjoy online slots while managing your expectations. It’s also good to remember that gambling is based on luck and chance, so there’s no guaranteed outcome.
