When you choose an online slot, what do you look for? The special features? The bonus rounds? The theme and graphics? The size of the jackpot? Or the game’s variance?
Experienced players look at all of these things, but they pay careful attention to what a slot’s variance is, as this can tell them how often they can expect to win, and how much risk they will incur.
Want to learn more? Keep reading!
When Risk Equals Reward
High variance slots are the perfect example of risk equalling reward. They are ideal for players who have the bankroll to take a risk, and who can afford to spend a little more on every spin in the search for a big win.
High variance slots are those that have fewer symbols that offer payouts, but the payouts they do offer are far bigger than their low variance counterparts.
At the best online pokies sites, in a high variance slot, you can expect to rake in big wins less often, in contrast to low or medium variance slots where regular wins will come your way, but the payouts are far smaller.
If you have a bigger bankroll and don’t mind burning through it in order to win big, high variance slots are perfect for you. However, if you are on a tight budget, it may be better to steer clear of these games, as they certainly can live up to their name.
Spotting High Variance Slots
The variance of slots is often found in a game review, and some games even list it in their paytable. However, even if the game itself doesn’t state what its variance is, you can tell by looking at the paytable if you know how.
The first thing to look out for is fewer winning symbols than normal, and the usual number for high variance slots will be between 7 and 9.
The amount that each symbol pays out when landed in a winning combination will also be far higher than your low to medium variance games, and there will be fewer bonus rounds or symbols.
The RTP of a slot can also indicate variance, as it tells you how often a game pays out for every $100 wagered. Anything lower than 95% is generally high variance, so keep an eye on the RTP too to see what sort of risk you are in for.
Examples of High Variance Slots
Just about every online casino software developer has created at least a few high variance slots, but if you’re looking for some examples we can point you in the direction of:
NetEnt’s Dead or Alive
Microgaming’s Immortal Romance
Novomatic’s Autumn Queen
Play’n GO’s Book of Dead
WMS’ Raging Rhino
Progressive jackpot slots are also generally high variance, so you are playing for a huge payout that comes about very seldom. However, when the jackpot hits, you could be an instant millionaire, so the risk really is worth the reward in this case too.