While many have played slot games, only a select few understand what volatility (AKA variance) means on these games.

If you play online slot machines, you’d notice that while some games deliver small wins frequently, others deliver bigger wins occasionally. This difference in payout frequency is called slot volatility or slot machine variance.

When you’ve got insight into what volatility means in real games, you’d be able to select the right real game for better payouts and take charge of your gambling bankroll.

What does volatility mean in slots?

Simply put, variance tells you how much a casino game pays out. If you get frequent payouts but smaller wins each time, you’re playing a low volatility slot. However, if your chosen reel game gives large but rare wins, that means you’re playing a high volatility slot.

Between these two one-armed bandit variations are middle volatility slots. In these games, you’ll get a stream of small wins and substantial payouts occasionally.

The different variance levels in slot machines

In the last section, we explained that the variance of a reel game shows how often a reel game pays, be it big or small. And while we touched base on the different volatility levels on reel games, we’ll be taking things further in this section:

Low variance slots

A low-volatility reel game is one that delivers steady small wins. It is better to play low volatility games because they keep your bankroll safe by offering frequent wins.

If you play reel games like this, you’d be able to enjoy steady gaming for longer sessions. That said, lower variance games are the right fit for Canadians trying out a paid or free one-armed bandit at an online casino for the first time.

Medium variance slots

Medium-volatility slots strike a balance between small wins and huge payouts. If you play a one-armed bandit with this casino game’s variance level, you won’t need to wait too long before you get a decent or substantial win.

Although gamers have playing styles, most crave wins, regardless of the amount. As such, it isn’t surprising that medium volatility games place among the best reel games at online casinos.

DID YOU KNOW: The largest payout on an online slot is $20,062,200. This win was from a progressive jackpot tied to Mega Moolah, a medium-volatility reel game.

High variance slots

High-variance reel games are for players who aren’t scared of taking risks. Why? These games don’t payout often. But when this type of reel game pays out, it’s usually a jackpot or a payout that’ll leave you grinning from ear to ear.

So, if chasing high or low winning streaks in a bid to get a life-changing reward is something that appeals to you, consider playing high volatility slots. What’s better? There are tons of reviews on Slots Judge that target popular and niche higher volatility reel games.

By reading them, you can get insights on what to expect regarding payout values and bonus features.

Variance and RTP: What’s the connection?

You’ve probably heard about variance and RTP in the same sentence before. So, what’s their link? To understand this, we need to define the term RTP.

RTP simply stands for return to player. It tells you how much a one-armed bandit will return over time. For context, if your preferred reel game machine has an RTP of 96%, you’ll receive $96 back after wagering $100.

However, note that this figure isn’t set in stone. The size of those payouts you get back might vary slightly.

However, the RTP of a reel game doesn’t tell you how often the one-armed bandit pays. This is what volatility brings to light. So, while a reel game might have a high RTP, its variance rating could be low or medium.

This is why variance vs RTP matters. With a deep understanding of their different concepts, choosing the right reel game for your preferred gaming experience is possible.

Managing your bankroll with variance in mind

The impact of volatility can’t be overstated when it comes to casino games in general. When you’re playing reel games, variance significantly impacts your gaming experience and could steer you towards the winning formula you’ve been searching for.

That’s not all. Understanding volatility can help you in managing your bankroll. If you’re on a small budget, it’ll be in your best interest to pick low-volatility reel games delivering smaller payouts and more frequent wins.

However, if you can withstand more risk, consider playing higher volatility reel games that offer substantial winnings.

Since volatility matters when playing one-armed bandits, Ella Houghton, an iGaming expert, recommends that players test out different types of slots for free. That way, they can understand a game’s variance without risking real money.

Thankfully, many casino sites have free spins bonuses that’ll help you play one-armed bandits without making a financial commitment.

The volatility can help you to adjust your wagers and stay in control. As such, many players use variance ratings of review platforms like Slotsjudge to know how often certain reel games will pay out.

Parting shot

It doesn’t matter whether you’re testing out a free one-armed bandit or playing an online reel game with real money; the volatility of a slot can influence the payouts you get. So, understanding slot variance will help you choose games that suit your needs at an online casino.

The next time you’re playing reel games online, ensure you check the variance level. That way, you can fine-tune your bankroll to match your gaming adventure and get the payouts you expect. Godspeed player.

By Ella Houghton
Advertising feature with Slots Judge