Slot variance and the volatility of the game: what you need to know

The variance of the machine is one of the indicators that tells about the frequency and magnitude of winnings in a long session. In addition, this parameter is called “volatility”. It characterizes the difference relative to the average indicators of the winning. The variance in gambling is responsible for the frequency of winning combinations and their size. Let’s understand how to define it and how to use the knowledge gained.

How are the variance of the game and the RTP related?

Directly the variance of the game and the RTP are not connected in any way. But knowing both parameters of the slot, it’s easier to build your own betting strategy.

The producer provides such an indicator as the RTP in the characteristics of the game. Most often, it is prescribed in fractions or percentages, for example, 0.95 or 95%. The return percentage indicates how much of the betting rate returns to the player at a long distance.

In land-based casinos, the RTP usually fluctuates at the level of 90%, while in online casinos it is more profitable and is 95% or higher. This is due to the fact that the maintenance of gambling sites is cheaper than the maintenance of gambling halls. Therefore, owners can afford to lay less negative expectations and a greater return to players. Today you can find even machines that offer a return of 97-98% of the stakes.

The variance is the difference of the winnings relative to the size of the bet. Also, it is responsible for the presence of black stripes or white strip. By the way, developers never specify this parameter, it is a commercial secret. But experienced players know how to determine the volatility of the game theoretically and in practice.

How is variance expressed in gambling and what is it?

Although there are no official variance indicators in slot machines, the behavior of the slot during a long session tells itself for an informed player.

If the winnings happen often, but their sizes are not very large, then you’ve got a slot that has a low game variance. Such slots rarely give out large sums, but they do not offend gamblers with black stripes without payment. Among such games are Starburst slot, Blood Suckers slot, Aloha! Cluster Pays slot.

When the winnings occur rarely, but in significant amounts, then the variance of the machine is high. However, the presence of a black stripe is quite a normal situation for such a slot. The most popular high variance slots are Dead of Alive slot, Gonzo’s Quest slot, Piggy Riches slot and Thunderstruck slot.

There is also the average volatility of the game: wins happen with an average frequency, and the payouts are not minimal, but not cosmically high.

In this case, the total amount of payments in relation to the amount of bets made in slots with different variances, but with the same percentage of return, will be the same as in the long run.

Knowledge of such parameters as the volatility of the game and the RTP are excellent advisors in the preparation of an individual strategy of landing wins at online casinos more often. Knowing what the guaranteed share of the casino is and by what scheme the winnings are supposed to go, it is easier to choose a slot that will suit the mood, the available deposit and the amount of free time.