high variance/low variance

dominique · #1 02-27-2009, 02:43 PM

There are some slots that have high variance and some have low variance.

Basically high variance slots don't pay out that often, but when they do, they are high wins.

Low variance slots pay out a lot more often, but the wins are a lot smaller.

You need a high bankroll to play high variance slots, otherwise your money will be gone in no time. If you have enough to feed the machine, you could win a bundle.

Low variance slots let you play with a smaller bank roll and play longer, but your wins will be smaller.

A lot of people will just play a few spins on high variance slots to see if they get lucky and it's about to hit. Odds of winning when you do that are small, but it can happen and you'll have spent a couple bucks to win a nice bundle.

Penny slots are not necessarily low variance.

You can tell if the machine is high or low variance by studying the paytable.

Look at the payout for 5 of a kind - is it humongous or just nice? How many free spins are there and at what multiplier?

The higher the wins and multipliers, the higher the variance.

If you like to spend a long time playing for entertainment, you may start out playing higher variance slots in hopes of hitting the big time, but as your bankroll dwindles you should switch to lower variance and try to slowly build the bankroll back up.

Or, try to build up your bankroll at the low variance slots and then try for the big win.

If you are in there to bet some money, make it or break it, and don't care about the entertainment value, just hit the high variance.

Knowing what variance your slot has can make your play more fun. Take the time to compare paytables at your favorite machines and play smart!

vegasnut · #2 02-27-2009, 04:02 PM

good advice! I am usually a "lower roller" so I like the low variance ones...you can use them to build your bank roll too, then move to the high ones.