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Slots Variance ExplainedTime and time again I've seen slots players posting on forums about how crooked a game or casino is, or how streaky a certain slot is. What these players are often failing to realise is that variance is playing it's part. The term "variance" equates to the level of risk, or more accurately, "risk of ruin" (busting out!) and is broadly categorised as low, medium or high.All slots have their quirks, none more so than the popular "bonus" slots, or "free spins" slots. Essentially the paytables offer a guide to the level of variance, or risk, that a player will encounter on that slot. A "low variance" slot will often have lower payouts for 5-of-a-kind and slightly inflated payouts for 2 or 3 of a kind, but will keep one's bankroll going for longer and afford a player the option to bet slightly higher than they might normally. Additionally, any bonus round in a low variance slot will generally have a lower payout expectation than the bonuses from the "high variance" slots. Another surefire sign of a higher variance is the presence of a "jackpot". The calculations for expected return ("ER") take a jackpot into account, so consequently without winning one, your ER is less, possibly a lot less! What's more, if the jackpot is "random", it normally means that the more you bet, the more likely you are to hit it. Therefore low rollers may be subjected to a much higher variance on some jackpot slots than a higher roller. Use the dropdown boxes above to find the variance approximations of many online slots. The size of your starting bankroll, the wager levels and your profit expectations should all be taken into account. If you have a low bankroll and are happy aiming at a 50% profit expectation, then you will probably be better off going for a low or low/medium variance slot. One of the biggest mistakes players make is going for a high variance slot with a low bankroll and larger bets. Unless you strike very lucky, the money will dry up in no time. So don't tackle the Isis slot with $50 playing at $3 or more unless you're in a hurry to go out! Many slots players, myself included, prefer to aim for the occassional "big hit" off a larger budget. This means that medium and higher variance slots play a major role in my casino play. Typically, I play the free spins slots like Thunderstruck and I will be looking for a 100% profit before I cash out. This is a volatile slot, and you are largely dependent on getting the free spins, so I might start with $500 and play at $4.50 or $5.40 a spin. This can run out in 20 minutes on a bad day, but conversely I stand more chance of hitting a $500 payout and achieving my profit. Just be prepared for lots of bad days, but note that sometimes just one spin can make your money back. It's risky, but fun, assuming you don't overstretch yourself. Two tips: Firstly, don't chase your losses: take a breather if you have run out. Secondly, when you hit something big, cash some out! Stating the obvious here for many, but you will never win at slots over the long term. You may get lucky and hit a jackpot or a hudge win, but 95% of the time you will lose. Slots are games of chance and you need luck, but make sure you understand variance and only play slots that fit into your profile of playing, and you'll at least manage your budget well. Try The Free Spins Slots At The Following Casinos | |||||||||