Slot Variance

Slot games have been one of the most popular gambling titles at Ireland’s top casinos for a long time now, and their popularity has only increased with the development of online casinos. Slots are also the only game type where the Return to Player (RTP) rate — the proportion of wagers a slot will pay out over its lifetime — is explicitly stated. Meanwhile, the frequency with which these slots pay out, along with the size of those payouts, is determined by something called the variance, or volatility. For a full breakdown of what this means for slots players, along with tips on selecting the right slots for you, read on for our guide and top casino recommendations.

Variance Explained

In simple terms, variance determines the frequency with which a slot pays out, along with the size of those payouts. High variance slots will pay out less often than others but in greater amounts, while low variance games will pay out more often but with comparatively smaller values.

Low Variance Slots

Low volatility slots pay out in effectively the opposite way to high volatility slots, giving players far more frequent prizes at smaller values. These types of titles are great for newcomers to the world of online slots who are looking for a bit of encouragement via more frequent payouts. What’s more, these are game types that suit players of all budgets as you won’t need a lot of cash in order to play for extended periods of time.

Minimum Wagers

High variance slots will typically have higher minimum stakes than low variance slots, magnifying the risk vs reward ratio. Therefore, a budget best suited for low variance slots will likely lead to a short and fruitless session on a high variance slot, where on a low variance slot the minimum stakes enable your cash to go further.

Check Out the Paytable

A great way to get a better understanding of the volatility of a slot is by looking at the paytable. This will disclose the value of a payout for every winning combination, and it’s from here that you can see the variation between prizes. If you were to win a big payout for a 4/5 of a kind, but a smaller one for a 2/3 of a kind, then the slot may be high variance if it comes in tandem with regular free spins bonuses and high multipliers. Many slot aficionados view the 2/3 of a kind prize as the best indicator of volatility; if the value of such a combination is pretty good, then the chances are that the slot is high variance. After all, if one of the ‘easier’ combinations pays out a significant amount, the slot won’t be able to afford to offer those winnings very frequently.

Consult the Online Slot Community

Another good way to gauge the volatility of a particular slot is by looking at what other players have said about it. Visit player forums and message boards to see what the general consensus is on not only the variance of that slot but also the broad feeling of the game itself. You wouldn’t want to sit down at a game that is the right variance for you but is substandard in almost every other way, for example.

Play the Game

The best way to get to grips with the variance of a slot is simply to play the game. If a slot comes with a free demo version, then download it and see what the payout rate is like as you play. If you find yourself waiting a long time for a game to payout, but when it does it’s fairly sizable, then chances are you’ve got yourself a high variance slot. Even if a slot doesn’t have a demo version, it might be worth playing a few low value spins on it just to get a clearer idea of the gaps between payouts. If you find the payouts to be pretty sparse, there’s a decent chance the slot is high variance. The slot in question may have a high minimum stake, too, making it even likelier that the slot is geared for high volatility.

Matched Deposits

When you first deposit at a new site, many online casinos will offer a match on your deposit’s value up to a certain amount. In the case of a 100% up to €100 matched deposit offer, the casino will match your first downpayment by 100% but only up to the value of €100. Therefore, you could deposit €100 but have €200 to play with. However, wagering requirements––the number of times you must wager the value of your bonus before unlocking withdrawals on winnings gained against it––are generally quite steep when it comes to matched deposits, so be sure to read the terms and conditions before settling on an offer.

Free Spins

The free spins bonus was designed with slot lovers in mind, giving those who enjoy spinning the reels the ability to do it for free! These can be offered out to both new and old customers, either on their own or as part of a larger bonus package. Wagering requirements may still come attached to these bonuses, however, so keep an eye out for those.

No Deposit Bonuses

No deposit bonuses can be some of the most rewarding, giving you bonus funds without the need to pay anything in advance. While this does sound promising, these types of promotions tend to come with more stringent wagering requirements than other bonuses, and it can therefore be expensive to unlock withdrawals against winnings you earn with the bonus. Time limits also apply, meaning you’ll likely need to wager a substantial amount in a short space of time before the bonus, and any winnings you’ve made with it, are returned to the house. Nevertheless, the no deposit bonus can be viewed as a great way to get used to a new slot or site without paying a penny.

Gambling Help

Should your time at a casino site get out of hand and you find that gambling has become compulsive rather than recreational, then there are a number of charities and organisations you can get in touch with that can provide help, support, advice, and even treatment.

Gamblers Anonymous Ireland — Gamblers Anonymous has been helping those with problem gambling habits in Ireland for many years, and the support network can still be accessed via the website above. Individuals can find support for their issues by sharing them in group therapy sessions with other problem gamblers, who in turn are able to share their own experiences. It can be very beneficial to share your challenges with others and experience solidarity with people experiencing similar issues.

The Gambling Awareness Trust — The Gambling Awareness Trust doesn’t directly provide any services for problem gamblers but instead funds those that do. With the cooperation of Irish gambling companies, the Gambling Awareness Trust is able to award grants to those organisations who help further research and education into problem gambling, as well as those who prevent it.

Gambling Therapy — Gambling Therapy is a globally-run organisation that helps those with problem gambling habits find the support they need. Online support groups and forums can be accessed to allow individuals to share their experiences with those who are similarly struggling. There is also the opportunity to access one-on-one text-based support with trained advisors who can provide emotional support and practical solutions to those struggling with gambling problems, as well as their friends and family.

Medical Advice –– Gambling addiction is a recognised medical condition in much the same way as substance addiction. An appointment with your doctor could be the first step in your road to recovery, as they will be able to provide the tools and support you need to get back on track.

Ready to Play?

Slot variance can seem like a pretty confusing and difficult thing to wrap your head around, but in reality, it’s actually a pretty simple concept. Once you’ve understood how it works, you’ll be able to find the right slot game for you. So, whether you’re a beginner with a low budget, or a more experienced player looking to make use of your large bankroll, you should now be able to find the slot game that is right for you. Just read through our list of top Irish casino sites, compare games libraries and bonuses, sign up, and get started.