Question What variance (volatility) do you prefer?

[Simmo!]

Hi everyone,

I think we had a poll like this some time back but things have moved on, slots have evolved, players are more experienced. So the question is pretty simple: I know many will like a bit of everything but if you were to pick one type of slot that gets you excited the most, what would it be?

Cheers,

Simmo!


PS: If you want to vote but don't really get variance, think of it like this:

Low variance: Lots of play time but don't often see a win north of 25/30x. Modest profits possible.
Medium variance: Possibility of 50x/100x/etc wins every now and again but mostly end up with losses and playtime can be a bit random.
High variance: Balance goes down quite quickly but there is a chance of a life-changing win in the offing.

 

[The Viking]

well for me it has to be High variance games, thats what i play now and enjoy most.
i prefer one 1000x+ win then twenty 50x wins

 

[goatwack]

Thinking about it, I play almost HV games exclusively. Nothing beats getting on a good run on those from small funds, upping bets, cashing out. They've brought me some of my best slotting highlights.

Anything else is just filler or for wagering purposes, although if a slot is nicely designed or fun to play I'll happily squander a few quid on it just for entertainment, usually with some loose change.

It's about time Starburst died already. What is it good for anyway?

 

[Jono777]

Regular / Top Played (IE, most if not all sessions (balance allowing ))

(MG) Immortal Romance, Jurassic Park, Game of Thrones (243), Playboy, the Finer Reels of Life, Thunderstruck I & II, 9-lines TS Clones.

(Netent) Creature from the Black Lagoon, Dead or Alive, Egg O Matic, Secret of the Stones.

(WMS) Raging Rhino, Montezuma, Zeus 3, Ruby Slippers.

and rare but occasional 'go to' games

(PNG) Book of Dead.

(Nextgen) Gorillas Go Wild, 300 Shields.

Mostly HV as far as I know and hence large periods of busts but when withdrawals come, pretty decent ones at that

 

[Simmo!]

Regular / Top Played (IE, most if not all sessions (balance allowing ))

(MG) Immortal Romance, Jurassic Park, Game of Thrones (243), Playboy, the Finer Reels of Life, Thunderstruck I & II, 9-lines TS Clones.

(Netent) Creature from the Black Lagoon, Dead or Alive, Egg O Matic, Secret of the Stones.

(WMS) Raging Rhino, Montezuma, Zeus 3, Ruby Slippers.

and rare but occasional 'go to' games

(PNG) Book of Dead.

(Nextgen) Gorillas Go Wild, 300 Shields.

Mostly HV as far as I know and hence large periods of busts but when withdrawals come, pretty decent ones at that

I'd agree on the most part but one or three of the MG games you mention I'd put just on the higher side of medium probably.

 

[09237653]

For me,
Lower balance = low - med
High balance = med - high

And it seems to work (well sometimes anyway).

 

[goatwack]

I'd agree on the most part but one or three of the MG games you mention I'd put just on the higher side of medium probably.

So that'd be IR, JP and the 9-liners then

 

[Jono777]

Given the evil dead-ness I've experienced for the last few weeks by the aforementioned, I'd say all were super, duper HV

Genuinely though I'd err on the side of the 9-liners too and maybe TSII.

I do think the 9 line clones have slightly different variance too Thunderstruck being the 'lowest' (probably a bad choice of words there!) then Spring Break and Agent JB being the higher of those 3.

 

[goatwack]

Given the evil dead-ness I've experienced for the last few weeks by the aforementioned, I'd say all were super, duper HV

Genuinely though I'd err on the side of the 9-liners too and maybe TSII.

I do think the 9 line clones have slightly different variance too Thunderstruck being the 'lowest' (probably a bad choice of words there!) then Spring Break and Agent JB being the higher of those 3.

Adventure Palace is the highest of the 9-liners it seems, followed by Ladies Nite. Did I mention Karaoke Party? That game comes from Lucifer's left nut

 

[Simmo!]

So that'd be IR, JP and the 9-liners then

Spot on

I love the old MG 9-liners.

 

[hedgehok]

I voted for "On the higher side of Medium" but I could also voted for high variance. It depends on the operator for me.
Since I usually play on medium/high stakes I get a little nervous if I play a game like DoA/Book of Dead on >€5 stakes with one of the smaller operators. It's a gut feeling.
When I play at a smaller operator I play medium to medium-high games.

 

[gagamel]

I prefer HV slots, but when I`m down to 50% of my deposit I usually play LV slots with higher bets. Sometimes it works, like today.

Played Book of Dead, some Endorphina slots and lost 75 Euros.with 0.2 or 0.3 bets. 75 left and started Blood Suckers with 2.50 bets and with 9 Euros left I had FS and now I`m back with 157 Euros.

Lucky man now but the HV slots had given me a bad beating, sure

 

[The Viking]

looks like HV will be the winner here so perhaps show this poll to Netent after
maybe give us some HV games again not thos new ones were you get endless 2-10x your bet

 

[mcgameboy]

I was going to vote "on the higher side of medium", but having thought about the games I play regularly, I ended up voting "High Variance" instead.

Given that I play the following, I think I might be somewhere between "the higher side of medium" and "the lower side of high".

MG = IR, JP, GOT, Playboy, Avalon 2, TFROL, TS2, BSG, Agent Jane Blonde, Golden Era, Santa's Wild Ride (and I used to play Dark Knight)

Yggdrasil = Cazino Zeppelin, Golden Fish Tank, Vikings Go Wild

WMS = Raging Rhino, Ruby Slippers, Wizard of Oz, Zeus 3, Amazon Queen, Bierhaus, Wishing You Fortune, Bruce Lee, Montezuma,

Novo = Rumpel, LLC, BoR, Katana

Netent = CFTBL, JATB, Wild Turkey, Twin Spin, Neon Staxx, Invisible Man, DOA, Drive: MM, Flowers, Evolution

NextGen - Gorilla Go Wild, 300 Shields, Medusa 2, King Kong

Play N Go = Book Of Dead

Quickspin = Razortooth

Playtech = Great Blue, Elektra, Penguin Vacation, Irish Luck, Pink Panther, Atlantis Queen

Barcrest = Ooh Aah Dracula, Barkin' Mad

 

[brianmon]

It's odd how player's perception of variance varies from the casino's listing of variance (Those who list the variance).
Looking at Slotty Vegas. who list variance on a scale of 1 to 4 (4 being highest variance).
A few examples:-

Low (1)
TSII
IR
Invisible man


Med (2)
Playboy
T2
JP


Med-High (3)
South park
Wild Water
BDBA


High (4)
DOA
CFTBL
Reel Steel


One would assume they're listing the info from the provider's data sheets, as opposed to it just being their opinion.

 

[Simmo!]

Novo = Rumpel, LLC, BoR, Katana

Same 4 I play but also LOTO and try Mysteic Secrets if you get a mo - if you like Katana you should love that one too.

It's odd how player's perception of variance varies from the casino's listing of variance (Those who list the variance).
Looking at Slotty Vegas. who list variance on a scale of 1 to 4 (4 being highest variance).
A few examples:-

Low (1)
TSII
IR

A bit odd. I'd put TS2 on the lower side but I'd have said IR was on the higher side of medium myself.

 

[Jono777]

Think Slotty Vegas need to readdress their data sources lol.

There is no way on this planet that evil bloody IR is LV

 

[geordiecolin]

I like the medium /high side of medium because I enjoy my game play as much as the possibility of a big win. Starburst and the likes bore me to tears and are only good for free spins or getting ride of that odd 8p to clear a failed bonus. IMO

 

[Simmo!]

I like the medium /high side of medium because I enjoy my game play as much as the possibility of a big win. Starburst and the likes bore me to tears and are only good for free spins or getting ride of that odd 8p to clear a failed bonus. IMO

So here's one to think about; Starburst is usually in the Top 5 and very often the No 1 slot in casinos' monthly "Top Slots" lists. It's interesting that this poll is leaning towards medium/high in light of that fact.

 

[Harry_BKK]

So here's one to think about; Starburst is usually in the Top 5 and very often the No 1 slot in casinos' monthly "Top Slots" lists. It's interesting that this poll is leaning towards medium/high in light of that fact.

Assuming that ranking is based on the total number of spins done on a slot then it is pretty clear why it is in the TOP5.

Casinos give out every month millions and millions of FS on Starburst. Most players will give it another few spins after finishing the FS and if it runs well they stay even longer. Hence, SB has every month a steady amount of spins no matter what, giving it a big advantage over other slots in the running for the top rankings.

I alone had probably some 10.000FS on it since Dec 2014 (too lazy to check my records), when i opened my first account at a multi-platform casino.

 

[dunover]

So here's one to think about; Starburst is usually in the Top 5 and very often the No 1 slot in casinos' monthly "Top Slots" lists. It's interesting that this poll is leaning towards medium/high in light of that fact.

Because they hook players on the dreadful St*rb*rst slot with continual free spins promos - I'd say at least 50% of Gnatent FS offers are aimed at this awful game. And it's a vicious circle - because they relentlessly encourage people to play the soporific St*rb*rst it then becomes 'popular' so it is always pictured at the top of the slots page when you go on a multiplatform casino. You can't get away from it, everywhere you turn it's there, sort of like those 2 drivelling Geordie tw*ts on TV. It's the 'herpes' of online slots.

 

[Pulver]

I was stuck between "On the higher side of Medium" and "High variance", ended up voting "on the higher side of medium".

Low variance is only good for eating your money imo. Sure, it will give you a prolonged playing time, but it is almost impossible to get a "decent" win out of one. The only time low variance slots are an option for me is if I go really high bets.

High variance slots can eat your money bloody fast, but if you go on a heater on a high variance slot, those winnings can rack up pretty fast.

The best slots in my opinion are the ones that have a good balance between playing time and the possibillity og high payouts. High RTP is also important.

 

[geordiecolin]

So here's one to think about; Starburst is usually in the Top 5 and very often the No 1 slot in casinos' monthly "Top Slots" lists. It's interesting that this poll is leaning towards medium/high in light of that fact.

I guess it is down to mathematics, aesthetics and lack of knowledge.

Given that so many casino's introduce a new customer to Starburst via free spins on sign up and first deposit bonuses then the game is pushed much more than others. Casino's love Starburst because it is not liable to give many huge wins.

Because it is an attractive slot to look at and with its stars bursting,bright lights and regular micro wins it is quite dazzling to a newbie. You can also spin for 10p which is less scary and appears to give better value for money to the uninitiated.

New players to slots are also naturally draw back to a game they know,even if they do test out other games while seasoned players may only use Starburst to get ride of their last few cents of a failed bonus play through on starburst.

I think that most posters in casinomeister are a little more discerning that those mentioned above.

 

[Nightfly]

Depending on my balance I swing between medium and high.

 

[BrianGhattas]

High variance, because everything I've played the last two months are seemingly that. Even so-called "low variance" slots.

 

[aceking123]

High variance, because everything I've played the last two months are seemingly that. Even so-called "low variance" slots.

Know that feeling once those bets go higher than 90p , there's only one way it's going on slots ( down ) , ahhh yes stakes really do play a part

High variance for me perfect example Immortal Romance although high stakes not so good (((

 

[shewoff]

Well since I play RTG almost exclusively I prefer the med. to high range and it does depend on the game. I feel that some games tend to roll with a small give and then wait and see that is just not my style.I'm kinda old style and I like games that are to a certain amount PREDICTABLE. There I said it.

I know there are some maybe even many that would disagree but some games I can see it coming.The way it roll's is just PREDICTABLE and I have won a good amount of money on those games they are usually the high variance games and I win a lot more with the med. variance game's because it may take longer but they pay more over a longer play time than the high and above games they will certainly give you some really nice wins. But I have to play them constantly for them to give me good win's. Peace Out! Out Of The Mist! shewoff

 

[GoldenGhoul]

High variance all the way for me, else I don't really bother. To be honest I would probably rather play poker or try my luck with sports betting than play lower variance slots - both options seem better in terms of chances (plus skill / knowledge plays a part), poker would also give more playtime e.t.c. The whole point of playing slots for me is chasing huge wins. Plus, just as BrianGhattas said: lower variance slots seem to be just as effective in draining my balance as high variance ones

 

[dobbul]

It varies...

Poll only lets you select one option but I like medium variance and sometimes play slightly higher variance. Software-wise, I find all playtech slots much higher variance than they used to be so now tend to steer clear. I love NextGen Casinomeister slot, pretty high variance but I tend to play more Elk Studio slots now, Taco Brothers and Electric Sam my favourites. Of course I only play these at Red Queen coz it's my favourite casino but with their site giving you the variance/volatility rating when you put the cursor over the game (3/6 for both Taco Brothers and Electric Sam), I find this to be an accurate guide

 

[judgenico]

high variance for me whats the point of playing if you have no chance of a monster win surely thats the holy grail

 

[Kaz2305]

Well for me it depends on my bankroll. If I don't have much at the time, well obviously low variance are the go and I hope to try and build up and then I probably do tend for high variance with more funds as you know you can go for a bit without anything so need a good bank roll for high variance.

 

[gsx600]

I like a combination of high variance and medium...I agree it is hard to get that big win if you just stick to low variance

 

[ozimatt78]

Varience

I like mainly high but depending on balance I'll try boost with some low varience games but only when balance is real low and I've no more to deposit lol

 

[lotusch]

Well I love Raging Rhino, ZeusIII, Montezuma, all 243 liners from MGS, and all Novomatic slots besides one or two..

So insane high variance all the way!

 

[Simmo!]

It's interesting that higher variance is by far and away the most popular choice here on CM.

Both an operator and a developer have suggested to me on separate occasions however that the CM membership is far more knowledgeable than regular players and only forms a small fraction of the playing community, with the inference being that we are not necessarily the "norm".

Thoughts?

 

[Harry_BKK]

My opinion on these new slots reflects what they told you: https://www.casinomeister.com/forums/threads/motorhead-its-live-and-loud.74691/

It is easier to get people hooked on low variance slots as they provide more instant entertainment due to the higher frequency of small wins giving the punters the impression they are winning very often.

The more experienced player, e.g. CM members, are more informed and rather go for big win potential than fancy graphics and extended playtime, but still seeing a balance drizzle away.

 

[aceking123]

Simmo also take into account what's is shoved down people's throats as such with promos , pretty much all promos are heavily shifted towards low paying slots, all the free spins & things are always on low level slots , to which people use, these slots seem to pay at low stakes after this at higher stakes its the normal to get battered , hence to why providers already have this in their sites as such.

as pointed out the more you play the better understanding of low paying slots & i would guess most players move away from these games after being burnt to many times.

 

[syrus2]

I was stuck between "On the higher side of Medium" and "High variance", ended up voting "on the higher side of medium".

Low variance is only good for eating your money imo. Sure, it will give you a prolonged playing time, but it is almost impossible to get a "decent" win out of one. The only time low variance slots are an option for me is if I go really high bets.

High variance slots can eat your money bloody fast, but if you go on a heater on a high variance slot, those winnings can rack up pretty fast.

The best slots in my opinion are the ones that have a good balance between playing time and the possibillity og high payouts. High RTP is also important.

spot on !!

Jack and bean stalk , for me. is it HV ?? no idea .
keeps u busy for a a while an u can also hit sumthing nice ( sumtimes ).

PS : Simmo , do'nt laugh me out dude , i'm abit late with this thread !!

 

[goatwack]

None of this matters really, developers are keen on making low variance slots that ruin your balance like a bullet train with fancy graphics, or such super high variance tosh that would take you about three million spins to just break even.

Netent have this artform down, it's just two sides of Netent variance - one's short and painful, like being stunned by a cattle prod, and the other is long and drawn out without any sign of hope, much like being with my missus

MG aren't far behind, they're currently going through the 'clone' phase at their R&D department.

Slots are evolving, actually more mutating, into unrewarding, supposedly high -variance games with piss poor paytables.

It almost makes me nostalgic for the slots of yesteryear like TCFTBL and is probably why I barely manage to muster any exitement for upcoming games.

So, with that said if anyone from NE or MG want to hire me for their PR team just PM me on here

 

[mcgameboy]

It's interesting that higher variance is by far and away the most popular choice here on CM.

Both an operator and a developer have suggested to me on separate occasions however that the CM membership is far more knowledgeable than regular players and only forms a small fraction of the playing community, with the inference being that we are not necessarily the "norm".

Thoughts?

Agree re: CM membership knowledge levels in comparison to regular players. I know how naive I was in regard to slotting prior to joining CM 3 years ago. 3 years on, I can proudly claim to be erm...."less naive" (still need to master the art of pressing that cashout button sooner rather than later )

Agree re: CM community not being the "norm" - in my opinion, we at CM take our slotting a lot more "seriously". You only need to look at some of the content. Video reviews, threads (such as this one right here) all helping to make the CM member much more learned than your average slotting Joe.
We can see how often players (newbies and experienced players alike) want to make well-informed choices when it comes to knowing what games are good for big win potential, what games will keep you interested, what games are to be avoided because they will bore you to death, what games are good for grinding out WR etc etc. At the end of the day, knowledge is power. Better to have it than to not have it.

As for the higher variance being the most popular choice....I am not the slightest bit surprised. Yes, we play for entertainment. But we also play to win. We may all be more likely to lose (and more frequently) by choosing HV, but it's also our best chance to win too. Given the amount of screenies featuring DOA, Rhino, JATB, IR etc, it seems to be a "trade-off" that we here at CM are very willing to accept.

Low variance games DO have their place and their uses, but for me, they will never be "go to" or "starter" games. Let's face it, who is going to make a deposit and then start playing by loading up Munchkins or Gift Rap?

 

[givi2me]

9 liners for me

Definetly like the 9 liners like adv. palace , had some good returns, but I must say Alaskan fishing has done me well too

 

[naththo]

I have noticed new Aristocrat slot machine unrelated to online casino in land based pub or land based casino, some of new one are really high variance and it eats up your money pretty quick like lightning link. They are extremely addicted slot machine that people easily hook onto it. But Konami itself, still continue to have low variance to medium on most and few are high variance, same goes for Ainsworth. Shufflemaster have few high variance slot machine as well though.

 

[spoton]

I usually prefer high variance games. It is however important to distinguish between high variance of type IR where you can expect a decent win in the long term and the super-high variance jackpot games where the sheer magnitude of the variance itself will rob most of us of those %s of the RTP that goes to the JP.

 

[VeryBad]

Need the high variance to give me hope for a nice one. I didn't see anywhere to 'cast a vote" so there's my vote

 

[jjezebel37]

There's no voting option but middle variance is for me. At least I get some playtime.

 

[gopherite]

ariance

i prefer higher variance slots...

 

[petro]

We can't really know what variance slots are anyway. No one has done that work. Or at least no one that I know.

 

[charlotte herma]

Only low dispersion slots

I love low dispersion, but sometimes I like to experiment

 

[Tatiana Newell]

HV

Id have to say i seek the high variance out more then others, i like that i can start with a small bet if i need too, and move up.

 

[butterflyboogie]

High Variance

I play some medium variance but the hits on the high variance games once they hit are nice ones...so I really prefer high variance