usUsne
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29 April 2010 - 8:28pm

Slot High Percentage Paybacks

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Hiya CL Members,

I have see slot machine that have a 98 percent payback, which in reality i don't think means a thing. How many times have you played a machine and got absolutely nothing. Or if there is a win it does not equal the bet wagered therefore you still lost money on the machine.

The percentage payout is the overall payback the player should get. The percentage is calculated by the meter in the machine. In reality if a player really got that kind of payback in a single sitting casinos would go broke. It takes a period of time to ever see a payback.

The biggest return on high percentage machines are when playing higher denominations. The only problem there is if you have a small bankroll you can go bust quick.

What are your views on high percent payback slots. Is it a crock?

Usne

auCL-Ed
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30 April 2010 - 9:34am
#1

Payout rate means little without variance. Its no use having a high payout slot if it slowly bleeds your cash without ever paying a big win. And also remember the payout rate is across all players playing the machine - not just you. So you can have a hot streak while some other poor punter gets nailed.

Generally speaking, the more your bankroll fluctuates while playing, the higher the variance. So a slot which pays relatively few small wins but then pays a huge amount when you hit is called high variance. Something that pays a lot of small wins but not many big ones is called low variance. And as a general rule, 3 reel classic style slots are lower in variance than the 5 reel video slots.

They each have their advantages though ... low variances can be useful when trying to meet those last remaining wager requirements on a bonus. While high variance are of course the ones that can give you a really big win when its your day.

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usUsne
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1 May 2010 - 5:43pm
#2

Thanks ed!!! You are the man of all knowing!! I never really new about the variances. This will be something i will file away in my memory bank.!

Usne

auCL-Ed
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3 May 2010 - 8:24am
#3

Quick hint on how to tell a low vs high variance slot ... look at the paytable and the numbers next to each of the symbols. If the difference between the wins paid on a 5 symbol win compared to a 3 symbol win is big then chances are you're playing on a high variance slot (i.e. the 3 symbol wins occur more regularly but you don't win much on them compared to the bigger 5 symbol wins).

For example Microgaming's Isis is a well known high variance machine. Not only do the payline wins vary hugely but you can get 30 free spins at 6x multiplier which can make for some enormous wins. On the other hand if you aren't winning it can suck your credits quicker than you can say what happened?

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usUsne
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5 May 2010 - 5:19am
#4

Thats just it, a high variance machine may pay more, but at the same time could eat up your bankroll in a New York minute!

I think i prefer the high variance machines. If i am going to gamble then i am gonna go for the gusto! I appreciate the run down on this ed. Was never familiar with it. Your time and effort to explain is commendable.

Let me ask you.....therefore if a player is to play a low variance machine is it more typical for your money to last longer? If that is the case i am curious to know what machines are more popular among players...low variance or high variance?

Thanks again,
Usne

auCL-Ed
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5 May 2010 - 10:41am
#5

Exactly, lower variance machines usually mean you can play for longer - as long as their payout rate is reasonable. But beware the absolute worst combination: a low variance machine with a low payout rate - you just consistently lose all your money quickly time after time.

I also agree that high variance is the way to go. At least you have a shot at winning something big. Frankly I find low variance slot machines boring.

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Post in our forums to earn CLchips which can be used to buy real prizes in our CLchips shop.