Do You want to chase Big or Small Slots Prizes?

big-vs-small-slots-payoutsA big reason why many people are attracted to slots in the first place is because they want to win huge payouts. But even some of those who get into slots because they want to win big eventually rethink their goal. After all, the variance (volatility) on slots games with huge prizes is usually really high. So the question then becomes, do you want to chase big slots prizes or small ones?

Measuring the Trade-off

There’s a trade-off behind each pursuit because going after the small prizes means you won’t get rich. However, your bankroll usually lasts longer and you get more overall entertainment out of your gaming experience. In contrast, going after big prizes gives you a chance at those massive six and seven-figure payouts. Of course, the chances of winning a multi-million dollar jackpot aren’t that high, and your bankroll will go quicker since these games don’t pay out as frequently.

How to find what you’re looking for

“Hit frequency,” or how often a slots game delivers prizes, is the concept that you need to understand here. High hit frequency games deliver lots of small payouts, which help sustain your bankroll for a longer period of time. To find these machines, look at the smallest payouts; if you see something like 2, 3 and 5-coin payouts coupled with a small jackpot, then you’re likely dealing with high hit frequency.

On the other hand, low hit frequency usually indicates a game with a big jackpot, but it pays less frequently. For example, a slot machine with a large jackpot and small payouts worth 5 coins, 10 coins and 15 coins (or something along these lines) won’t pay out very often. And this is fine if your bankroll is huge. But for the average recreational player, it’s better to chase the smaller payouts and get more overall entertainment out of the experience.