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What Does Slot Volatility Mean?

Slot volatility is a common term used in online slot games to describe how frequently and how much slots pay.

Ultimately, the different levels of volatility (low, medium, and high) reflect the level of risk and reward associated with a slot. For instance, a low volatility slot will likely have many small payouts over hundreds of spins. However, a high volatility slot is unlikely to pay out often, yet the winnings can be huge.

How Does a Slot’s Volatility Affect How You Play?

Slot volatility can impact your approach to online casino betting. The game you select will ultimately depend on your bankroll level, intended betting outcomes, bet size, and gaming preferences.

Firstly, review your bankroll and budget and try to match a volatility level to your slot selections. Generally, bettors with a lower bankroll will select a low-volatility game. This is a solid way to build your budget steadily, with potentially small but frequent wins for a low outlay.

However, bettors who have a sizable bankroll and want to extend this can perhaps risk more. The large possible returns from high volatility slots may suit players with a larger budget.

Also, your slot preferences will affect how you pick low, medium or high-volatility games. Often, highly volatile slots will have fewer payouts from the regular lines and reels but more progressive jackpots and bonus games. Alternatively, the lower and medium volatility games sometimes offer greater wins than the regular game. However, these games are unlikely to have big winning jackpot games.

If you are a new online casino bettor, consider trying some demo slots to figure out what games you prefer. Some players might get enjoyment from small, steady wins, while others want to look for huge jackpot prizes. However, such decisions are based on preference and experience.

What Is a Low Volatility Slot?

A low volatility slot is a game that provides small yet more frequent wins per spin. Low volatility slots might pay out every five to 10 spins on average. However, this rate can vary for each slot game.

Low volatility level slots may have fewer bonus levels, jackpots and spin-off games compared to higher volatility games. Ultimately, the lack of bonus opportunities means you rely on lower-paying symbols to create winnings.

An example of a classic low-volatility video slot machine is Starburst by NetEnt. This slot is known as a simplistic game, with only a few rules and symbols and low minimum stakes. In addition, Starburst has just 10 paylines and offers plenty of low-level payouts, while only two bonus options block any huge winning opportunities.

What Are the Best Low-Volatility Slots?

If you want to play slot games with a low volatility level, consider these options. Although these games have low volatility, the strong graphics and engaging gameplay create stimulating playing experiences for bettors of all abilities.

  1. Starburst (NetEnt)
  2. Blood Suckers (NetEnt)
  3. Wild Scarabs (Microgaming)
  4. Golden Goddess (IGT)
  5. Thunderstruck II (Microgaming)

Pros and Cons of Low Volatility Slots

Like all online casino games, low-volatility slot machines have pros and cons. Ultimately, low-level slots are a low-risk betting option. Yet, these games also come with the possibility of very low payouts.

Before you outlay real money on a slot game, consider the pros and cons and decide if a low-level volatility game is right for your betting needs.

Pros

Thumbs Up Steady wins help to build lower-level bankrolls

Thumbs Up The lower risk involved in big bets

Thumbs Up Ideal for beginners due to fewer rules and symbols

Cons

Thumbs Down Few jackpot games or bonus prizes are included

Thumbs Down Larger, one-off winnings are rare

What Is a High Volatility Slot?

High volatility slots pay higher possible winnings but less frequently. For example, bettors could go for 25 spins without winning and then earn a larger-than-usual payout. This rate varies depending on the game and bankroll.

In contrast to lower volatility slots, highly volatile games usually have larger bonus options. For instance, several slots with a high volatility rate will have progressive jackpot prizes. Here, you can win a prize pool gathered from one or several slots.

A high volatility slot example is Book of Dead, created by Play’n GO. This game has many bonus options, which can lead to winning multipliers in the thousands. The slot has free casino spins, a bonus game, expanding wilds, and a gamble round to offer higher-than-usual winning options.

What Are the Best High-Volatility Slots?

Currently, online betting sites have a variety of high-volatility slots with different themes, bonuses and gameplay options. Before you play any of the games below, test them out via a demo version. This way, you can judge whether your bankroll, slot preferences and bet size suit the game.

  1. Book of Dead (Play’n GO)
  2. Bonanza (Big Time Gaming)
  3. Reactoonz (Play’n GO)
  4. Danger High Voltage (Big Time Gaming)
  5. White Rabbit (Big Time Gaming)

Pros and Cons of High Volatility Slots

Overall, bettors take a bigger risk with bets on high-volatility slots. However, this risk can balance out with the reward of jackpot winnings and other prizes.

When you select a slot game with a higher volatility rating, make a rounded and knowledgeable decision by judging the pros and cons. Below, we share our expert review of high-volatility slot games at online casinos.

Pros

Thumbs Up Potential for huge payouts for small stakes

Thumbs Up Many enticing and unique bonuses and progressive jackpots

Thumbs Up Large multipliers are often included in regular gameplay

Cons

Thumbs Down Expect regular winless streaks

Thumbs Down Highly volatile games can reduce your bankroll for little reward

What Else Do You Need to Be Aware of When Choosing a Slot Game to Play?

Overall, slot volatility is just one feature of modern online slots. When you browse casino slot games, also have the following considerations in mind to make a well-rounded decision.

Another factor that determines player payout rates is the return to player rating (RTP). The RTP signals how often a slot game pays out over a long period. Every online slot will have its RTP displayed for public knowledge.

However, RTP is different from the scale of payout, as shown by volatility. Instead, the RTP is a percentage of how much a slot provides winnings per 100 spins. For instance, if a game has a 96% RTP, it will, on average, produce winning spins 96 times out of 100.

Often, you can determine the level and frequency of payout by reviewing a casino game’s RTP and volatility. A low volatile game with a high RTP will likely produce frequency winnings at a higher than average rate. However, a high volatility slot with a low RTP can offer less frequent winnings, which are generally higher.

Also, when you select a slot game to play, browse the other features and functions known as slot mechanics. These include paylines, reels, symbols, bonus features, jackpots, bet sizes, autoplay, and re-spins.

Along with volatility and RTP, check out a slot’s key features to ensure it has everything you want. In addition, view the game’s graphics before playing to see if it has modern or more classic themes to suit your preferences.

Betting sites regularly offer free spins bonuses for slot games. Generally, online casinos will offer free spins to generate interest in a new game, to attract new bettors or to reward loyal customers.

You can use free spins to your advantage when picking a high or low-slot volatility game. If you have a lot of free spins, perhaps opt for a high-volatility game to maximize profit for a low outlay. However, a few free spins on a low volatility slot can give your bankroll a quick boost.

My top 3 tips for playing volatile slots

There are advantages and disadvantages to playing different volatility slots. However, you can make informed betting decisions at online casinos with just one or two gambling strategies.

Overall, slot betting strategies mean you can make strong judgments based on public knowledge and your own experiences. Also, utilizing our slot tips below can prevent making random and ill-informed choices on low or high-volatility slots.

Before you spin the reels on a slot game, take time to weigh up the following approaches.

  1. Decide on high or low volatility: Over time, most regular online bettors will form a preference for one type of volatility slot. If you are a new player, commit time to try out a range of low, medium or highly volatile slots to narrow down your preference.
  2. Play free demo games first: A great way to understand game mechanics and get a feel for a slot’s themes and graphics is to play the demo version. Often, igaming developers and casino sites will release free-to-play demos. Here you can spin without placing demands on your bankroll and develop a knowledge of your favorite games.
  3. Utilize betting site bonuses and welcome offers: Lastly, use the casino’s reward systems, free bets offers and new player rewards. Ultimately, such offers provide you with free spins or money to use for little upfront payment. Then you can place bets on your preferred slots without much financial outlay.

Use such tips and strategies based on your own circumstances and bankroll. Always practice safer gambling procedures when playing high, low, or medium volatility slots.

Slot Volatility FAQs

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What volatility is best for slots?

There is no best volatility for slot games and every slot has a different level of volatility. Instead, bettors must make an informed decision based on their bankroll, preferences, and bet sizes and select an appropriate volatility accordingly. Try demo games and use free spins to support your choice.

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How can you tell if a slot is low or high volatility?

Slot providers will release the game’s volatility level to the public. Often, you can quickly view a slot’s volatility in the game description on online betting sites. Also, look for signs like several bonuses and jackpots which can indicate a higher slot volatility level.

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How is slot volatility decided?

Online slot games are tested before release to judge the RTP and volatility. Third-party companies test new slots by making millions of spins. Then they discover the volatility rate and add this to the game. However, online casino bettors can discover a game’s volatility by looking at the payables, paylines, and bonus options too.

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Should I play high or low-volatility slots?

Whether you play high or low-volatility slots is a personal choice. However, we advise you to avoid playing games at random. Use slot reviews and free-to-play demo games to judge the slot’s level. After testing a game, you can decide whether you want to play for real money. Also, make a decision based on your current circumstances and avoid random, high-risk decisions.

Marie Claire Graham
Marie Claire Graham Author

With 9 years of experience in all things related to online casinos, Marie-Claire Graham is our online gambling expert. She has written everything from casino reviews to news stories and blogs, but her passion lies in games. Her hands-on experience... Read more about Marie Claire Graham