What is Volatility in Slots?

Slot volatility, also called variance, plays a pivotal role in shaping the gaming experience for slot enthusiasts. By the end of the article, you’ll have a clear grasp of slot variance and how to choose games that align with your preferences.

Sarah Martineau
Sarah Martineau iGaming Content Editor

What is Volatility in Slots?

Volatility in slots also referred to as variance, is a key factor in determining a slot game’s risk and reward dynamics. This concept helps slot players understand the frequency and size of potential payouts, making it an essential consideration for both beginners and experienced gamblers.

In simple terms, volatility measures how often and much a slot pays out. Infrequent but large payouts characterize high volatility slots, while low volatility slots provide smaller, more consistent rewards. Medium volatility slots balance these two extremes, making them popular for many players.

Slot Machine Volatility Explained

Volatility directly influences your gameplay experience. Knowing the volatility level of a slot game allows you to tailor your strategy and expectations. Here’s a breakdown of how volatility affects different aspects of the game:

Low Volatility Slots are designed to provide frequent but smaller payouts, making them ideal for players who want to maintain their balance and enjoy longer gameplay sessions.

  • Winning Combination Frequency: High.
  • Payout Size: Small but frequent.
  • Target Audience: Beginners and casual players.
  • Example Strategy: Play with moderate bets to enjoy longer sessions.

If you prefer a relaxed, low-risk gaming experience, low-volatility slots are your best bet. These are especially suitable for beginners, as they offer frequent, modest wins, helping build confidence without significant risk.

Medium Volatility Slots strike a balance, offering a mix of smaller and larger payouts at varying intervals, appealing to players seeking moderate risk with the potential for significant rewards.

  • Winning Combination Frequency: Moderate.
  • Payout Size: Balanced.
  • Target Audience: Players who enjoy varied gameplay.
  • Example Strategy: Use balanced bets to maximize enjoyment and potential returns.

More experienced players might gravitate towards medium or high-volatility slots, aiming for the thrill of larger payouts. These games require patience and a willingness to take on greater risks.

High Volatility Slots, on the other hand, are characterized by less frequent payouts, but when they do occur, they are often substantial, catering to players willing to take higher risks for the chance of big wins.

  • Winning Combination Frequency: Low.
  • Payout Size: Large but infrequent.
  • Target Audience: Experienced players seeking thrills.
  • Example Strategy: Bet conservatively to endure long dry spells while aiming to win big.

For the most daring players willing to accept significant risks, very high-volatility slots offer the potential for massive wins from just a single spin.

How Slot Volatility Impacts Gameplay and What to Choose

Slot volatility significantly influences your gameplay experience, strategy, and, most importantly, the type and frequency of wins you can expect. Understanding this indicator helps you make better decisions when selecting a slot and planning your approach.

Here’s how volatility affects key factors:

  1. Bet Size

Keeping your bets smaller relative to your balance is wise for high-volatility slots. This strategy helps you endure longer dry spells while waiting for potentially significant payouts.

  1. Game Duration

Low-volatility slots allow for extended gameplay without risking a substantial portion of your balance. This is ideal for players seeking steady enjoyment with frequent, smaller wins.

  1. Bonus Optimization

Slots with higher volatility often benefit more from bonuses like free spins or cashback offers. These bonuses can enhance your balance and increase your chances of hitting a big win.

Popular Slot Games by Volatility

Below is a list of popular slots from top providers, highlighting their volatility, theme, year of release, and RTP:

Slot Name Provider Volatility Theme Year RTP
Wolf Gold Pragmatic Play Medium Wild West 2017 96.01%
Immortal Romance Microgaming High Gothic Romance 2011 96.86%
Chaos Crew Hacksaw Gaming High Punk Art 2020 96.30%
Take the Bank Betsoft Medium Crime Heist 2019 96.08%
Solar Queen Playson Medium Ancient Egypt 2019 96.50%
Age of the Gods Playtech Medium Mythology 2016 95.02%
Aztec Magic Deluxe BGaming Medium Aztec Civilization 2018 96.96%
Jammin’ Jars Push Gaming High Fruit/Disco 2018 96.83%
Dead or Alive 2 NetEnt High Wild West 2019 96.82%
Razor Shark Push Gaming High Underwater Adventure 2019 96.70%

The Connection Between RTP and Volatility

RTP (Return to Player) percentages and volatility are separate indicators but often complement each other. High RTP percentages suggest better returns over time, while volatility determines the distribution of those returns.

  • High RTP + High Volatility: Rare but substantial payouts.
  • Low RTP + Low Volatility: Frequent but smaller payouts.
  • Medium RTP + Medium Volatility: Balanced gameplay experience.

How to Identify the Volatility of a Slot Machine

Many online casino game developers do not openly disclose a slot’s volatility. If you want to rely on more than just luck, you may need to determine the slot’s variance – a challenging and time-consuming task. Winning twice in a row does not guarantee you’ve found a low-risk slot. Calculating variance accurately requires playing a slot at least 1,000 times, which isn’t feasible for most players.

Here are some tips to help you assess slot volatility more effectively:

  1. Start with the Demo Version

Most online slots offer demo modes. Since games powered by random number generators function the same way in real-money and demo modes, you can test the game risk-free. During the demo, track the frequency of your wins relative to the number of rounds played.

  1. Analyze Bonus Features

The frequency and type of bonuses can indicate a slot’s volatility. Games with frequent bonuses generally have lower variance, while slots with rare but high-value bonus features tend to have higher volatility. For example, a slot that triggers bonus spins every 100 bets likely has a lower variance than one where bonuses activate only after thousands of spins.

  1. Consider Jackpot Games

Slots with progressive jackpots are usually high-volatility. These games offer significant rewards but come with greater risk. If you prefer a more cautious approach, opt for slots without jackpots.

The Reality of Volatility in Gambling

Understanding slot volatility can help you make informed choices but won’t give you an edge over the casino. Volatility is simply a tool to guide your strategy and expectations.

It’s essential to remember: that gambling is not a way to make money. The house always has the advantage of ensuring casinos remain profitable. Instead, treat gambling as entertainment – an exciting way to spend your time.

Whether you enjoy taking risks or prefer a more conservative playstyle, always bet only what you can afford to lose. Play responsibly, and keep the focus on having fun.

FAQ
Why is volatility important when choosing a slot game?
It helps players match their risk tolerance and bankroll strategy to the slot's payout pattern.
What does low volatility mean in slots?
Low volatility slots provide frequent but smaller payouts, ideal for players seeking consistent wins.
Who should play high volatility slots?
Players with a larger bankroll and patience for infrequent wins might prefer high volatility slots.
How can I identify high volatility slots?
Look for slots with high max payouts, bonus-heavy features, and lower base game payouts.
What are the best high volatility slots available?
Some popular options include Dead or Alive 2, Book of Dead, Bonanza Megaways, and Fire in the Hole.

About the author

Sarah Martineau
iGaming Content Editor
Education

Bachelor’s degree in English and Communications from Dalhousie University

About author

Sarah has made her mark in the gaming industry as a dedicated content editor who prioritizes player education and accessibility. She is dedicated to researching casino licensing and security measures, making her reviews valuable for players who prioritize safety.

Other Guides