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What does volatility mean in slots?

by Rainbet
Published Feb 15, 2024

This article explains what slot volatility is, and shows all types of slot volatility. This article also clarifies the difference between rtp and volatility, and how to find a specific volatility slot.

What is slot volatility?

Slot volatility, a key term in the casino game world, is a crucial metric for gamblers aiming to match their gameplay strategy with their bankroll and risk appetite.

Volatility describes the risk involved in playing a slot game, directly influencing the frequency and size of payouts.

High volatility slots are correlated with high risk. High volatility slots pay out less frequently but offer the chance for larger rewards.

Conversely, low volatility slots provide more frequent but smaller payouts, making them ideal for players with a smaller bankroll looking to extend their gameplay.

Understanding slot volatility helps slot players choose the right slot game available, allowing them to find games that suit their playing style.

For instance, a player looking for a big win might prefer higher volatility slots.

The concept of volatility in slot machines isn't new. Volatility has been a part of casino game design since the earliest mechanical reels. However, the birth of online slots has made it easier for players to access information about a game's volatility, often through paytables, review or casino game descriptions.

Types of slot volatility

Slot games in online casinos come with a variety of volatility levels, each affecting gameplay and potential winnings differently.

Here’s a list with all levels of volatility:

  1. High Volatility Games offer the chance at large jackpots but wins are less frequent. These are suited for players willing to take more risk for the possibility of significant payouts.
  2. Medium-High Volatility strikes a balance, offering fairly large payouts with a somewhat more regular hit frequency than high volatility slots.
  3. Medium Volatility Games provide a balanced experience with a moderate level of risk. Wins are more frequent than higher volatility slots but larger than those from lower volatility games.
  4. Medium-Low Volatility slots offer a higher hit frequency with smaller wins, making them ideal for players looking for more consistent gameplay.
  5. Low Volatility Games are perfect for players seeking regular wins, albeit with smaller jackpot sizes. Low volatility slots ensure a steady gameplay experience, allowing for longer play sessions with a smaller bankroll.

High volatility

High volatility slot machines, such as Sweet Bonanza by Pragmatic Play, are high variance slots known for potentially large payouts.

High volatility slot machines appeal to players looking for substantial wins, despite less frequent payouts.

Bonus features in such slots can significantly increase winnings.

Medium-High volatility

Medium-high volatility slot machines strike a balance between risk and reward, offering players more frequent wins than high volatility slots, yet with the potential for larger payouts than medium volatility games.

A medium-high volatility slot is perfect for players looking for a middle ground, desiring significant wins without the long dry spells associated with higher volatility slots.

Medium volatility

Medium volatility slots, like Guns N' Roses by NetEnt, offer a balanced gaming experience.

Medium variance slots are designed to provide players with regular wins, ideal for those who prefer steady gameplay without the extreme highs and lows of higher volatility slots.

Medium-Low volatility

Medium-low volatility slots offer players a mix of frequent wins and moderate prize sizes.

Medium low volatility slots are ideal for those looking for the excitement of winning without the high risk associated with higher volatility slots.

Low volatility

Low volatility slots, like Chicken Chase by Pragmatic Play, are designed for players who enjoy more frequent wins, though typically of smaller amounts.

Low variance slots are perfect for extending playtime and are ideal for those with a smaller bankroll.

Volatility vs RTP: what is the difference?

Volatility and Return to Player (RTP) are two key concepts in slot games that significantly affect a player's experience, yet they represent different aspects of the game.

Volatility refers to the risk involved in playing a slot and affects how often and how much you might win.

RTP is a percentage indicating the average amount of money a slot pays back to players over time, relative to the total amount wagered.

A higher RTP means the game is designed to return more to players, making it a critical metric for assessing long-term winnings. Games with higher RTP rates are often seen as better choices for players because they theoretically offer a better return over time.

How do you tell if a slot machine is high, medium, or low volatility?

To tell the volatility of a slot machine, examine the paytable for large prize discrepancies for high volatility slots, and smaller, more frequent wins for low volatility slots.

How to find low volatility slots

Finding low volatility slot machines involves a few straightforward steps:

  1. First, look for game descriptions or info sections within the slot game itself. Developers often indicate the volatility level there.
  2. Second, read online reviews or casino forums where players share their experiences and insights about various slots, including their volatility.
  3. Third, check the paytable for smaller payout differences between symbols, as this can be a hint towards lower volatility.
  4. Lastly, play the demo version of the slot if available, as this allows you to gauge the frequency and size of wins without risking real money.

Should you play low volatility slots?

Yes, you should play low volatility slots if you prefer frequent wins and longer play sessions.

How to find medium volatility slots

To find medium volatility slots, start by reading slot game reviews and descriptions, which often highlight volatility.

Look for games that balance frequent wins with sizable payouts, a sign of medium volatility.

Casino websites and forums can also provide insights, with players sharing their experiences on payout frequency and win sizes.

Additionally, exploring the paytables of slots can offer clues. Medium volatility games typically have a balanced spread of payout values.

Playing demo versions or free trials of slots can further help gauge their volatility, allowing you to experience the game's dynamics without financial risk.

Should you play medium volatility slots?

Yes, you should play medium volatility slots if you're looking for a balanced gameplay experience with a mix of frequent wins and decent-sized payouts.

How to find high volatility slots

Firstly, reviewing the game's paytable is crucial. High volatility slots typically feature higher payouts for top symbol combinations, indicating the potential for significant wins.

Secondly, consulting online slot reviews and casino forums can provide insights into a game's volatility. Many experienced players and industry insiders share their findings, which can be invaluable.

Gabriele from RainBet shared that tracking the frequency and size of wins during a session can offer clues about a game's volatility. High volatility slots often have longer periods without wins but compensate with larger payouts when they occur.

Additionally, many game developers now label the volatility of their slots directly in the game information or description, making it easier for players to identify the type of game they're engaging with.

It's also beneficial to look for games known for their big jackpots and bonus features that can multiply wins significantly. Popular titles and those from renowned developers like NetEnt or Microgaming are often a good starting point, as these companies have a reputation for creating high volatility slots.

Should you play high volatility slots?

Yes, you should play high volatility slots if you are looking for large payouts and can manage longer periods without wins.