Last updated on March 10th, 2025 at 01:31 pm
Slots are responsible for drawing the largest gaming revenues and bet volumes in casinos. No two are exactly alike, and each one features their own unique attraction. One thing that separates one slot game from another is its slot variance and volatility. Many players often misconstrue the concept of slot variance and volatility due to their apparent similarities.
But as we’ll discover, they are synonymous within the context of slot gaming. Slot variance indicates a particular game’s payout frequency and payout size. Each game has a different slot risk level; therefore, all players should have a fundamental knowledge of how it works.
This guide dispels the misconceptions surrounding volatility in slots. It also explores how variance influences payouts and enhances the overall gaming experience. Lastly, it examines the different types of volatility and slot risk levels. It will also teach you how to choose a game based on variance.
What is Slot Volatility?
Slot variance and volatility are interchangeable terms used to refer to a slot game’s average win frequency and payout size.
Why Does Slot Volatility Matter?
Volatility is one of the most important considerations in slots. It indicates which games best suit your individual preferences and budget. Understanding variance also helps you make better decisions when choosing a slot game. A good grasp of variance enhances your mileage and enjoyment from playing slots.
Types of Slot Volatility
Slots are typically categorized as high, medium, and low volatility. The following sections explain the concept and provide examples of these slot risk levels.
Low Volatility Slots
Low volatility slots tend to pay out smaller wins at a higher frequency. Their more consistent payouts make them better suited to recreational players. Also, their lower risk and higher RTP rates make them ideal games to combine with bonuses.
Examples of low volatility slots:
- Microgaming’s Thunderstruck II Remastered offers semi-frequent wins and the occasional big payout.
- Wild Scarabs is a six-reel slot game from Microgaming with a captivating Ancient Egyptian theme that is popular among casuals.
Medium Volatility Slots
Medium volatility slots strike a balance between payout frequency, size, and risk. Medium volatility slot games are ideal for players with a more well-rounded risk-to-reward ratio relative to their bankroll. This opens the door to frequent wins with the occasional big payout or jackpot without sacrificing too much in risk.
Examples of medium volatility slots:
- Pragmatic Play’s Big Bass Bonanza is a fishing-themed slot offering a balanced risk-to-reward ratio.
- Blueprint Gaming’s Legacy of the Gods is a Greek-themed slot with an above-average RTP and medium volatility.
High Volatility Slots
High volatility slots are best suited for high-rollers and risk-takers since they offer the largest payouts. However, they pay out less frequently. It’s harder to land winning combinations on high volatility slots, but their potential for bigger wins makes them popular among risk-tolerant punters.
Examples of high volatility slots:
- Play’n GO’s Reactoonz is a popular cartoon-themed slot with a decent 96.51% RTP, offsetting its high volatility with a high RTP.
- Pragmatic Play’s Gates of Olympus features up to a 96.5% RTP and a max win of up to 5,000x your stake.
How to Determine a Slot’s Volatility
Before playing a slot game, always check its volatility to determine whether it’s suited to your bankroll and betting habits. The following sections show you what factors to consider to make better-informed decisions aligned with your preferences and risk profile.
Game Descriptions and RTP
Game descriptions display other pertinent information about a slot game, such as theme, minimum bets, maximum bets, and maximum payouts. While they don’t always clearly state the game’s volatility, they may provide hints. For instance, games offering big wins, jackpots, free spins, or bonus rounds are indicative of a high volatility slot.
The Return to Player (RTP) rate is another key volatility indicator. RTP represents how much a slot game pays out over a set timeframe. The higher the RTP, the lower the house edge. High RTPs favor players over the long run. The lower the RTP, the greater the house edge. Lower RTP, meanwhile, tilts the odds in the house’s favor.
Higher RTP games indicate smaller, more frequent wins. Lower RTP games indicate less frequent wins but bigger payouts. It’s important to note that RTP and volatility are separate but related concepts. Games with a high RTP could still be high volatility, and games with a low RTP could still be low volatility.
Understanding the relationship between RTP and variance gives you an idea of how frequent and how much a slot game pays out.
Payout Tables and Features
Other factors besides RTP affect volatility. This includes game features, payout tables, and bonus features. High volatility slots often feature bonus rounds, free spins, and progressive jackpots. They also tend to feature more thrilling gameplay in the form of cascading reels and special symbols. Low volatility slots offer more frequent, smaller payouts and fixed jackpots. They also tend to feature simpler gameplay.
Research and Reviews
You can also tell a game’s variance by doing your own research first. Slots review websites and online forums offer valuable first-hand insight from players with prior experience. You’ll also get a good idea of a game’s theme, gameplay, features, and volatility before wagering real money at your online casino of choice.
Slot Volatility and Player Preferences
Slot game variance affects player satisfaction and overall profitability. Here’s how to align volatility with your personal preferences.
Matching Volatility with Playing Style
Before playing, it’s important to match a slot game’s variance with your playing style, risk profile, and bankroll size.
Games with high volatility slot risk levels tend to offer higher but less frequent payouts. High variance slots are ideal for players with larger bankrolls since you could go on long dry spells before landing big wins and jackpots.
Low volatility slot titles offer more frequent but smaller payouts. Casual players looking to extend their bankrolls are best suited for low volatility slots. If you’re just starting out or play slots for recreation, low volatility games might be right up your alley.
Medium volatility slots offer an ideal mix between payout frequency and size. Professionals who understand the relation of volatility to long-term profitability will find medium volatility slots appealing.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Play
Low and medium volatility slots lend themselves better for players who enjoy playing long sessions. They pay out more frequently and offer the odd big payout in between consistent, smaller wins. High volatility slots, meanwhile, favor players looking to play a shorter, more exciting session due to their bonus gameplay features.
If you’re playing with a smaller bankroll, low and medium volatility slots favor your chances of being profitable. High volatility slots are ideal for thrillseekers, but their higher variance requires a larger bankroll to withstand potentially long dry spells.
Tips for Playing Slots with Different Volatility
We’ll round out this guide by providing expert advice on how to navigate playing slots with differing variance and volatility levels.
Bankroll Management
Volatility affects your bankroll. High volatility slots require a larger bankroll to sustain the losses and dry spells. High volatility slots can exhaust your bankroll if you’re unprepared to weather the losing streaks. In contrast, since low and medium volatility slots are more likely to pay out more often, they allow you to build up your bankroll and play longer sessions.
Maximizing Entertainment Value
Slots are ultimately a game of chance dictated by dumb luck. Regardless of the slot variance or volatility, you can win or lose each time you spin the reels. Instead of looking at slots as a source of income, look at it as a leisurely activity with the odd chance to win. Keeping a realistic view of slots allows you to maximize the entertainment you derive from slots and keep it fun.
Conclusion
Understanding variance and volatility in slots helps you make more informed decisions, particularly when it comes to choosing the right slot game. It allows you to choose games aligned with your risk profile, budget, and objectives. The best way to determine volatility is to experiment with different slot games in demo mode to find the ones that suit your profile the best. Instant Casino allows you to test out its library of slots with a demo balance, allowing you to drill down on the games most aligned with your individual preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is understanding slot volatility important for players?
Slot volatility directly influences your enjoyment of slots, how you manage your bankroll, and how often you can expect to win a payout.
How does slot volatility differ from slot variance and risk levels?
Volatility and variance are interchangeable terms used to refer to the average frequency and size of wins. Slot risk levels refer to the potential of losing when playing. High volatility indicates a greater risk of losing, while low volatility indicates more frequent wins.
What are low volatility slots, and who are they best for?
Low volatility slots offer more frequent wins and lower payouts. They best fit recreational punters wanting to play longer sessions.
What makes high volatility slots appealing to some players?
High volatility slots feature bigger payouts and more thrilling gameplay. They’re suitable for risk-tolerant players with larger bankrolls. Players with smaller bankrolls could find themselves exhausting their bankrolls due to their less frequent payouts.
How can I figure out the volatility of a slot game?
You can determine the volatility of a slot game by reading its game description. If the volatility isn’t explicitly mentioned, you can deduce it by viewing its RTP and gameplay features. High volatility slots feature bonuses, exciting gameplay mechanics, and progressive jackpots. Low volatility slots feature simple gameplay, more frequent payouts, and smaller fixed jackpots.
How do I choose the right slot game based on my risk tolerance?
Low to medium volatility slots are best suited for players with a more measured risk tolerance. High volatility slots are better suited for thrill-seeking punters looking for thrilling big payouts and jackpots.
How should I manage my bankroll when playing different slot types?
Low and medium volatility slots allow you to work with a smaller bankroll and play longer sessions. Since they pay out more frequently, you can extend your bankroll and build it by accumulating small yet more frequent wins. High volatility slots require a larger budget due to their less frequent payouts. They can easily burn through a small bankroll if you run through consecutive losing spins.
How can I experiment with different volatility levels to find my preferences?
Most online casinos allow you to play their slots library in demo mode. This allows you to get a first-hand look at how often a slot game pays out relative to its volatility, RTP, and features. Instant Casino allows you to try out their games in demo mode to get a better feel of them before wagering real money.