Slot machines are more than just flashy graphics and cute sounds. Tons of algorithms run in the background to make a slot machine functional.
Terminologies like Return-to-Player and volatility govern the money that you can win from a slot machine. Understanding these terms – especially volatility – can help you predict your chance of making a profit.
A slot machine’s volatility affects win frequency and payout size. It isn’t something that is controlled by casinos, but it’s the way the game is manufactured. All slot machines come with different levels of volatility.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the topic of what does volatility mean in slots, the three major types of volatility, and how you, as a player, can make better decisions based on slot volatility.
What Is Slot Volatility?
First, let’s answer the most important question: what does volatility mean in slots? Slot volatility is an important factor that can help you understand the frequency and the amount a slot machine can pay over time. It applies to both physical slot machines and online slots. In simple terms, slot volatility explains how often you can expect to win and the average amount you might win each time.
Slot volatility is also referred to as variance. In simple terms, variance looks at the deviation from the average. So, in this case, slot variance means how your payout might differ from the average results. If you want to calculate your chance of winning at a slot machine, look at its variance. This will be more clear when we talk about the three types of volatility.
How Does Slot Volatility Affect Gameplay?
Slot volatility is the measurement of the risk associated with a slot machine. The frequency of payment at a high-volatility slot machine is low with a potential of a large win.
A low-volatility slot machine is exactly the opposite of a high-volatility game. It provides smaller payouts more frequently. These are suitable for players who are out there looking for longer play sessions with less risk.
Understanding slot volatility can help you choose a slot game that aligns with your risk tolerance and gaming goals. If you can handle potential losses, go for high-volatility slots. If you want consistency and longer play, however, low-volatility slots are the way to go.
Types of Slot Volatility: Low, Medium, and High
Now that we have answered the question of what does volatility mean in slots, let’s understand the types of slot volatility. There are three main types of slot volatility – low, medium, and high.
- Low Volatility Slots: These games pay out smaller wins more frequently. These are ideal for players who prefer to play longer sessions without having a huge dent in the bankroll. The typical payout in these slots is usually between 200 and 500 times the initial bet, which is low considering what high variable slots can offer.
- Medium Volatility Slots: This type of slot balances the two extremes. You can enjoy a mix of moderate wins and occasional larger payouts in this slot game volatility. These games are popular among both casual and experienced players.
- High Volatility Slots: High volatility slots are the opposite of low slot volatility, as explained above. These offer a large payout but less frequent wins. The high-volatility slot games are suited to players looking to take risks for a chance of hitting big jackpots.
Some of the slot game machines provide information related to payout percentages and volatility in the information section. This can be checked on the casino’s website or the machine’s screen.
If you’re not sure how do slot machines work, check with pit bosses or floor managers regarding slot volatility. They may have information about the volatility of different machines based on their experience and player feedback.
If you are playing online, this information can be found in the website’s game information section. You can also check the websites of game developers for this information.
Examples of Slot Games by Volatility
By now, you might have understood the difference between different types of slot volatility games. Let’s check some of the new casino games for every slot option available and look at their RTPs or Return to Player. RTP is the percentage of deposited money that a player earns back from the game. High RTP games give you a higher chance of recovering your money.
Low Volatility Slot Games
Here are some popular casino games with low-volatility:
- Starburst: One of the most iconic online slots ever made by NetEnt, Starburst features vibrant gems and expanding wilds. It has a 96.09% RTP and offers frequent smaller wins, making it ideal for casual players or beginners who prefer low-risk, steady gameplay.
- Aloha! Cluster Pays: Another hit from NetEnt, Aloha! replaces traditional paylines with cluster wins. With a 96% RTP and relaxing island theme, it’s known for regular payouts and low volatility — perfect for players who enjoy longer gaming sessions without big swings.
- Jumanji: Based on the blockbuster film, Jumanji mixes board-game-style features with slot mechanics. It has 36 paylines, a 96.33% RTP, and several random bonus features that trigger often, providing a smooth balance between entertainment and consistent returns.
Medium Volatility Slot Games
Here are the games with medium volatility:
- Gonzo’s Quest: A classic NetEnt title featuring cascading reels and increasing multipliers. With a 95.97% RTP, Gonzo’s Quest combines adventure gameplay and steady payouts — perfect for medium volatility players who enjoy bonus-driven wins.
- Big Bass Bonanza: One of Pragmatic Play’s most popular titles, Big Bass Bonanza offers medium volatility gameplay with up to 10 paylines, a free spins feature, and cash-collect symbols that can multiply wins. Its RTP sits around 96.71%, making it a balanced choice between frequent wins and strong bonus rounds.
- Slingo Deal or No Deal: A Slingo game that combines slot-style spins with the iconic TV show format. Players complete Slingos on a 5×5 grid to unlock prize boxes and trigger the famous “Banker’s Offer” round. With medium volatility and steady payouts, this game offers balanced gameplay — frequent smaller wins with the potential for occasional big rewards.
High Volatility Slot Games
Below you can find high-volatility slots:
- The Dog House Megaways: A charming, light-hearted game with serious win potential. The Dog House Megaways offers up to 117,649 ways to win, sticky Wilds, and free spins with multipliers. With an RTP of 96.55%, it’s a high-volatility slot that balances fun and intensity.
- Dead or Alive 2: Known for its legendary free spins round, Dead or Alive 2 has a 96.8% RTP and a top win potential of 111,111x. Sticky Wilds and multiplier features make this slot a staple for players seeking big, infrequent wins.
- Sweet Bonanza: Bright visuals meet big volatility in Sweet Bonanza, a cluster-pay slot that pays up to 21,175x your bet. The tumbling reels and multiplier bombs make it a favourite for players chasing massive hits through cascading wins.
Pros and Cons of Different Volatility Levels
By now, you would have understood what does volatility mean in slots. However, one thing that you still need to know is that volatility is never a guarantee. A high-volatility game can pay less, while a low-volatility game might give you a higher return. Each of the volatility levels has its pros and cons.
- Low Volatility: Gentle on your bankroll but offers small wins. If you don’t know how to play slot machines, it is safer to stick with low-volatility games.
- Medium Volatility: These games have a balance between low and high volatility, and have moderate payouts.
- High Volatility: These games have a low win rate but offer a chance to win jackpots. Players with a limited bankroll should avoid high-volatility slots.
Making Informed Choices Based on Slot Volatility
Volatility helps you set realistic expectations about the type of rewards you might receive in the slot games. So, choose a slot game that aligns with your bankroll effectively.
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