Slot Volatility Explained

Online gambling is mostly based on pure luck. However, you are the one who chooses what games you’re going to play. Do you know what slot machine volatility is? If not, you came to the right place. If you already know, read this anyway - it will help you find slots that will bring you more winning opportunities. We are here to help you understand what slot volatility is, why it’s important, and how to apply this concept when you’re hunting for online gambling slot games.

What is slot volatility?

If we had to describe slot volatility with one word, it’s risk.  Here is a definition of the word “volatility” by itself:

“Liability to change rapidly and unpredictably, especially for the worse”

-Dr. Google

That should tell you that volatility is like a wave that can go up and down without any warning, and will most likely continue changing. So logically, slot volatility (otherwise known as variance) is the continuously changing factor that influences your winnings.

• High volatility slot - high risk
• Medium volatility slot - medium risk
• Low volatility slot - low risk

Why slot volatility matters?

So why is this important, and why should you consider slot machine volatility before playing with real money? Well, there are a few good reasons. One is your own money. How much of it are you willing to risk on an online slot? If you have a limited amount that you play with, you should always go for low volatility slots. Also, no one wants to lose, so if you want to win a decent amount on a game that is already based on winning and losing, you should also put a cap at medium volatility slots, and never go for high variance ones.

However, if you’re a risk-taker, and want to test your luck, you will most likely enjoy high variance slots a bit more. It will give you a nice lil’ kick, as well as a bit of that “living life on the edge” factor.

What is a high volatility slot?

So why would anyone even play high volatility slots? That’s a good question, and we have a very simple answer. Lots of high volatility slots have much higher payouts, even if they are rarer. If you’re willing to invest more time and are ready to chisel your patience - high variance slots might benefit you a whole lot more in the long run.

What is a medium volatility slot?

If you like balance, this type of slot is perfect for you. The risk isn’t too huge, the payouts aren’t as large, but occur more frequently, and you will get the best of both worlds.

Also, the jackpots in medium variance slots tend to be higher, so you can take the risk, and know it might bring you a hell of a win.

What is a low volatility slot?

Are you one that likes to win often? If so, low variance slots will suit you best. You may not make much in the long run, but you will most certainly get the satisfaction of hearing that “cha-ching!” and seeing your winning among growing at a faster rate. And of course, this will be the best option for anyone who wants to watch their budget and stay in the safe zone.

You will also find sub-genres such as medium-high, and low-medium volatility slots. That should just tell you that there’s a healthy balance between the two.

Slot volatility behind the scenes

Let’s dive a bit deeper and see slot volatility in the works so that you know exactly how and why the variance affects your winnings. One thing that always goes hand in hand with slot volatility is RTP (return to player percentage).

Before we begin, let’s clear this up and distinguish the difference between RTP and volatility.

RTP determines the % amount you are likely to win back playing overtime, which by the way, isn’t guaranteed.

Volatility is the frequency and risk at which you will win that amount back.

Both determine your winnings when playing slots, so you always want to consider the RTP and volatility before playing online slots for real money. That will give you a better idea of what you should expect, and what budget you should play with.

How do I find out the slot’s volatility?

Unfortunately, slots won’t always have a label slapped on the loading screen that tells you the variance level. Checking the volatility of a slot machine isn’t always an easy task. In fact, some software providers do not even include that sort of information anywhere in the slot. The good news, however, is that there are tons of online reviews that tell you if the slot is high, low, or medium in its volatility. Not only that, but most legit online casino sites will also have this information displayed in the description of the slot, and you can find out exactly what to expect before you even begin playing.

The paytable should also tell you a lot about the volatility of the slot. All you really have to do is open the paytable, take a look at the winning combos, jackpot amounts, and the maximum amount you’re allowed to bet. Generally, low variance slots won’t allow you to bet a huge amount, and high variance slots typically have larger jackpots.

Try out slots with various volatility levels

Want to test the waters and see how the volatility concept works in action? If so, we have selected some awesome online casino slots that you can try out. We’ve included slots with high, medium, and low variance - all of which you can try out for free! You know, just to see how slot variance works, and decide whether you want to go ahead and try betting for real money!

High volatility slots:

• Hawaiian Fruit Slot. Who said you can’t be taking risks while on vacation? Hawaiian fruit is a high volatility slot that guarantees a good time. Enjoy higher than usual payouts with a 97% RTP!
• Gems of Adoria Slot. If you’re at all into futuristic graphics, this slot is perfect for you! Gems of Adoria is a high variance slot with 96.13% RTP, so you will enjoy a visually entertaining slot, as well as exciting opportunities to win!
• Bruce Lee Slot. Who doesn’t love Bruce Lee? This wonderful high volatility slot will give you an opportunity to take some risks alongside a legend! With an RTP of 96.05%, you will have plenty of chances to become a real winner! As the famous actor once said, “To hell with circumstances; I create opportunities”.
• Thunder Bird Slot. Enjoy a tribal-themed slot with an RTP of 98%. With the prizes this slot offers, you will certainly be soaring like an eagle!
• Alexandria Slot. Cleopatra and Alexander the Great await you in the most exciting gambling adventure. Try out this high volatility, ancient-themed slot with an RTP of 95.89%.

Medium volatility slots:

• Wicked Witch Slot. Enjoy some wicked winning opportunities with the Wicked Witch Slot. The game has an RTP of 95.98%, and will entertain you for hours with awesome cartoon-ish graphics, and the spooky features.
• Johnny Cash Slot. For anyone who loves cacti, and Johnny Cash, this is a lucky day. Try out this insanely strange, yet humorous, medium volatility Johnny Cash slot with an RTP of 95.98%!
• Raging Rhino Slot. Imagine a rhino running in your direction. Horrifying. Now imagine that same Rhino on fire. If you wish to experience this THRILLING sensation, try out the Raging Rhino Slot. With the RTP of 95.91%, you may even get lucky and outrun the terrifying creature with hands full of treasures!
• Treasure Hunter Slot. Arghhh! It’s time to search for that booty. But this time, we will hunt for it in the depths of the sea, along with some adorable fish. The Treasure Hunter slot will make you feel like a true underwater pirate in a search for precious gems and gold!
• Far West Slot. Take advantage of a fun, western-themed slot with a 95.87% RTP. Go get those treasures, cowboy! If you’ve seen the movie Wild West, you will definitely be a fan of this one!

Low volatility slots:

• Treasure Island Slot. Aye, Aye! Gather ‘round for some more pirate fun with the Treasure Island Slot. This is a low-risk slot with an RTP of 97%! Not only will you be able to play it safe, but the prizes are almost guaranteed!
• Dragon King Slot. Are you afraid of dragons? No need to be scared of this one, not much risk here. The low volatility Dragon King slot will take you for a fun, Chinese-themed adventure. This 96% RTP slot is fire!
• Carnaval Slot. Carnavals are one of the most exciting childhood memories for many. Enjoy a safe, nostalgia inducing ride with an RTP of 96.94%.
• White Buffalo Slot. Prepare for a cold winter! But don’t worry, the big white buffalo will warm you up with some heart-warming prizes. This low volatility slot will allow a gambling experience without the high risk of losing your winnings.
• Gold Rush Slot. Get a nice rush of exciting winnings, and an RTP of  95.32%! Treasures await, get to mining!

Verdict

Just to play it safe, always try to determine the slot volatility before betting in real money casino. Better yet, play for free before you make any deposits. That way you’ll get a better feel for what the slot has in store for you!