What does volatility mean in slots?
If you’ve spent any time playing games at online casinos, chances are you’ll have encountered terms like “high volatility” or “medium volatility”, specifically in reference to slot games. But what exactly does volatility mean in the world of online slots? And why is it worth considering when selecting your favourite slot games to play?
That’s what I’m here to find out.
What is volatility?
Volatility is a metric used to calculate the risk level of a slot game. It essentially helps determine the frequency of wins versus the average payout when playing different online slots.
In essence, volatility tells you how a slot pays and gives you an idea of the type of gameplay experience you expect. It doesn’t, however, tell you how much a slot pays; for that, you’ll need to get to grips with the question, what is RTP in slots?
That’s a basic definition of what volatility means in reference to online slots. Now let’s go deeper by taking a look at how it works and, crucially, what each volatility level represents.
How slot volatility works
Slot volatility is effectively a measurement of a slot’s payout pattern. It determines if a slot game offers smaller but more frequent wins, or larger wins that occur less often.
So, rather than thinking of volatility in terms of the amount you can win, it’s better to think of it as how you win when playing different slot games. It’s essentially a measure of how prizes are distributed; either in frequent, smaller chunks or in less frequent, bigger ones.
With all that in mind, this should give you a pretty good indicator of how different volatility levels work and what they represent. Remember: this isn’t a measure of how much you can win (that falls to a slot’s RTP), but an indicator of how you will do when playing different slots.
Slot volatility levels explained
Slots are usually categorised into three volatility levels: low, medium, or high. You might see other volatility ranges used from time to time, like “very high” or “medium high”, for example, but for ease and clarity, I’ll stick with the three primary levels as part of this explainer.
Let’s take a closer look at what each of these volatility levels represents and the characteristics you need to be aware of.
| Volatility level | Explainer | Typical gameplay experience | Example games |
| Low | With low volatility slot games, you should expect small wins more regularly. | Steady, more predictable gameplay experience. | Jackpot 6000, Blood Suckers, Fruit Shop. |
| Medium | With medium volatility slot games, you can expect a balance between small and big wins on a semi-regular basis. | Semi-predictable but slightly more exciting and risky gameplay. | Big Bass Bonanza and Reactoonz. |
| High | With high volatility slot games, you should expect bigger wins less regularly. | Unpredictable gameplay experience, with the potential for eye-catching payouts in the midst of a string of losses. | Wanted Dead or a Wild, Gates of Olympus, Money Train 2. |
How do slot developers assign volatility levels to different slot games?
Great question. Essentially, it all comes down to some complicated mathematics that I won’t go into in too finer detail here. Slot developers simulate millions of spins when testing new games, providing the required insights to categorise games by volatility level. This also gives them the opportunity to calculate the average return-to-player (RTP) rate of different slots, something that’s not required from plinko casinos.
I should add that for the average, casual casino user, you might not notice a slot’s volatility level all that much. Sure, low-volatility slots provide more frequent wins, but this is only over a long period of time. If you’re only playing slots for an hour or so per day, you might notice very little difference between low, medium, and high-volatility slots, so this is something to consider.
Why does slot volatility matter to you
Although slot volatility isn’t the be-all and end-all of selecting different games, it is worth considering when deciding which titles to take for a spin. Here, I’ll list some of the reasons why that’s the case, including improved bankroll management with crypto wagering.
🎮 It could affect your gameplay experience
Since low and high volatility slots offer completely different pay patterns, this can affect how you experience different games. For instance, low-volatility slots might be a great option for casual players looking for easy, frequent wins, while high-volatility slots are more geared towards players with a higher risk tolerance who want to hold out for maximum win and profit potential.
💰 It directly affects your bankroll
Think about it, with low-volatility slots, you’re winning smaller prizes more often, so your bankroll remains predictable, steady, and even. Switch to high-volatility slots, however, and you’ll most likely watch your bankroll dwindle before a big win takes you over and above your previous prize total.
🔍 It’s great for finding games that match your play style
Volatility, more so than RTP, is a great metric for finding slots that marry with your style of play. As alluded to earlier, risk-averse players may prefer low-volatility slots for their frequent, easy wins, while players willing to up the ante might prefer the jeopardy of high-volatility slots, when you’ve no telling where your next win is going to come along.
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What’s the difference between volatility and RTP in online slots?
I often see cases where players get RTP and volatility mixed up, and others where people use them interchangeably. It’s also worth noting that they don’t exactly correlate with one another, which is one of the most common misconceptions about how the two metrics work.
Let’s say that two slot games have a 96% RTP. You might expect them to have the same volatility rating, right?
Well, that’s not always the case. Both low and high-volatility slots can each have the same RTP, since volatility is a measure of how a slot pays out, rather than how much pays out.
If, for example, you’re playing a low-volatility slot with a 96% RTP, you can expect frequent smaller wins, with a total return to player rate of 96% of your total money wagered. Contrast that with a high-volatility 96% RTP slot, and you’ll get the same RTP, only paid out in a different way (less frequently but higher prizes).
Tip: Volatility only applies to slot games. You won’t, for instance, find a volatility rating listed for rocket casino games and other formats – an important FYI.
Key takeaways and things to consider on slot volatility
I appreciate that you might have come across this guide, hoping to get specific questions answered. So, here are a few specific queries that we’re asked from time to time, providing important context around the importance of slot volatility.
- Is high volatility good in slots? Yes, high-volatility slots are generally in high demand, particularly among players looking for maximum risk-versus-reward. You’ll generally encounter more high-volatility slot games than you will low, purely for the fact that they’re considered more exciting to play.
- Is low volatility good in slots? It can be, depending on your gaming style. Don’t forget that low-volatility slots provide predictable and frequent wins (though I should stress, not guaranteed). So, if you’re risk-averse and looking to safeguard your bankroll for as long as possible, low-volatility slot games may be the smartest option for you.
What are the pros and cons of assessing a slot game’s volatility?
Checking a slot’s volatility can give you a quick idea of what kind of experience to expect before you start playing. It’s a handy guide, but it’s not something you should rely on blindly.
- Helps you find suitable slots to play
- Provides insights into win potential
- Play games that align with your risk tolerance
- Balance fun with risk
- Volatility ratings aren’t standardised
- Can be misleading without context
That’s a wrap on my guide to slot game volatility
So, there you have it, slot volatility defined in a nutshell. I hope this guide proves useful in helping you find the games that are best-suited to your play style. I like to mix up playing a combination of both low and high-volatility slots, ensuring careful bankroll management alongside maximum fun and enjoyment.
It goes without saying that volatility isn’t the only thing you should consider when choosing the right slot games to play, so check out the banners around this page for inspiration on the games and casinos that I can recommend. You’ll also find live promotions and rewards available at casinos in your region, so take a look around for your next go-to casino experience.
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What does volatility mean in slots? FAQs
🎰 Is high volatility better than low volatility when it comes to online slots?
Not necessarily, although high-volatility slots are more prevalent. Don’t forget that low-volatility slots can bring frequent small wins, while high-volatility slots offer fewer overall wins but the potential to cinch bigger prizes.
🔍 Are low-volatility slots safer?
Generally, yes, low-volatility slots are less risky than their high-volatility counterparts. However, there are never any guarantees when playing online slot games.
📈 Does volatility affect my chances of winning?
Sort of, although it doesn’t affect how much you can win. Volatility is a measure of how a slot game pays out, but you can win similar overall prizes when playing both low and high-volatility slots over a long period.
