When it comes to playing slots, one of the most important factors to consider is volatility. Volatility, also known as variance, refers to the risk level of a slot game and how often it pays out. In this article, we will explore the difference between low volatility and high volatility slots, and help you decide which type is right for you. If you’re looking for a reliable online casino to try out your luck, consider visiting Tropical Wins Casino for a wide range of slot games.
Understanding Volatility in Slots: The Basics
Volatility is a measure of how much the payouts of a slot game can vary. A low volatility slot game will pay out smaller amounts more frequently, while a high volatility slot game will pay out larger amounts less frequently. It’s essential to understand that volatility is not the same as RTP (Return to Player), which is the percentage of money that a slot game pays out to players over time. For example, a slot game with a high RTP and high volatility may pay out large amounts of money, but only occasionally.

In addition to RTP, volatility is also affected by the game’s hit frequency, which is the frequency at which the game pays out. A slot game with a high hit frequency will pay out more often, but the payouts may be smaller. On the other hand, a slot game with a low hit frequency will pay out less often, but the payouts may be larger.
What Does Volatility (Variance) Mean?
Volatility, or variance, refers to the degree of risk associated with a slot game. A high volatility slot game is considered high-risk, high-reward, while a low volatility slot game is considered low-risk, low-reward. This means that players who prefer high volatility slots are willing to take on more risk in order to potentially win larger amounts of money.
How Volatility Impacts Your Gameplay
The volatility of a slot game can significantly impact your gameplay experience. If you’re a player who prefers to play it safe and wants to manage your bankroll carefully, a low volatility slot game may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you’re a player who is willing to take on more risk and wants to potentially win larger amounts of money, a high volatility slot game may be more suitable.
Low Volatility Slots: Consistent Wins, Smaller Payouts
Low volatility slots are characterized by frequent payouts, but the payouts are typically smaller. These slots are ideal for players who want to manage their bankroll carefully and prefer to play it safe. Some examples of low volatility slots include Starburst by NetEnt and Thunderstruck II by Microgaming.
Low volatility slots are also great for players who want to extend their playing session and enjoy the entertainment value of the game. These slots often have more frequent bonus features and free spins, which can make the game more engaging and fun to play.
Characteristics of Low Volatility Slots
Low volatility slots typically have the following characteristics: frequent payouts, smaller payout sizes, and a lower risk level. These slots are designed to provide a more consistent and stable gameplay experience, with fewer large swings in bankroll.
Pros and Cons of Low Volatility Slots
The pros of low volatility slots include: consistent wins, smaller payouts, and a lower risk level. The cons include: smaller payout sizes and less excitement and thrill. Overall, low volatility slots are ideal for players who want to manage their bankroll carefully and prefer to play it safe.
Who Should Play Low Volatility Slots?
Low volatility slots are suitable for players who: are on a tight budget, prefer to play it safe, and want to manage their bankroll carefully. These players typically value the consistent and stable gameplay experience provided by low volatility slots.
High Volatility Slots: Big Risks, Big Rewards
High volatility slots are characterized by less frequent payouts, but the payouts are typically larger. These slots are ideal for players who are willing to take on more risk and want to potentially win larger amounts of money. Some examples of high volatility slots include Book of Dead by Play’n GO and Dead or Alive by NetEnt.
High volatility slots are also great for players who want to experience the thrill and excitement of playing slots. These slots often have less frequent bonus features and free spins, but when they do occur, they can be very rewarding.
Characteristics of High Volatility Slots
High volatility slots typically have the following characteristics: less frequent payouts, larger payout sizes, and a higher risk level. These slots are designed to provide a more exciting and thrilling gameplay experience, with the potential for larger wins.
Pros and Cons of High Volatility Slots
The pros of high volatility slots include: larger payout sizes, excitement and thrill, and the potential for big wins. The cons include: less frequent payouts, a higher risk level, and the potential for large losses. Overall, high volatility slots are ideal for players who are willing to take on more risk and want to potentially win larger amounts of money.
Who Should Play High Volatility Slots?
High volatility slots are suitable for players who: have a larger budget, are willing to take on more risk, and want to potentially win larger amounts of money. These players typically value the excitement and thrill provided by high volatility slots.
Low vs. High Volatility Slots: Key Differences
The key differences between low and high volatility slots are: win frequency, payout size, risk level, bankroll fluctuation, and session length. Low volatility slots have more frequent payouts, smaller payout sizes, and a lower risk level, while high volatility slots have less frequent payouts, larger payout sizes, and a higher risk level.
| Feature | Low Volatility Slots | High Volatility Slots |
|---|---|---|
| Win Frequency | Frequent | Infrequent |
| Payout Size | Smaller | Larger |
| Risk Level | Lower | Higher |
| Bankroll Fluctuation | Less volatile | More volatile |
| Session Length | Can be longer due to wins | Can be shorter due to losses |
| Ideal Player | Budget-conscious, casual | Risk-takers, high rollers |
Choosing the Right Volatility for Your Play Style
When choosing a slot game, it’s essential to consider your play style and preferences. Do you prefer to play it safe and manage your bankroll carefully, or are you willing to take on more risk and potentially win larger amounts of money? Consider your budget, risk tolerance, and what you’re looking for in a slot game.
Consider Your Bankroll
Your bankroll is a critical factor to consider when choosing a slot game. If you have a limited budget, a low volatility slot game may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you have a larger budget and are willing to take on more risk, a high volatility slot game may be more suitable.
Think About Your Risk Tolerance
Your risk tolerance is also an essential factor to consider. If you’re a player who prefers to play it safe and wants to manage your bankroll carefully, a low volatility slot game may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you’re a player who is willing to take on more risk and wants to potentially win larger amounts of money, a high volatility slot game may be more suitable.
What Are You Looking For in a Slot Game? (Entertainment vs. Big Wins)
What you’re looking for in a slot game is also an essential factor to consider. If you’re looking for entertainment and want to extend your playing session, a low volatility slot game may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you’re looking for big wins and are willing to take on more risk, a high volatility slot game may be more suitable.
Popular Examples of Low and High Volatility Slots
Some popular examples of low volatility slots include Starburst by NetEnt, Thunderstruck II by Microgaming, and Gonzos Quest by NetEnt. These slots are known for their frequent payouts and smaller payout sizes.
Some popular examples of high volatility slots include Book of Dead by Play’n GO, Dead or Alive by NetEnt, and Immortal Romance by Microgaming. These slots are known for their less frequent payouts and larger payout sizes.
Examples of Low Volatility Slots
Some other examples of low volatility slots include: Foxin Wins by NextGen Gaming, Big Bad Wolf by Quickspin, and Jack and the Beanstalk by NetEnt.
Examples of High Volatility Slots
Some other examples of high volatility slots include: 300 Shields by NextGen Gaming, Amazon Queen by WMS, and Montezuma by WMS.
Strategy Tips for Playing Different Volatility Slots
When playing low volatility slots, it’s essential to manage your bankroll carefully and set a budget. Take advantage of the frequent payouts and smaller payout sizes to extend your playing session.
Bankroll Management for Low Volatility
When playing low volatility slots, it’s essential to manage your bankroll carefully. Set a budget and stick to it, and take advantage of the frequent payouts and smaller payout sizes to extend your playing session.
Bankroll Management for High Volatility
When playing high volatility slots, it’s essential to manage your bankroll carefully and be prepared for larger losses. Set a budget and stick to it, and be prepared to take on more risk and potentially win larger amounts of money.
FAQ: Volatility in Slots
What is RTP and how does it relate to volatility?
RTP (Return to Player) is the percentage of money that a slot game pays out to players over time. RTP is related to volatility, but it’s not the same thing. A slot game with a high RTP and high volatility may pay out large amounts of money, but only occasionally.
Can I change the volatility of a slot game?
No, you cannot change the volatility of a slot game. Volatility is a fixed parameter that is built into the game by the developer. However, you can choose to play a different slot game with a different volatility level.
Are high volatility slots always better?
No, high volatility slots are not always better. While they offer the potential for larger wins, they also come with a higher risk level and less frequent payouts. Low volatility slots, on the other hand, offer more frequent payouts and smaller payout sizes, but with a lower risk level.
Where can I find information about a slot’s volatility?
You can find information about a slot’s volatility by checking the game’s rules and paytable. Some slot games also display their volatility level in the game’s information section.
Is there a “best” volatility slot to play?
No, there is no “best” volatility slot to play. The best volatility level for you will depend on your personal preferences, budget, and risk tolerance. Consider your play style and preferences, and choose a slot game that suits your needs.