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Slot Volatility Meaning: An Explanation

Slot volatility is one of the most important concepts to understand when playing online games. In gambling, there are three levels of slot volatility, low, medium and high. The variance of a slot will determine how frequently you will land winning combinations and how much those winning combinations will pay out. Thus, if you want to know exactly how much you stand to make on any single slot game, tune in to this review, where we uncover the meaning of slot volatility.

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In this article, we look at the meaning of Slot Volatility. If you’re new to slots of are a seasoned player, you’re bound to have come across the term volatility. Games will have either a low, medium or high volatility to determine what characteristics the slot has. Have a read through for the slot volatility meaning explained in the simplest way.

An Introduction

First and foremost, let’s break down what slot volatility is. Volatility, which is also known as variance, determines the features and behaviour of a specific game. Title can have low, medium, or high variance which will reflect how the slot pays out.

Typically, slots with low variance will have a high hit frequency whilst slots with high variance will have a low hit frequency. The behaviour of a slot will see low variance titles give out frequent wins but with low payouts. High volatility slots are not as fun to play – in the sense of going rounds without a win – but they will characteristically pay out a lot more. Volatility in gambling is not something which can be measured as a definite value. It is an estimation taken from a load of spins over an extended period of time.

Slot Volatility Meaning

When looking at volatility, there are three different levels. The two extremes – low and high volatility slots – are what we’re going to be analysing. As from them, we can truly decipher what the difference is between the two.

One word which is very connected with volatility is risk. The rule of thumb which we use here to understand slot volatility meaning is the lower the volatility, the lower the risk. Likewise, the higher the variance of a slot, the higher the risk. With great risk, comes great reward.

Slot variance will ultimately choose which slot games you want to play. Low volatility slots will see you take the steady and slow approach of recording many wins in minor fashion. These slots will rarely pay out anything big as they want players to enjoy spinning. The wins are nothing to write home about. These slots require a slow and steady approach.

High volatility slots will see you go ages – at times – without recording a win. However, when you do eventually land a winning combination, you have a much higher chance of that combo to be worth a big payout.

Of the two formats, high volatility slots are more popular. They dominate the online gambling industry, as they’re the most popular and played games. This also feeds into provider groups, who develop high variance slots the most. Thus, if you want to gamble online, you could always do what practically every else does and play high volatility slots. We take a look at the two separately next.

Low Volatility Slots Explained

Slots with a low variance are known for being easier than their counterpart. Characteristically, they include many scatters, wild symbols or lower-paying combinations. On top of that, the hit frequency in these titles is also quite high, sometimes as much as 30 or even 40%.

Low volatility slots will ensure that you play these titles for a long period of time. Unlike high variance slots, these games have a frequent win formula, meaning you get to win a lot. Moreover, low volatility slots also don’t see you break through your bankroll that fast.

Best Low Volatility Slots

When looking over some low volatility slots, we’ve picked out five for you below. You can also choose to head on over to their slot review for details on how to play, how to win and where to play the title. These are our top picks for low volatility slots.

Starburst – NetEnt
Thunderstruck II – Microgaming
Enchanted Garden II – RealTime Gaming
Bloodsuckers II – NetEnt
Wild Scarabs – Microgaming

It’s important to keep in mind that these games will hit often enough. Problem is, they may not give you the satisfaction you want in terms of cash prizes.

High Volatility Slots Explained

High volatility slots, on the other hand, are very different to low ones. They have bigger payouts, higher paying symbols and many more bonus features in place. However, the main issue here, is that you can expect to come across a lot of spins which do not end with any satisfaction.

High variance slots employ a ‘go hard or go home’ strategy, meaning you’ve got to keep a very strong mindset. These games will typically end up very frustrating and could make you question why you’re playing them all together.

However, at the same time, they’re also the most popular games online and most played by seasoned players. With a little experience, you’ll know that these online slots can be highly unpleasant with many dry-spells and missing cash prizes. However, if you are head-strong enough to hold-out, you may end up with a massive pay out from the title. It’s all about how you approach it. Knowing that you could burn through your bankroll without any satisfying wins is also something to be expected.

The reason why these slots are worthy of such a bother is because of their potential pay outs. Players can accept the loss of their whole bankroll or dry spell in return of potentially winning big. In low volatility slots, you may win 50x your stake. In high volatility slots, that can be up to 30,000x your total stake.

Best High Volatility Slots

These slots will not always payout, which can be frustrating. But when they do, you’ll be glad that you spent your time and money on the slot. The best high volatility slots are listed below:

300 Shields – NextGen
Wild Harlequin – Quickspin
Dead or Alive – NetEnt
Book of Dead – Play’n Go
Gonzo’s Quest – NetEnt

As you have seen, the best jackpot game providers such as NetEnt and Microgaming are more than capable of ranking for both high and low volatility slots.

Volatility and Variance

Contrary to what other sites or casinos may suggest, volatility and variance are exactly the same things. Some online casinos will give the volatility rate of a slot, others may give the variance. These would be exactly the same as they mean the same thing.

The Bottom Line

Thus, to conclude on slot volatility meaning, we hope that having read this, you have a better understanding of what it’s all about. As a newbie in a casino, we recommend you try out low volatility slots, just to get a feel for the game.

Winning is all that matters. That’s true – to a certain extent. After a while, you’ll notice that winning counts but it’s those big wins that let you go to sleep with a smile on your face. In our list for jackpot slots with a high variance, we can certainly guarantee you that your wins will be worth remembering.

If you want to record large wins, be sure to play the high volatility slots mentioned above. Remember, signing up at a new casino can also mean using a Welcome Bonus for added perks.