What Is Slot Volatility?

How volatility affects your gaming experience

Volatility determines how often you land winning combos, short-termed as hit rate, and the size of the hits. The basic principle is that you get paid less often if the winnings are bigger. The other extreme is getting low but consistent payouts.

Keep in mind though that volatility will influence your chances of winning but it doesn’t guarantee any outcome. At the end of the day, games of chance are just that, based on luck and in the case of online slots, RNG.

Volatility and RTP—understanding the relationship

Return to Player (RTP) and volatility work very closely together to determine a game’s outcomes. RTP is the percentage you win for every bet in the long run. So, if you’re on a 96% RTP slot, you can expect $96 for every $100 bet over hundreds of spins.

Now, volatility determines at what frequency you get that $96 and the size of your wins. So a low volatility slot with high RTP, like Starburst, will put you at less risk. But for high rollers, the opposite combo can be great, too, like Big Bass Bonanza. In short, volatility determines your chances but doesn’t guarantee any specific outcome.

Different volatility levels

I’ll define volatility in three categories: low, medium, and high. However, some slots fall between these levels, like very low, low to medium, medium to high, and very high. Let’s go over the three basics here.

Low volatility games

Low volatility slots give you frequent, smaller wins. Personally, I like the low-risk and steady gameplay that low-volatility games offer. You can also bet very low amounts per payline or spin. Try these games if you have a small bankroll and like to avoid much risk:

• Thunderstruck II

• Blood Suckers

• Starburst

Medium volatility games

These games offer a balance between the other two volatility levels on my list. You’ll get less frequent wins, but the payouts will be larger than in low volatility slots. For example, I played on slots that offered small payouts frequently in one period and larger payouts less frequently in another.

Many medium volatility slots work on this principle. So they are riskier than low volatility but not by much. They are definitely more exciting if you prefer a little risk and have a moderate bankroll to spare. Some of my favourite medium volatility slots are:

• 9 Masks of Fire

• Divine Fortune

• Cleopatra

High volatility games

High volatility slots are famous for their big payouts, even though the frequency of hits is low. These games are the most exciting and the riskiest ones. You can enjoy different features like bonus buys and multipliers. This volatility level suits high rollers and VIP players with large bankrolls. If this is up your alley, I recommend trying out these high volatility slots:

• Dead or Alive 2

• Big Bass Splash

• Gates of Olympus

How to use volatility to your advantage

Now that you know how to choose slots based on your bankroll and play style, let’s go over how to use them to your advantage.

1. Pick based on your gameplay style: If unsure, play free slots and try different volatility levels without risk to find one that matches your preferences.

2. Control your risk level: Decide which risk level you’re comfortable with for any given session. There’s no right or wrong answer here; it just depends on your risk tolerance.

3. Balance your bankroll: Keep track of how much you’re wagering and use it wisely. High volatility games can deplete it quickly, so you can bet small to play longer.

4. Play within your means: Never bet more than you can afford to lose. Make sure your bet size matches your bankroll for a longer and responsible gambling session.

5. Set win and loss limits: Depending on a game's volatility, set clear limits and stick to them. To play responsibly, you must know when to stop and secure your winnings.

6. Track your sessions: Track how you play high and low volatility games. This will help you decide which risk level works best for you and when to switch strategies.

Final thoughts

Volatility is key for your comfortable slot gaming experience. It determines how you get your payouts, along with the game's RTP. Deciding on volatility depends on the size of your bankroll and how risk-averse you are. I won’t mention an absolute best level as it’s player-dependent, but knowing about your slot’s volatility can help you decide on the one that matches your preferences.