Low Volatility Slots
Low-volatility slots can be a great choice for players who want a more consistent, low-risk gaming experience. Verde Casino is my top choice for this type of slot game, however, there are many great online casinos on the list below.
Regardless of the type of game you're looking to play, casino experts always recommend keeping these points in mind:
Check if the casino is reputable and has obtained a recognised gaming licence that ensures its safety.
For any bonuses make sure you're willing to fulfil the wagering requirements before playing.
Choose an online casino that has a games lobby packed with the type of games you want to play.
Best Low-Volatility Slots
Low-volatility slots are my go-to when I want a more relaxed gaming session that offers a higher winning possibility on a much smaller payout scale. Of course, this means the best low-volatility slots are not as famous as their high-volatility counterparts, so here are the best in the business ranked;
1. 1429 Uncharted Seas
Released in 2016, Thunderkick’s 1429 Uncharted Seas is a showstopper! A top slot of world-renown that takes players on a journey into the unknown oceans with many incredible treasures lurking deep down. For my money, none of the other low-volatility video slot games can measure up to the variety of elements this slot gets right which includes a 98.6% RTP. This thrilling game is a classic 5 x 3 reel slot with 25 pay lines, which particularly impressed me with its renowned expanding wilds appearing on reels 2-3-4. I also enjoyed the Scatter symbols where a player must land 3+ bonus symbols during the main game making a winning of up to 50 free spins possible.
2. Blood Suckers
The name says it all! Blood Suckers is a vampire tale like none other. Released in 2013, this top-tier slot machine game features an exceptionally high RTP of 98.00%. A cinematic masterpiece, the game's graphics made a brilliant difference to my experience with blood-soaked fangs, vampires, and eerie music throughout. An unsurprisingly masterful video slot game by NetEnt, Blood Suckers has a 5 x 3 reel, 25-line that brings Count Dracula and his crew to your screen in spectacular fashion. It brings low minimum bets of $0.25 and maximum bets of $50 as well as a maximum payout of 1014X your bet size.
3. Holmes and the Stolen Stones
An iconic and action-packed slot, Holmes and the Stolen Stones has an RTP of 96.80%. Players can expect consistent returns over the long term, with many in-game features, functions, and unique surprises. With a 5 x 3 reel slot that features 20 paylines of possibilities, Holmes and The Stolen Stones is powered by Yggdrasil Gaming and impressed me most with its mystery theme and many hidden clues. Another great aspect of my experience came in the form of a warehouse bonus with a unique mini-game and cash prizes. Players get to participate in a free spins jackpot game, where 3X Scatter symbols activate free spins.
4. Starburst
Released in 2012, Starburst remains a mega sensation among players and for good reason, taking players on a thrilling intergalactic journey with dazzling gemstones, Starburst Wilds, and Win Both Ways features. Another superb offering from NetEnt, I was most impressed by this arcade-style game’s bonus features which include re-spins and expanding wilds. The 5 x 3 grid features ten paylines of pulse-pounding entertainment and an RTP of 96.09%. In addition, it features a minimum bet size of $0.10 and a maximum bet size of $100 per spin, as well as being available in demo mode.
5. Tomb Raider
Another icon, the Tomb Raider online slot stars the inimitable Lara Croft as the hero of this epic adventure. The best part about playing this slot was how the game features Croft as a Scatter symbol which boosts your winnings on active paylines. I landed this symbol 3 times and 10 X free spins were awarded as well as having all my winnings tripled during these rounds of play. With a 96.56% RTP, Games Global’s masterpiece has a minimum bet of $0.05 and a maximum bet of $150. It also features 15 paylines from a 5 x 3 reel with a maximum payout of 7500 X. So successful was this game, several sequels have since been spawned, however, this low volatility lots remains my favourite.
What Is Slot Volatility?
Volatility measures how often and how much a slot machine pays out. If a slot offers low-volatility, this means that it will bring frequent, small payouts, while a high-volatility slot offers infrequent, large payouts.
Understanding the volatility of a slot machine can help players choose a game that fits their personal preferences and budget.
How to Check a Slot’s Volatility
Unfortunately, most online slot games do not provide a volatility rating, so it can be difficult for players to know which games are low or high-volatility. You can sometimes find this information through a Google search, or the slot’s demo page by clicking the ‘i’ tooltip icon. Another tactic is to try the free-to-play demo game to get a sense of its volatility without risking your own money. This is the best way to get a feel for the game.
If you want to try out some low-volatility slots without risking any of your own money, these games offer the same features and gameplay as real money slots, but you can play for free using virtual credits.
Pros and Cons of Low Volatility Slot Machines
Here is the a list of all the advantages and disadvantages to playing on a low volatility slot.
Things We Like
More frequent wins: With low volatility slots, there is a much higher chance of more frequent wins, all with smaller payouts.
Better for budget players: Low volatility slots may be a better option if you have a smaller bankroll
Good for beginners: Low-volatility slots hold far less risk and bring lower stakes, making them the perfect choice for beginners
More opportunities to trigger bonuses: With low-volatile slots, you may have more chances to trigger bonus features and take advantage of special offers
More control over betting: You may be able to exercise more control over your betting and adjust your stakes based on your budget and playstyle
Things to Consider
Lower payouts: The main downside of low volatility slots is that the payouts tend to be smaller
Maybe less exciting: For some players, the thrill of the game comes from the possibility of hitting a big win. The frequent nature of these slots also makes the gameplay quite repetitive
Less suitable for high rollers: If you're a high roller looking to make big bets and aim for big payouts, low volatility slots might not offer the excitement and potential rewards you're looking for
Won’t suit all playstyles: If you're a more aggressive player who likes to take bigger risks, low-volatility slots may not be as appealing as high-volatility games
What Is Variance?
Varience as it pertains to slot games can be described as the payout ratio of a slot machine. This measurement will indicate to a player what can be expected from the frequency of wins and the size of individual wins over a long period.
Similar but not the same as volatility, both of these stats describe how often and how much a slot pays out, and while they are often used interchangeably, they have slightly different meanings. Variance refers to the deviation of the expected return to the player over the short and long term. Volatility refers to the frequency and size of wins. Slots with high variance tend to have a wider range of possible outcomes, while those with low variance have a more predictable average experience. Slots with high volatility typically offer fewer but larger wins, while those with low volatility offer more frequent, smaller wins.
It's important to note that variance is not the same as Return to Player (RTP), which refers to the amount a slot pays back over many spins. Many high-variance slots have similar RTP values to low- and medium-variance slots.
Best Low-Volatility Online Slots Providers
I would say Thunderkick, NetEnt and Yggdrasil are the best low-volatility online slot providers because they all bring the features you can expect from the best slot providers, but above this, their features such as unique creativity and graphic quality give them that bit extra excelling beyond their peers. However, if you want to make a more informed decision, we've compiled a list of the top gaming providers creating engaging and reliable low-volatility slot games today;
NetEnt: This software provider is known for its innovative and high-quality slot games.
Games Global: Games Global is a top choice for players looking for reliable and enjoyable low-volatility games.
Yggdrasil: Yggdrasil is an up-and-coming software provider that has made a name for itself, particularly with its visually stunning and engaging low-volatility slot games.
Play'n GO: With plenty of low-volatility slots, Play'n GO is a great option for players looking for regular, smaller payouts.
Quickspin: Known for its top-quality graphics and innovative gameplay, Quickspin is a go-to for many low-volatility slots that are popular with players.
Thunderkick: Thunderkick is known for its unique and creative low-volatility slot games, which offer regular, smaller payouts and engaging gameplay.
Novomatic: With a wide selection of low-volatility slots, Novomatic is a reliable choice for players looking for a higher chance of winning.
Red Tiger: Respected for its high-quality graphics and immersive gameplay, Red Tiger is an excellent choice that brings many low-variance slots that are popular with players.
Playtech: With scores of low-variance slots, Playtech is a top choice for players looking for reliable and enjoyable low-variance games.
Who Offers the Best Slots with Low-Volatility?
Barz, Stake and Mr Vegas offer the best selection of low-volatility games on the market today. Barz and Mr Vegas have been market leaders, however, the quality I found at Stake Casino was no less impressive, offering a strong selection from over 35 providers including, NetEnt, Yggdrasil and Playtech.
If you're looking for an even greater selection of low-volatility slots, you'll want to check out all of these top-rated online casinos below.
Always use responsible gaming strategies and bet within your means when playing any casino game.
Online Slots with Low Volatility Final Thoughts
The volatility of any given slot game is a significant factor in the gameplay and determines in many ways how much a player will enjoy experiencing it. I would certainly recommend seeking out a low-volatility slot if you’re looking for a more consistent experience.
In summary, low-volatility slots are ideal for players who want more frequent, smaller payouts, and thus they appeal to recreational players as well as those with smaller bankrolls. These games can be especially appealing to recreational players who want to dip in and out of slots without experiencing big swings in their winnings.
To play low-volatility slots, choose a reputable online casino that offers a wide selection of these games. Next, look for games from trusted software providers, such as Thunderkick, Microgaming, Merkur, Red Tiger, and Playtech.
Once you've found a game you want to try, you can usually play it in demo mode to get a feel for the gameplay and payouts before risking real money. Then, when you're ready to play for real, set a budget and stick to it, and always use responsible gaming strategies.
It depends on your personal preferences and bankroll. Low volatility slots are ideal for players who want more frequent, smaller payouts and may have a smaller bankroll.
These games often appeal to recreational players and those who enjoy the thrill of winning small amounts more often. On the other hand, high volatility slots can be more suitable for players with deeper pockets and higher risk tolerance, as they offer the potential for bigger payouts, albeit less frequently.
Absolutely! While low-volatility slots may not offer the same potential for huge payouts as high-volatility games, they can still offer plenty of winning opportunities.
These games have more frequent, smaller payouts, which can add up over time and provide a satisfying gaming experience. But, of course, as with any casino game, it is important to remember that the outcome of each spin is determined by random chance, and there is no guarantee of winning.
James Hall
Contributor & Games Expert
Fact-checked by Julia Attard
Senior Author & Online Casino Expert