Slot games continue to be one of the most popular forms of online gambling, and beginners often find themselves wondering what does volatility mean in slots?
Simply put, volatility means how often a slot pays out versus how big those payouts are.
It is a classic risk-reward concept – low volatility slots offer lower, more frequent payouts, while a high volatility slot provides larger, rarer wins.
Volatility can be one of the more confusing concepts that players will come across when playing on slot sites, so we have produced this guide to slot volatility, including an explanation of the different volatility levels, how volatility differs from RTP, and how to pick a slot that matches your bankroll and patience.
If you’re new to online slot gaming, you may wish to read our guide on how to play online slots.
What is slot volatility?
Slot volatility (also called variance) measures the pattern of a slot’s payouts: how often you win and how big those wins are, not the overall payback percentage.
Low volatility means frequent, smaller wins. High volatility means rarer wins, but wins that can be far larger when they land.
Most slots sit somewhere on a spectrum rather than fitting one label perfectly. Some providers grade a slot on a 1-5 or low/medium/high scale, and others use finer bands (such as low-medium or medium-high).
The three types of slot volatility
There are three main types of slots that players will come across when playing online slots: low, medium and high.
We’ve provided an explanation of the three main types below, while here’s a comparison of the types in the table below:
Volatility | Win frequency | Payout size | Best for | Example (RTP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Low | Frequent | Small, steady wins | Casual players, smaller bankrolls, longer sessions | Starburst - 96.09% RTP |
Medium | Balanced | Moderate, occasional bigger hits | Players who want some thrill without draining the bankroll fast | Bonanza - 96.71% RTP |
High | Infrequent | Big wins when they land | Bigger bankrolls, players chasing large multipliers | Gates of Olympus / Money Train - 96.20-96.50% RTP |
- Low volatility: Low volatility slots give out frequent small wins, meaning they are best for longer play sessions. There is also a lower risk of running out of budget quickly, meaning these slots are good for beginners.
- Medium volatility: Medium volatility slots offer a middle ground that most players settle on, with a mix of regular smaller wins and occasional bigger hits.
- High volatility: Dry spells are normal when using high volatility slots, but max-win potential (often 5,000x bet or more) is much higher. These slots require a bigger bankroll and more patience.
Remember that while these three categories are the overarching definitions for slot volatility, some studios and casinos use finer low-medium and medium-high bands.
Volatility vs RTP: what’s the difference?
Return to Player is the theoretical percentage a slot pays back over the long term.
For example, 96% RTP means £96 back for every £100 wagered, on average, over millions of spins.
Volatility is unrelated to that percentage. It describes the shape of the payouts rather than the size of the payback.
As an example, two slots can both have 96% RTP. One could be low volatility, offering frequent 2-3x bet wins, while the other could be high volatility, with long gaps and then a 5,000x bet win).
Of course, these would feel completely different to play despite the identical long-run RTP.
Put simply, RTP is the long-term math, while volatility is how the session actually feels. Read our guide to the best time to play slots for more information.
How to choose the right volatility for you
Below, we’ve broken down what types of slot games you should consider based on the main factors behind your play. These include:
- Small bankroll/wanting longer sessions: Pick low volatility, as it is steadier, more forgiving and less risky.
- Want a mix of steady play and the odd bigger hit: Go for medium volatility, as it provides the balance between larger, infrequent wins and smaller, more common ones.
- Bigger bankroll, comfortable with losing streaks, chasing a big multiplier: Opt for high volatility jackpot slots.
Remember that slots bankroll management is a key factor at all times too. Always gamble responsibly – even if you’re only using no deposit slot bonuses – and never stake more than you can afford.
Responsible gambling
Gambling is only legal for people aged 18+ in the UK.
Players should always gamble responsibly online. Always remain within a budget and never exceed it. Never chase your losses.
It is easy to get carried away with playing on slots, so remain in control of your time and spend.
Volatility is a design feature as opposed to a signal that a win is ’due’. Remember that outcomes are random regardless of how long a slot has gone without paying out.
Bettors can use responsible gambling tools provided by gambling sites such as deposit limits, loss limits and self-exclusion, among others.
Should you wish to seek help for gambling-related issues, there are several charities, organisations and healthcare providers who offer support and information:
Verdict
To recap the question of ‘what does volatility mean in slots’: volatility measures the pattern of a slot’s payouts, so how often you win and how big those wins are.
Volatility is about risk pattern, not payback, Match the level to your bankroll and patience, and check volatility alongside RTP before choosing a slot.
In summary, low volatility slots suit players who want longer sessions with a smaller bankroll, while high volatility slots are better for those chasing a big multiplier, and medium volatility slots suit those who want a mix of steady play and the odd bigger hit.
Remember that there is no set way to win at online slots, so always gamble responsibly and never chase any losses.
Volatility in slots FAQs
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