As an online casino reviewer, I’m often asked the question:
What does volatility in slots mean?
The short answer is that volatility determines how frequently, and how much, you can expect to win while spinning a particular slot for real money.
In this guide, I’ll discuss in detail what volatility means and explain the differences between high, medium, and low volatility games. I’ll also show you how to figure out a slot’s volatility even if it’s not indicated. Lastly, I’ll highlight five tips for playing slots based on volatility. Let’s get started.
Quick facts about volatility in slots
Before we answer the question, “what does volatility mean in slots?” here are some quick facts about volatility in slots:
- Volatility indicates how frequently you’ll receive multiplier rewards while playing a slot
- High volatility slots offer the highest multipliers of all slot types
- Low volatility slots give more frequent rewards, but in smaller chunks
- Medium volatility slots sit somewhere in between low and high volatility slots in terms of multiplier value and rewards frequency
What does volatility mean in slots?
At its core, volatility in slots refers to the risk associated with a specific slot game. It’s a metric that informs you about the frequency and value of your potential real money wins over time.
Also, volatility doesn’t determine whether you’re going on a multiplier streak, but it’s an indicator of how frequently and how significantly you’ll hit multipliers. Another term that goes hand in hand with volatility is the RTP (Return to Player) percentage, which estimates the percentage of a slot game’s payouts that can be expected over time. Meanwhile, volatility tells you how your payouts will come in: as frequent small amounts or rare, larger amounts.
Keep in mind that the meaning of volatility in gambling is specific. You play with real funds, make deposits, follow
casino cashout rules, etc. If you know how volatility works in slots gaming, it’ll help you figure out your risk tolerance. That way, you can decide if you prefer low volatility (steady, low-risk wins) or high volatility (rare, high-stakes, and higher reward potential).
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Types of slot volatility
Having answered the question “What does volatility mean in slots?” Here’ an in-depth explanation of the different levels of slot volatility:
1. Low volatility slots
With these games, you hit multipliers frequently, albeit with smaller values. You’ll love these types of slots if you have a limited budget, enjoy extended gaming sessions, or want to play in low-risk games.
Advantages
- Frequent multiplier rewards
- Suitable for longer gaming sessions
- Ideal for casual or new players
Disadvantages
- Multipliers are usually small
2. Medium volatility slots
Medium volatility slots offer a balance between rewards frequency and multiplier value. You’ll enjoy these types of games if you’re looking for a mix of entertainment and stability.
Advantages
- Offers a balanced gameplay experience
- Decent rewards frequency
- Suitable for most budgets
Disadvantages
- Less consistent than low-volatility
3. High volatility slots
I call this category of slots the wild cards. You won’t hit multipliers frequently in these types of slots, but once you do, the rewards are astonishing. Trust me, you’ll need a lot of patience and a solid bankroll to enjoy these slots.
Advantages
- Potential for huge rewards
- Offers maximum excitement
- Best suited for jackpots and bonus rounds
Here’s a summary of the different types of slot volatility:
| Volatility level | Description |
| High volatility slots | High volatility slots offer significant multiplier values, but less frequently than other types of slots |
| Medium volatility slots | Offers a balanced multiplier value and frequency |
| Low volatility slots | These slots offer low multiplier values but at a higher frequency |
How to know the volatility of a slot
Not all game providers advertise their games’ volatility, leaving you to wonder and figure it out. Thankfully, I know how you can tell whether a game has high, medium, or low volatility. A good starting point is the game info section. Some casinos provide an interface that displays all the necessary information about the selected game. These details may also include volatility ratings.
If the game’s volatility isn’t stated, try the demo (if one is available). Look at the frequency and size of the rewards. Frequent small rewards indicate low volatility, whereas sparse dry spells with rare large hits indicate high volatility.
Some expert game reviews or guides also highlight a game’s volatility. Some factors to look out for include high max multiplier potential, sparse bonus rounds, and progressive jackpots.
Top tips for playing slots based on volatility
Now that we’ve answered the question “what does volatility mean in slots” and identified how to know a slot’s volatility, here are my top tips for playing slots based on volatility.
🎲 Play according to your budget
High-volatility slots can drain your bankroll in dry spells, so I recommend only playing them if you have a larger budget or are using free spins. Lower volatility slots, on the other hand, are a much better fit for smaller budgets, allowing you to enjoy longer gameplay sessions. By now, you can already tell that medium volatility slots are suitable when you have enough funds deposited for regular gameplay.
🧪 Play in demo mode first to assess volatility
One strategy I always use when unsure of a game’s volatility is to try it in demo mode first, since you’re not risking any real money. Think of it as testing the waters without touching your casino balance. When playing in demo mode, note the win frequency and sizes, as these factors can help you determine the game’s volatility without risking your real funds.
📊 Modify your gaming strategy to fit each slot‘s volatility
Once you’ve discovered your favorite game’s volatility, you can adjust your gaming strategy accordingly. Low-volatility slots often require more funds, more time spent gaming, and steadier spin amounts. As for high volatility slots, a more effective approach would be to wait for huge bonus rounds or jackpots while using small amounts of money per spin.
💰 Offset risks using bonuses
While you may want to extend your gameplay time by making a deposit, you can also capitalize on various promotional casino bonuses, like welcome offers,
no deposit free spins, or matched deposit offers. These promotions are ideal for testing high-volatility games without risking your entire bankroll. You’ll have extra bonus funds or spins to play with, giving you more opportunities to explore the game and potentially walk away with a win.
⏳ Be patient and focus on the result
High-volatility slots are not for everyone. Trying to recover losses by increasing your spin amounts often leads to more losses. These kinds of games don’t offer rewards frequently, so you’re better off sitting back and taking your time to enjoy the gameplay experience. You’ll enjoy your rewards better with this strategy.
Keep in mind that these aren’t strategies on
how to win online slots; rather, they’ll guide you on how to play high, medium, or low volatility games.
Conclusion – Tweak your gaming strategy around a slot’s volatility
So, what does volatility mean in slots? It determines how frequently you get multipliers during slot spins. The three types of slot volatility are high, medium, and low. This information is usually indicated whenever you click on a game. If, however, it isn’t, you can still determine the volatility level using the strategies I gave above.
While you’re at it, don’t forget to tweak your gameplay strategy to suit the slot’s volatility level. Doing so can help make your gameplay more enjoyable while managing your bankroll.
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What does volatility mean in slots
FAQs
🎰 What does high volatility mean in slots?
High-volatility slots are games that offer significant multiplier values and rewards, but not as frequently as other types of slots. You’ll need some patience to reap the benefits of these games.
📊 Why does volatility matter in slots?
Knowing a slot’s volatility can help you adjust your gaming strategy for more fun and even higher chances of getting bigger rewards. It can also help you manage your bankroll since you’ll adjust your spin amounts depending on the game’s volatility.
🔍 What does low volatility mean in slots?
Low volatility in slots means the game offers frequent rewards during gameplay. Keep in mind that the multiplier values in these games are often smaller than what you’ll find in most games.
