Slot Volatility Definition – An Overview

Slot volatility is one of the main attributes which determines the behaviour of a game. There are three different types of volatility, low, medium and high. Have a read through our detailed slot volatility definition to learn more about how variance affects the gameplay of an online slot machine.

Slot Volatility Definition: An Introduction

For our readers who have already played slots before, you’re bound to have come across the term volatility. Slot volatility refers to the characteristics of which a slot is made up of. There are low volatile slots, which often pay out regularly in small cash prizes, mid-volatile and high volatile slots. The more volatile a slot is, the riskier it is. Thus, slots with high variance (another term used for volatility) are for risk takers, as they may not pay out too frequently but have greater pay outs.

A slot’s variance is calculated over an extended period of time to an approximation. What many game providers and reviews do is provide a variance level out of 10. Low slots tend to have around 2/10 whilst high slots have 9/10 or even 10/10. The figure gives us an idea of how volatile the game is – i.e how unpredictable it is.

The main difference between low and high variance slots is the hit frequency. Low volatile slots will have a high hit frequency, sometimes even just under 45%, whilst high volatile slots will have a much lower percentage, under 20%.

Low Volatile Slots

The slots with lower volatility are the ones which are more fun to play if you want to enjoy an extended gaming session. Typically, these games will pay you out very frequently through many scatter symbols, wilds or lower-paying combinations. They give out frequent wins, but none of the pay outs are anything to write home about.

If you’re all for playing a game for a long time and trying to make a profit through several minor wins, play volatile slots. The slow and steady approach is definitely the way to go if you don’t want to risk your bankroll on high variance slots.

High Volatile Slots

When analysing high volatile slots, there’s a lot more about them than their counterpart. High variance slots can see you go a few rounds before you land a winning combination – which may not even be worth that much. Although, these slots also offer much higher potential pay outs for winning combinations as well.

High volatile slots do not always ensure that you will win big. At times, your bankroll may disappear from constant spinning without any reward. However, the excitement and popularity of high volatile slots lies with the potential reward. These slots always pay out more than low volatile slots and can see your bankroll rocket to new heights. They are always riskier than lower variance slots, but that same risk can see your stake multiply by 500x.

Are you playing a Low or High Variance Slot?

It’s all fine and dandy reading up about slot volatility but how do you actually know when you’re playing a low or high variance slot. Here are a few tips so that you can tell the difference and identify the variance of a slot based on its traits.

1. Maximum Pay Out: Open up a slot and immediately check out the maximum win amount of the game. Low variance slots will pay around 50x-100x your total stake as a maximum prize whilst more volatile slots can pay 500x-30,000x your total stake as a maximum pay out.

1. Paytable Symbols: Head on over to the paytable of the slot where you can see every single symbol and its payout. Typically, lower variance slots will see 5 of a kind pay out 3x-5x for the highest paying symbol. More volatile slots will see combinations of 5 pay out between 10x-100x your total stake.
2. More Winning Opportunities: High volatile slots tend to offer players more chances to win. It is very likely that slots with high variance will include more features to a game in order to trigger some higher paying cash prizes. Some examples of said features are:

• Cascade: after a winning combination is formed, the symbols vanish allowing new icons to take their place.
• Expanding Wilds: wilds spread across to cover an entire reel.
• Megaways: Up to 117,649 ways to win with this game mechanic.
• More rows: additional rows (and paylines) if certain stipulations are triggered.

Why High Variance Slots are so Popular

The more volatile the slot, the more popular it is. On the whole, high variance video slots dominate the online gambling industry. They are the most loved, the most played and the most developed games by software provider groups. High variance slots are often referred to as ‘gambler’s games’, here’s why.

In order to be successful at winning high volatile slots, you have to have a very stern mentality. Many rookies may enjoy playing lower variance slots as they can enjoy the best of both worlds, winning and losing. Gamblers with experience will know that many times high variance slots will not pay out the big prizes. However, with a great deal of patience, the long spells of not making a profit could be worth it once these seasoned players win the big pay out. High variance slots are perfect for players with a big bankroll and a make-or-break mindset.

If you’re interested in playing high variance slots, we can give you tip 101. Try to find slots which use an autoplay function. This ensures that your spins keep on taking place without you having to manually click the spin button. Set win and loss limits so that your device knows exactly how you’d like to play the game. Then, once the spinning is underway, keep an eye on it but just let the game get on with its job. This way, you won’t be too frustrated with watching your bankroll get smaller – or potentially even bigger!

What High Variance Slots Can Offer

When looking at the positives and forgetting about the dry spells and shrinking bankroll for a moment, volatile slots typically are more fun to play than lower volatile slots. They usually have more features involved and use all sorts of animations.

If a slot has a lot of features, chances are, you are playing a volatile slot. High variance games usually include free spins bonus rounds, re-spin, expanding wilds, multipliers and more. The more features a slot has, the more likely it is to be volatile.

Likewise, highly volatile slots offer massive payouts. Some of them may include jackpots, such as the Mega Moolah or Mega Fortune slots, whilst others will just have insanely huge maximum win amounts. In fact, some slots are known to pay out anything between 10,000-100,000x your total stake. However, for these types of cash prizes, you may have to up your stake level.

Are you a Fan of Arcade Slots?

Last but not least, the majority of arcade slots will have a high variance. Cluster Paying games and Megaways slots will both be highly volatile. They are jam packed with bonus features and perks such as avalanche wins or many paylines. If you enjoy playing highly volatile slots, you’re going to love arcade slots.

The Bottom Line

The volatility of the slot gives you an insight on the behaviour the game will use. Low volatile slots are perfect for players who enjoy playing at a steady pace and winning slowly through many spins. To play these games, simply visit the top online gambling sites in Germany or go straight to 22Bet Casino.

Higher volatile slots are more advanced games which have more buzz about them. They will include many different features and big potential winners. Although, you will have to approach them with a stronger mindset, knowing that dry spells can be expected and wubs are not guaranteed. If you are looking to win big through a lucky spin, your best bet is to stick to more volatile slots.

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