Slot gaming is now one of the most popular forms of entertainment around, with millions of people now discovering the joys of this classic casino offering. From its humble beginnings in 1894, when Charles Fey built the first coin-operated gambling machine, playing slots has become many gamers favourite leisure time.
The advent of the internet and smartphones has allowed more people to access this thrilling game and enjoy unforgettable moments. No longer bound by casino opening hours, location, and dress codes, anyone can now experience the exciting world of slots online.
There are thousands of slot games available online too, with new ones regularly added, which means there’s sure to be a game out there for everyone can enjoy. But before you jump in and start playing, it’s important to understand slot volatility.
Different Types of Slot Volatility
Slot machine volatility ranges from low to high. The lower the volatility, the more often players will win, however the payout will typically be lower. Higher volatility slots mean the wins will be less frequent, however, the payouts will potentially be much higher.
It is important to understand that the Volatility Index only represents the average, and does not guarantee a win for players, even if you play 100 times in a session.
In total, there are five different types of volatility:
- Low Volatility
- Medium-Low Volatility
- Medium Volatility
- Medium-High Volatility
- High Volatility
Low Volatility
These slots are perfect for players seeking longer playing time, regular wins, and a lower risk of big losses. For that reason, low volatility slots are a good choice for new players taking their first steps and casual players looking to pass the time and have some fun.
Medium Volatility
As the name suggests, medium volatility slots sit somewhere between high and low volatility games. They offer players a mix of modest wins and reasonably frequent payouts.
Therefore, these games are suited to gamers who enjoy a combination of slot excitement and the opportunity to scoop potentially bigger rewards. They are also a great next step for players looking to move on from low volatility titles.
High Volatility
These games offer infrequent but substantial wins and are designed for thrill seeking, risk-taking gamers. They are also good for players with advanced gaming strategies who are looking for an added challenge in their game play. Remember, playing high volatility slots can mean long periods without a win, but the wins are potentially much higher.
For example:
With a high volatility slot, you can potentially play £1 spins over 99 times and never get a payout, then on your 100th spin you hit a £400 win.
Volatility vs RTP
Many people, understandably, get confused between a slot machines Return To Player (RTP) and its Volatility. Slot volatility is how often a slot will typically payout, however, RTP is how much a slot will pay back to players.
For example:
A slot machine with an RTP of 90% will return £90 in winnings for every £100 staked.
As with volatility, a slots RTP is the average over the machines lifetime, and therefore does not guarantee results or payouts.
How to Discover a Slots Volatility
There are several ways to discover a slots volatility:
- Casino: All reputable online casinos will clearly display a games RTP to players. Allowing them to make clear informed decisions.
- Search online: A games Volatility Index level can be found online by searching for the title you are looking for.
- Free Spins/Demo: Many operators offer new players free spins or demos of certain games. Thia allows gamers to try out certain titles and decide if they are comfortable with the level of volatility. It also allows players to experiment with different strategies and discover their ideal limits for betting at no financial risk to them.
Which volatility is best for you?
If you love the excitement of regular wins, and you prefer your gaming time to potentially involve lots of frequent, smaller payouts, then high volatility slots are for you. Volatility can also affect the frequency of many bonus features and jackpots.
With low volatility slots, bonus features and jackpots are more readily available, although the payouts are smaller. However, if you’re prepared to play the long game, with the potential of bigger payouts but at a much-reduced frequency, then high volatility slots will appeal.
Ultimately, which slot is best for you, will depend on the level of risk you are prepared to take, but whichever game you choose, it’s important to play responsibly. So, stick to your budget and remember to have fun, after all, that’s why the humble slot remains more popular today than ever before.
