If you’ve ever played online slots or browsed through a casino’s game library, you might have noticed that some games pay out little and often, while others deliver occasional but larger wins. This difference isn’t random—it’s tied to something called volatility.
Volatility is a term often used in slot game descriptions, and understanding it can help you choose games that feel right for your playing preferences if you’re interested in playing. Whether you’re drawn to frequent potential payouts or prefer the chance of hitting a bigger prize, knowing how volatility works can give you a clearer idea of what to expect.
In this post, we’ll cover what volatility means in slot games, how it can influence results, and what you might want to keep in mind if you’re choosing between low-, medium-, or high-volatility slots. Read on to learn more.
How Volatility Impacts Winnings on Slots
Volatility in slot games refers to how often and how much a game is likely to pay out. Most slots fall into one of three categories: low, medium, or high volatility.
Low volatility slots generally offer more frequent payouts, though the amounts tend to be smaller. High volatility games, on the other hand, might not pay out as often, but when they do, the wins are typically larger. Medium volatility slots tend to strike a balance between the two, giving players a mix of regular returns and the potential for bigger prizes.
Understanding volatility can help you decide which type of game might suit your preferred pace and budget if you’re considering play. If you’re looking for consistent activity on the reels, you might lean towards lower volatility games, but if you prefer the chance of a bigger potential win—despite fewer payouts—you might be more drawn to high volatility slots.
Should You Play High or Low Volatility Slots?
Whether high or low volatility slots are a better fit depends on how you prefer to play and what kind of experience you're looking for.
If you choose high volatility slots, you might enjoy the chance of larger payouts, even if they don’t happen very often. These games tend to suit players who are comfortable with longer gaps between wins and are prepared to manage their budget with that in mind.
On the other hand, low volatility slots could be more appealing if you’d rather see more regular, smaller potential wins. This type of game might feel steadier, especially if you're looking to keep your playing balance going over a longer session.
There’s no right or wrong choice—just the one that fits your own approach and what you’d like to get out of the game. The most important thing to keep in mind is how you approach gameplay—always keep responsible gambling practices in mind and never wager more than you are willing to lose.
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How To Find a Slot Machine's Volatility
If you’re thinking about trying a new slot game, you might want to check its volatility first—but this isn’t always shown immediately on the main screen. Still, there are a few simple ways to find it:
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Check the game’s info section: Most slots include an “i” icon or a menu where the developer lists key details. Volatility is often described here as low, medium, or high.
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Look at the paytable: If the top potential prizes are large but seem harder to hit, that could suggest high volatility. If there are more frequent, smaller potential payouts, the game is likely low volatility.
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Browse casino reviews: Many online casinos and review sites include volatility ratings as part of their game summaries, which can give you a quick overview before playing.
Knowing this information in advance might help you decide whether the game suits your preferred style of play.
Difference Between Slot Volatility and RTP
Volatility and Return to Player (RTP) are two key terms that players often come across when exploring online slots, but they each tell a different story.
Volatility, as mentioned earlier, refers to how frequently and how much a slot tends to pay out—whether wins are smaller and more regular, or larger but less common. RTP, on the other hand, is a theoretical figure expressed as a percentage and suggests the amount players might expect to get back, on average, over a long period. For example, a slot with a 96% RTP means that, on average, £96 is returned for every £100 wagered.
That being said, you should keep in mind that RTP is an average over time over many sessions and spins, and is not representative of outcomes in individual sessions.
It’s important to note that a game can have a high RTP while still being either high or low volatility. RTP focuses on the overall return over time, whereas volatility looks at how those returns are spread out during gameplay.
Play Real Money Slots Online
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At No Deposit Slots, you can explore a wide variety of real money slots, with important details like volatility and RTP clearly displayed to help you make informed decisions.
Signing up is straightforward, and we offer helpful features such as deposit limits and self-exclusion tools, should you choose to use them. Our customer support team is always available to assist with any questions.
By taking advantage of these tools and setting a clear budget, you can enjoy your gaming experience in a responsible way.
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**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.