Slot Volatility: Definition, Importance, Types, Impact, and How to Choose 

Slot volatility is a term used to describe how often a slot will provide a win and the size of the win that players can expect to get. Slot volatility is one of the most crucial aspects of choosing an online slot game to play as it can have a large impact on your gameplay experience, your bankroll, and the overall risk of your wagering. Slot games will have 1 of 5 volatility levels such as low volatility, low-medium volatility, medium volatility, medium-high volatility, or high volatility.

Choosing the right type of volatility for you is extremely important in ensuring you gamble responsibly and have a great time doing so at online casinos. Learn more below about the various types of slot volatility. 

What is Slot Volatility?

Slot volatility provides players with important information on the frequency of slot game payouts and the size of payout that can be expected. Players can determine the measure of risk that they are undertaking when spinning the reels of a slot game with this information.

Slot volatility levels, also known as slot variance, are on a spectrum from high to low. Players can expect frequent wins but the size of the payouts will tend to be small when a slot game has lower volatility. Low volatility games provide a more relaxed gameplay experience as wins are frequent, the risk is lower and players can extend their bankroll longer.

High volatility slot games provide players with a more thrilling gameplay experience as there is far greater risk involved. Wins are normally not frequent with high volatility slots but when they do happen, players can expect much larger wins. Low volatility games usually require extended gameplay with no significant wins which can have a big impact on your bankroll. 

How Slot Volatility Works?

Slot volatility works by being directly influenced by random number generators, known as RNGs. This is an algorithm that puts out random numbers to help ensure that slot games are fair. These algorithms are extremely advanced to create dynamic and entertaining games. They undergo rigorous testing to ensure they can guarantee transparency and fairness. This security is normally provided via certificates from independent testing laboratories that ensure software providers are complying with industry regulations.

The RNG is created to reflect the levels of volatility that the slot developer is looking for. Slot software providers want to get the balance right between awarding wins and creating an engaging gambling experience. The RNG in higher volatility slot games will be weighted to ensure fewer wins are possible but that the payouts will be significantly larger. On the other hand, the RNG in lower volatility slot games will ensure that the slot creates more frequent wins but with small payouts.

Importance of Volatility in Slot Games

The importance of volatility in slot games is significant as it determines whether players can potentially enjoy lots of smaller wins or larger jackpot prizes. Volatility is needed to provide players with a better understanding of the risk involved in the game and how to then manage their bankroll.

High volatility slot games are becoming ever more popular amongst online slot players. High volatility games allow players to expect a lower rate of wins but if they play for long enough, a bigger prize could be on the way.

Lower volatility slot games are ideal for beginners as they allow them to spin for longer periods of time on a small budget. Players can expect a higher rate of wins but for these wins to be on the smaller side.

Medium volatility slot games are popular too as they provide a good balance between the bigger wins of high volatility slot games and the higher win frequency of low volatility slots.

While slot volatility is very important, players should be reminded that there are never any guarantees when gambling online. While the games may be weighted to granting larger, less frequent wins or smaller, more frequent wins, slots are still a game of chance and no set strategy will help you win. Slot volatility should be considered but players should also be mindful of their bankroll no matter what type of slot they are spinning.

Types of Slot Volatility

The types of slot volatility are high volatility, medium-high volatility, medium volatility, medium-low volatility, and low volatility.

•  High volatility: High volatility is designed to pay out infrequently and payouts are expected to be very large in size. This means players can expect to get big wins but they are not going to happen often. Normally with these games, players will have to wait a long time before they get a win with high volatility games, but the thrill of landing a big win makes these games very attractive to some players.
• Medium-high volatility: Medium-high volatility is designed to pay out fairly infrequently and payouts are expected to be average to large in size. This means players can expect to get larger to medium-sized wins but they will not happen as often. Medium-high volatility games provide a great balance between potentially getting a big payout but also receiving wins a little more frequently.
• Medium volatility: Medium volatility is designed to pay out fairly frequently and payouts are expected to be average-sized. This means players can expect to get medium-sized wins which should occur fairly often. Players can get a good mixture of risk and fun gameplay with medium volatility slot games as there is still a chance to take home a larger win.
• Medium-low volatility: Medium-low volatility is designed to pay out fairly frequently and payouts are expected to be low to average in size. This means that players can expect to get small to medium-sized payouts fairly often. Medium-low volatility games can provide slightly bigger payouts than low-variance games but may not pay out as frequently.
• Low volatility: Low volatility is designed to pay out very frequently and payouts are expected to be low in size. This means players can expect to get small payouts very often. Players will not be sitting around waiting for a win with these games and they are usually lighter on your bankroll. However, players should consider that they may be disappointed by the lack of big payouts.

What is the Impact of Volatility on Gameplay

The impact of volatility on gameplay can influence many factors including your bankroll management, bonus features, jackpots, entertainment, thrills, and the RTP.

• Bankroll management: Bankroll management is essential to consider before spinning the reels of any slot game. The volatility level has a great influence on bankrolls. If you have a larger budget and more money in your bankroll, higher volatility slots can be a good option as they can overcome longer periods of gameplay with no wins. Low-volatility slot games are better suited to those on smaller budgets who need to reduce the risk of running out of funds too quickly.
• Bonus features & jackpots: Bonus features and jackpots are special rewards given by online casinos to players. Players can expect low volatility slots to influence how easily accessible the range of bonus features and jackpots are to trigger. Wins are normally smaller in low-volatility slot game bonus features. The opposite is true for high-volatility slot machines, as the higher volatility makes bonus features and jackpots harder to trigger, but this is normally where the biggest wins can be achieved.
• Entertainment & thrills: Volatility levels can influence how much fun and thrills the slot game provides to players. High volatility slots offer more excitement and lather cash prizes compared to low volatility slot games. Low-volatility slot games offer fun gameplay but smaller wins that may not provide the same adrenaline rush.
• RTP: Slot volatility has a direct effect on the RTP (return to player) of a game. The higher the volatility of a slot game, usually, the lower the RTP due to the less frequent wins. The lower the volatility of a slot game, usually, the higher the RTP due to the more frequent wins..

How to Choose the Right Slot Volatility?

To choose the right slot volatility, understand your risk tolerance, assess your goals, analyse your bankroll balance, and understand your personal gameplay preference.

• Understand your risk tolerance: If you are happy with bigger risks for bigger rewards, then high-volatility slot games are great. If you prefer a less risky gaming experience, the low-volatility slot games are great.
• Assess your goals: Assess your goals and see if the goal is to get the biggest wins possible and you are happy to take the risk, then high volatility slot games are great. For those who enjoy winning but prefer steadier wins with longer gameplay time, then low volatility slot games are a better option.
• Analyse your bankroll: It is important to always look at your bankroll and decide what your budget is, before setting your bet per spin. You may require a bigger bankroll to keep you spinning when payouts are not occurring when spinning high-volatility slot games.
• Personal preference: How do you feel when you win or lose spinning the reels of slot games? If it provides you with a thrill, then you may want to opt for a high-volatility slot game while those who enjoy more relaxing gameplay may prefer a low-volatility slot.

Slot Volatility vs RTP (Return to Player)

The difference between slot volatility and RTP is that with slot volatility, this information lets players know how often they can expect a slot game to pay out. On the other hand, the RTP informs players of how much a slot game pays out to players. For example, the average RTP of online slot games is 96%, which means that for every £100 wagered on that slot game, it will pay out around £96 over a long period of time.

Players will normally find that slot games with a higher RTP have a lower volatility as the chances of winning are higher, therefore, more wins are paid out. Slot games with a lower RTP usually have higher volatility, as the chances of winning are much lower, so fewer wins are paid out but they can be substantial in size.

Whenever you are looking for a new slot game to spin, always consider both the volatility levels and the RTP as this will provide a good indication of the game’s overall quality. While these markers can be a good indication of how many different types of slots payout and how often, there are still never any guarantees when gambling, and players should consider this when setting their budget. 

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