Whenever you start playing a slot machine, you usually have certain criteria in mind, some even quite subjective: theme, RTP, maximum win or minimum bet. But one of the most important and often overlooked characteristics of a slot is its volatility. The volatility of slots refers to how often a slot pays on average and applies both to physical slot machines and to online ones. In this article we will provide you with the necessary information to properly understand the functionality of this indispensable indicator, so that you can play more consciously in the slot.
What does volatility indicate?
The volatility of slots, also called variance, represents the frequency with which a slot gives out a win and also the typical amount of the prize. A slot with high volatility generally pays large wins in an occasional manner, while a slot with low volatility pays small sums in rapid succession. However, all slots can pay small and large wins and any slot can provide a series of consecutive wins, as well as a sequence of losing spins. The concept of volatility is based on the volatility index (VI) which is nothing more than an average written on a huge number of spins, but which does not predict at all that in the very short term they will not be able to chain many winning spins in a row in a slot high variance
Roulette, a good example of volatility
If you have already played roulette, you know for sure that the greater the number of numbers you bet on, the higher the chance of winning. For example, betting on black or red means betting on 18 different numbers at the same time. The eventual win will be equal to double the stake. Obviously it is also possible to bet on a single number, but the probability of winning is 1 in 37, but even the final prize will be much larger. From this reasoning it is easy to understand that it is permissible to attend more often a punt that pays twice the stake (low volatility), compared to a punt on a single number that pays 35 times the stake (high volatility).
Different types of slot volatility
There are different types of slot volatility. After this it is possible to include slot in:
Low volatility Medium-low volatility Medium volatility Medium-high volatility High volatility
The volatility of slots therefore varies from high to low. The smaller the volatility, the more often you will win, but the smaller the win will usually be widened. The greater the volatility, the less often you will win, but the prize will generally be richer.
Supponiamo che initiate a giocare con 100 euro su uno slot a bassa volatilità. If you place bets of 5 euros all the time, you can generally expect to win at a fairly regular rate between 1 and 10 euros.
With a high volatility slot, on the other hand, you can play 99 spins of 1 euro without ever getting a win, but you can center a winning combination for a 300 euro win on the occasion of the hundredth spin.
However, as previously mentioned, the volatility index (VI) only represents the average. A slot with high volatility can pay as often as a slot with low volatility and vice versa.
The only really intelligent way to play alle slots is to use a responsible game strategy.
Low volatility slot
Low-variance slot games offer players a greater chance of success, but with massive non-rich wins, which usually go from 250 to 500 times the bet. They are not as exciting as the slot with greater volatility, but the fact that they provide more constant payouts makes it attractive to many players.
There are other advantages linked to choosing a slot with low volatility, such as simpler budget management, smaller losses and longer gaming sessions.
However, this slot lacks the “WOW” effect of a big jackpot, capable of making players’ fortunes.
Starburst
Starburst is a low volatility slot
Starburst is one of the most famous slots in the sector and has a low variance. It’s a space-themed game with diamond symbols. The slot is produced by NetEnt, has 5 reels, 3 rows and 10 paylines. The RTP amounts to 92.05%, for a slot with a classic taste that will surely appeal to purists, since it does not include special features and bonuses. You can play Starburst at SNAI’s online casino.
Medium volatility slot
Online slot games with medium volatility are an excellent compromise between machines with low volatility and high volatility.
Questi giochi possono offerer vincite quite dilazionate nel tempo, ma di contro l’importo può essere davvero notable. In addition, slots with medium variance usually offer a lot of bonus features. They are among the favorite choices of many who play for fun, but they still want to win interesting things.
Guns N’ Roses
Guns N’ Roses is a medium variance slot produced by NetEnt
Guns N’ Roses is a medium volatility slot developed by NetEnt. The game is inspired by the famous rock group of the same name. The RTP of the slot is 92.08% and has 5 reels, 3 rows and 20 paylines. The game is packed with many different bonuses inspired by the band’s music, such as Wild and Expanding Wild. You can play Guns N’ Roses at the Goldbet casino.
High volatility slot
For players who dream of winning five or even six zeroes, the high volatility slot machine is the way to go.
They are also called “ad alto rischio” machines since they rarely pay. But once they do it, the most fortunate players can just expect a big win. These slots are preferred by users who have a large budget to invest and have enough time and patience to chase the maximum win. With the high variance slot, you can win 3,000 to 10,000 times the initial bet.
Dead or Alive
Dead or Alive is a high volatility Far West themed slot
Dead or Alive is a high variance slot. It is a game produced by NetEnt, one of the main providers in the world, and has the theme of the Far West. The slot has an excellent RTP of 96.82% and is available at the LeoVegas casino. It is a slot with 5 reels, 3 rows and 9 paylines. Special symbols are also present. For example, if you match 3 or more scatter pistols, you will enter the bonus shoot where you will get 12 free spins, doppie vittorie and sticky wilds from the wanted poster and you will attend this shoot.
Volatility vs RTP
As we have seen, the volatility of the slots is the frequency with which a slot generally pays, while the RTP (return to the player) is the amount that a casino game returns to the players.
For example, an RTP of 90% means that, theoretically, the slot pays 90 euros in winnings for every 100 euros bet. Both the high volatility slot and the low volatility slot can have an RTP of 90%.
As for the volatility, the RTP represents the average and does not guarantee the results indicated in the short term (ie a handful of spins). The RTP of 90% of a slot can however mean that you will lose the entire balance of the game, precisely how you could win the progressive jackpot of one million euros.
How to discover the volatility of a slot
There are three potential options to determine the volatility of a slot. The easiest way is when the online casino indicates volatility when you click on the settings button to see the game information. Not all game cases, unfortunately, are so inclined to provide this information, but in this regard, the William Hill casino comes to the rescue that clearly indicates the variance in the information of each slot.
Another option is to search Google for the title of the slot with the word “volatility” to hopefully find some information. For example, “Mercy of the Gods Slot Volatility”. If you opt for this route, be sure to check a couple of reliable sources to be sure that the indication inherent in the variance is accurate.
The last option is to try the slot in demo mode, which usually gives you a good idea of the volatility. In general, it’s smart to try a slot in demo mode before investing your money. In this way you will also know if that slot matches well with your playing style.
