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by Resto Guy
- January 20, 2025
Volatility refers to how often a slot pays out and the size of the payouts. Low volatility slots offer smaller but more frequent wins to provide consistent gameplay. High volatility slots have bigger jackpot potential but longer dry spells between payouts. Medium volatility strikes a balance with moderate-sized payouts at a reasonable frequency.
Gameplay Differences Between Volatility Types
When you spin the reels on a low volatility slot, you can expect to hit plenty of small and mid-sized wins to keep your bankroll ticking over. The gameplay feels smooth and rewarding. But the biggest jackpots tend to be on the small side.
Medium volatility slots add more tension and suspense to the mix. The payouts ramp up to higher values less often, with more spins in between wins. When you do hit a solid payout, it feels more significant.
Finally, high volatility slots are all about the thrills and spills. You might go many spins with nothing to show and rapidly dwindling funds. Just when it seems like your luck has deserted you completely, bang – an epic win drops in and makes it all worthwhile. The jackpots on such sites as LeoVegas online casino NZ can be huge if your persistence pays off.
Volatility and RTP
It is important not to confuse volatility and return to player (RTP) percentage when choosing a slot. RTP refers to the statistical house edge and determines how much a machine pays back over an extended period of play. It does not influence how often a slot pays out or the size of individual wins.
You can find slots with high, medium or low volatility that share the same RTP. For example, two video slots might both have a 96% RTP, but one is low volatility with smaller frequent payouts and the other is high volatility that occasionally pays large jackpots.
Low, Medium and High Volatility Slot Examples
To understand the impact of volatility in real terms, here is an overview of popular slots in each category:
| Game | Volatility | Payout Frequency | Jackpot Size |
| Starburst | Low | Very frequent small wins | Up to 50x bet |
| Aloha! Cluster Pays | Low | Frequent cluster wins | Up to 2,000x bet |
| Blood Suckers | Low | High frequency, low payouts | Up to 500x bet |
| Gonzo’s Quest | Medium | Moderate payout rate | Up to 2,500x bet |
| Book of Dead | Medium | Occasional mid-sized payouts | Up to 5,000x bet |
| Immortal Romance | Medium | Balanced payout with bonus rounds | Up to 12150x bet |
| Mega Moolah | High | Irregular long dry spells | Millions in mega jackpot |
| Dead or Alive II | High | Rare wins but huge multipliers | Up to 100,000x bet |
| Money Train 2 | High | Low base payouts, big bonus wins | Up to 50,000x bet |
| Bonanza Megaways | High | Volatile with cascading wins | Up to 10,000x bet |
As you can see, low-volatility slots provide entertainment through constant, small payouts. The wins are tiny but very regular to keep your credits ticking over slowly. Medium slots have occasional mid-sized payouts and high volatility games can change your life with a single spin, but don’t expect frequent small consolation prizes when your luck is down.
Choosing the Right Slots for You
With so many types of slots now available for desktop and mobile, volatility allows you to tailor games to your own preferences. Here are some tips for choosing based on your play style:
- New players should start with low volatility slots to get used to spinning the reels without rapidly draining their balance between payouts.
- Recreational players on a budget might also prefer low-volatility games that offer more entertainment for your money.
- Big spenders and risk-takers gravitate towards high volatility slots for the chance to win a life-changing mega jackpot.
- Jackpot hunters combine high-volatility progressive slots with bonus features like free spins and multipliers to boost their chances of a big win.
- Players who enjoy medium-risk gameplay can find a sweet spot with medium volatility slots that offer a blend of excitement and regular rewards.
- Session players should choose low or medium volatility to make their bankroll last longer, with less extreme peaks and troughs in their balance.
Finding the best slots for you depends on multiple factors like budget, risk tolerance, playing time and personal preferences. Considering volatility along with RTP and extra features will help you make the most suitable choice.
Bottom Line
Slot volatility brings an extra layer of variety that keeps gameplay interesting in 2025 and beyond. Whether you prefer low-volatility slots that offer smaller but more frequent payouts, medium volatility with a balanced risk/reward ratio or high-volatility games with sporadic but epic wins, there are options to suit any playing style these days. Just remember that volatility does not influence RTP over extended play. By understanding the differences and choosing slots with your ideal volatility, you can maximize excitement and optimize your bankroll management.