If you’ve come across the term “volatility” while browsing slot games, you might be wondering what it actually means, and whether it should influence the way you choose a game. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at slot machine volatility and explain how it can affect your overall experience.
Whether you’re new to online slots or simply looking to understand the details a little better, having a clear grasp of volatility can help you make more informed decisions if you’re considering playing. Read on to learn more.
What Does Volatility Mean On Slots?
When you see the term “volatility” (sometimes called “variance”) on a slot game, it’s referring to how the game might behave in terms of win frequency and the potential size of those wins. In simpler terms, it gives you a rough idea of how often you might win and what the size of those wins could look like — though nothing is ever guaranteed.
Slot games are generally grouped into three volatility levels:
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High volatility: If you choose a high-volatility slot, for example the Buffalo Blitz slot, you might notice that wins come around less often, but if they do, they can be larger.
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Low volatility: A low-volatility game may offer more frequent wins, though these are typically smaller in size.
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Medium volatility: These slots aim to strike a balance between the two, with a moderate mix of frequency and payout size.
It’s worth keeping in mind that volatility is only a guideline. Slot outcomes are always random, so your experience can vary from one session to the next, even on the same game.
Is High Volatility Good?
Whether high volatility is suitable for you depends on your preferences when it comes to how you might want to play. If you choose a high-volatility slot, you may notice that potential wins occur less frequently, but when 
they do, they can be larger in value. These games often include features such as bonus rounds or jackpots, which can contribute to that higher variance.
If you would rather have the chance of more frequent outcomes, low-volatility slots may offer a more consistent experience, with smaller but more regular potential payouts. This type of slot may appeal if you’re looking for a steadier pace or are getting familiar with how online slots work.
High Volatility vs Low Volatility Slots
High- and low-volatility slots can offer different types of playing experiences, depending on what you’re looking for. If you choose a high-volatility slot, you might find that potential wins occur less often, but if they do, they could be larger, as we’ve already mentioned. These games may also include features like jackpots or more complex bonus rounds.
On the other hand, low-volatility slots might be more suitable if you prefer a steadier pace, with smaller but more frequent possible payouts. This might contribute to a playing experience that feels more consistent over time.
As always, it’s worth keeping in mind that all outcomes are random, and there’s never a guarantee of a win, regardless of the slot’s volatility level.
How Do You Tell If a Slot Machine Is High or Low Volatility?
If you’re trying to decide whether a slot is high or low volatility, there are a few things you can look out for that may help guide your choice. 
One place to start is the paytable. If a game lists large potential payouts for rare symbol combinations or features a sizeable jackpot, it may be higher in volatility. In contrast, if the potential wins are more evenly spread across different symbols and there’s no significant jackpot, the slot is likely to be lower in volatility.
Bonus features can also offer a clue. A game with fewer, but potentially larger bonus rounds might be on the higher-volatility side. Meanwhile, if the game includes more frequent bonuses with smaller payouts, it could suggest a lower-volatility design.
Sometimes, the game will display its volatility rating in the paytable or help section. If it’s not mentioned there, you might find useful information on the game provider’s website or in player reviews.
By keeping these points in mind, you can make more informed decisions about the types of slots you might want to explore at Slots UK. If you're looking for popular high-volatility slots we offer titles like Gold Blitz, Big Bass Floats My Boat, Wanted Dead or A Wild, and many more.
Volatility vs RTP: What’s The Difference?
Volatility and Return to Player (RTP) are both factors many players take into consideration when choosing a slot, but they tell you different things about how a game is designed.
RTP is a theoretical figure shown as a percentage and gives an idea of how much a slot is expected to return to players over time. For example, a slot with an RTP of 96% is theoretically designed to pay back £96 to players, on average, for every £100 wagered, though this is based on play over many sessions and players and doesn’t predict individual results.
Volatility, on the other hand, refers to how often you might see potential wins during a session, and how large those wins could be. If you choose a high-volatility slot, you might experience fewer wins that are potentially larger. With low volatility, you may see more frequent but smaller wins.
Some games combine a high RTP with high volatility, while others may offer a lower RTP but provide more consistent outcomes. Because each slot is different, checking both the RTP and volatility can help you find a game that fits how you prefer to play.
Whether you're drawn to high-volatility games or lean towards lower-volatility options, having a clearer understanding of these two features can help you make more informed choices if you choose to play slots.
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*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these slot games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**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.