Picking an online slot isn’t only about choosing a theme and storyline that catches your attention. These might be the more exciting factors, but they’re not as important as looking at the slot’s volatility.
In a nutshell, a slot machine’s volatility tells you how risky the game is—and this is something all players should consider before depositing their stake!
This article will explore volatility and why it should be on your list. Whether new or trying to improve your payouts, you’ll find expert insights to help you level up your online slingo not on GamStop casino time.
The Basics of Volatility
Top slot players always look at the volatility of a game before playing. Don’t worry if volatility means nothing to you, and we’ll explain what it is and why it counts now.
Every online slot has a low, medium, and high volatility rating. This shows you the game’s risk, with low slots being the most consistent and high slots being the most volatile and risky.
When you know the volatility rating, you can estimate how frequent the payouts are and how big the prizes usually are.
For example, low volatility slots don’t give our big prizes but provide somewhat consistent wins. In contrast, high volatility slots don’t pay out very often, but if you’re lucky and get one, it’ll be much larger than the small payouts from low slots. Medium slots sit in the middle of these two.
You can find information about slot volatility in the game’s description section, usually displayed as text under or by the side of the game. All reputable and safe casinos, like playcasino.co.za, will show this information. If missing, it’s usually a sign that the casino isn’t safe and perhaps not worth your time.
Alongside volatility, slot descriptions also show you the game’s developer and RTP, which brings us to our next section.
Volatility vs RTPs in Online Slots
Volatility and RTP sometimes get confused as they tell you about online slot game payouts. However, they’re not interchangeable:
- Volatility describes the risk and payout probabilities in slots using low, medium, and high ratings.
- RTP (also known as Return to Player percentage) shows the amount of your stake that will be returned to you over time. So, this shows your payout potential, not your risk.
Rather than with words, RTP is always shown as a percentage figure. Let’s look at the famous Big Bass Bonanza slot as an example. This slot has an average RTP of 96%, meaning that for every $100 you wager, you will get approximately $96 back.
You should always check the RTP and volatility of your chosen slot on your preferred casino. Sometimes, these statistics can vary, so it’s best to be sure and double-check.
Why Should You Think About Volatility When Choosing Slots
Volatility affects the slot machine experience and your potential winnings, so you must consider what you want and choose volatility that corresponds to your needs.
If you don’t consider this, you might end up having a less satisfying experience or risking more money than you initially wanted to.
Analyzing the Trends in Slot Game Themes and Designs
Being mindful of volatility is also a part of responsible gambling practices—actions that help to protect you and your finances while using online casinos. Other ways you can embrace safer gambling include:
- setting a strict budget
- only betting cash you can afford to lose
- setting time limits on your sessions
- stepping back when the game starts to feel impulsive or stressful.
In some cases, you may even want to reach out to safe gambling organizations for free and non-judgemental assistance. In South Africa, the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) offers confidential treatment and counseling and has 20 years of experience in the industry.
How To Choose the Right Slot Game
Now that you know what volatility means, it’s time to determine which type is right for you. Here’s a quick overview of each volatility level and who it suits best.
Low Volatility
If you’re new to online slots or would prefer consistent wins without much risk—even if they might be a little smaller—you should choose low-volatility slots.
Medium Volatility
Medium volatility slots provide larger payouts than low slots—but aren’t as frequent. They’re not as generous as high-volatility slots but pay a little more.
In short, medium slots bang in the middle. If you have some experience and don’t want the highest level of risk, this is a nice place to play.
High Volatility
High-volatility slots allow you to win the largest prizes, but the odds are higher, and these prizes aren’t very frequent.
So, if you don’t mind a little risk or have some prior gambling experience, you will feel comfortable with high-volatility games.
Do Other Casino Games Have Volatility Ratings?
Yes! Slots aren’t the only games with volatility ratings. You’ll also find these ratings on table games, progressive jackpot lotto games, and live casino games.
However, volatility isn’t as emphasized in these games, and it’s more of a focus in the slot community. This is simply because it doesn’t vary so much on other games.
Take blackjack, for example. Regardless of the variant, this game tends to have low volatility and smaller wins.
Now that you’ve got the lowdown on what volatility means, you can use it to find casino games in all genres to match your style. This can help you boost your bankroll and, in turn, improve your satisfaction.
Where Can You Find Legitimate Online Slot Games?
If you’re curious about implementing your new knowledge, you should find a slot with suitable volatility and get started. Make sure you choose a safe and legitimate casino so you know your personal and financial information is secure while you spin the reels.
Signs of a reputable casino include:
- A legitimate licence and parent company information
- 24/7 support via phone, live chat, or email
- Games from top software companies (e.g., Playtech or Microgaming)
- Positive player reviews
- Expert reviews with safety information
- A large range of real payment methods (e.g., Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal)
- Realistic bonuses that aren’t too good to be true
When a casino ticks the criteria above, you can play knowing you’re in capable hands if it doesn’t, check out a few alternatives to keep yourself safe.
Online Slot Machine Volatility—The Takeaway
Do you want lots of small wins? Or one big win that’ll knock your socks off? Whatever your style, studying slot volatility can help you achieve your goals.
Hopefully, this article served as a helpful introduction to the topic. Take time to learn for the best results and a more enjoyable experience. If in doubt, move on to the next game with better volatility and a reputable developer. Being safe is better than being sorry in the long run.