Volatility shows a slot machine’s frequency of wins and average win amounts. There are three different variance types in the market: low, medium, and high volatility slots. In our article, we’ll look at these categories and provide strategies for playing different slots. So, by the end of this article, you’ll have the answer to the question: What does volatility mean in slots?
The Importance of Understanding Volatility in Slots
There are a lot of benefits when you understand the variance of a slot machine. Below are the advantages it provides when you play at our online casino, Playamo:
- Entertainment and Thrills
The volatility level influences the thrill and excitement of playing a slot game. With consistent, smaller winnings, low-volatility slots captivate players without fearing sudden losses. In contrast, high-volatility slots give players an adrenaline rush because there’s a chance to win big on every spin.
Understanding each variance level allows you to choose the best game for you. You may want higher payouts or want some quick action.
- Bankroll Management
Understanding volatility is essential to managing your bankroll effectively. If resources are limited, selecting low-volatility slots is the best course of action. These games offer minimum risk, so you can play for longer. But if you don’t mind placing big bets in hopes of winning large sums of money, high-volatility slots are the best option.
- Bonus Features and Jackpots
The frequency at which jackpots and bonus features are activated is influenced by volatility. You can decide whether the game has better features and payout once you understand its variance better.
For instance, bonus rounds and jackpots are more accessible yet have lower payouts in low-volatility slots. However, with trending slot machines, the rewards are enormous but random, making the game more exciting and challenging.
Types of Slot Volatility
Slot machines are commonly classified into three distinct volatility levels. Let’s examine what each level entails for your online casino experience at Playamo.
Low Volatility Slots
You can win less money but more frequently when playing low-variance video slots. These machines often have a maximum payoff of (200–500) times the initial wager. This payoff is much smaller than the potential earnings on slots with more variance. Thus, players looking for more rewards could find these machines less alluring.
A key benefit of playing low-volatility slots is that there won’t be a long delay between winning combinations. Additionally, the games here are far kinder to your bankroll.
Medium Volatility Slots
Most modern video slots fall into low- and high-volatility categories. However, a category called medium variance provides a balance between the two.
Slot machines with medium volatility offer a decent chance at substantial rewards and fairly frequent wins. It is the best choice if you want to have fun while playing and have the opportunity to win big.
High Volatility Slots
High volatility slots are popular among players who prefer high-risk and huge payouts. You can expect significant wins from this machine but less frequently.
Remember that high-volatility slot machine RTPs are determined over billions of simulated spins. Therefore, these games are not the best choice if you want to control your spending while playing. Their unpredictable nature can result in significant losses in a short time.
How to Determine a Slot’s Volatility?
Knowing the value of each symbol combination and how often it appears can help you determine a slot machine’s volatility. However, you must perform several challenging mathematical calculations to determine the variance appropriately.
Most slot machines have a volatility index that indicates to players how random the game is. Although software providers frequently conceal specific volatility statistics, players can use them to understand how unpredictable the game can be. The formulas used to determine video slot ratings are on the PAR (Program Accounting Report) sheets.
Strategies for Playing Different Volatility Slots
Gambling tactics for each volatility level differ. The approach you use for high-volatility slots may not work for low-variance machines. That said, our experts at Playamo have provided strategies for each volatility level.
Strategies for Low-Volatility Slots
First, we’ll begin with the low-variance slot types. As you already know, these games often offer small payments, and the risk is minimal. Here are strategies to follow when playing slots in this category:
- Maximise Playtime and Manage Your Bankroll
Slots with low volatility are ideal for players who want long play sessions. Use proper bankroll management strategies to maximise your investment in these games. You can start by choosing lower wagers and sticking to your budget, which can extend your gaming sessions.
- Explore Bonus Features
Bonus rounds and other unique features are standard in low-volatility slots. Using these incentives is the only way to increase your reward in games like this.
For example, free spins allow you to wager at no extra cost. This way, you can save your bet money and, if you win, earn a profit. Let’s not forget about multipliers; they can also help increase your payout.
Strategies for High Volatility Slots
Next, we have the hot machines. Regarding these slots, you need to follow a more cautious approach, especially if you’re in it for the money. Who isn’t anyway? Here are our expert gambling tactics you can follow:
- Patient Bankroll Management
If you’re looking for a challenge and excitement, hot slots are great options. Playing these slots can be fun, particularly if you have lots of money. Nevertheless, there may be times when you play these games for long periods without any significant wins.
To protect yourself, you should practice patient bankroll management. This means setting a loss limit for each gaming session, which can extend your gameplay.
- Chase Big Wins with Care
A high variance slot can give you life-changing wins if you’re lucky. But you need to be careful because they can also break your bank. Be mindful when you’re having a winning streak. Don’t get lost in the moment, thinking you’re invincible. Instead, when you hit it big, take some time off to relax and enjoy your wins.
Strategies for Medium Volatility Slots
It doesn’t matter if you’re a low-stake or high-risk player; medium-risk slots are the best. They offer better payouts than low-volatility slots and lower risk than high-variance games. You don’t need to do much to play them. We have a simple approach you can take:
- Find the Right Balance
Balance is all you need when playing medium volatility machines. How do you do this? Well, vary your bets. You can bet low for a time and switch up with higher bets. This doesn’t mean you should go above your budget when wagering high.
