For a long time now, players have been trying to figure out what are the ways to defeat mighty slot machines – and hit such a coveted big jackpot. Anyone who has ever played this game online or in land-based establishments without particularly delving into all the specifications and subtleties can say that at first glance, this is a game of luck, and they will be right. In this casino game, there is always some risk but also a chance to win.

Whether your catch will be big or small depends on the volatility or variance of a particular title. So that you can handle your money more prudently and understand what to expect from the outcome of your favorite American slots, you better take a closer look at the concept of volatility.

Slot Volatility Explained

Sometimes it’s really useful to pay attention to the description “variance” or “volatility” of the slot players are going to play. In the casino lexicon, these are usually interchangeable terms characterizing the same specification. Volatility is used to indicate the risk of a loss for a player and the frequency of winning they can expect.

Its principle is that in some cases, players can see frequent wins, but they will not be very large (low-volatility slots), and sometimes, on the contrary, the wins will be rare, but the amount will pleasantly surprise you with its size (high-volatility slots). There are also slots with medium volatility, that is, with medium risks for players.

As such, slot volatility falls into the following categories:

  • low volatility
  • medium volatility
  • high volatility

Now, when the player is aware that they can play slots with low volatility and high volatility, they probably wonder which way is better to go. Well, the answer to this question cannot be given without knowing what the player themselves wants from the game. It all depends on whether you are ready to face the risk or whether you want to play at a measured pace and be content with small wins. If playing slots is a way for you to relax, and you are not ready to part with big stakes for each spin, then it is better to choose low volatility slots like Starburst, Thunderstruck, Guns N Roses, Enchanted Garden. In pursuit of the big prize, players must be prepared to pay accordingly. If this is your case, consider titles such as Gonzo’s Quest, Bonanza Megaways, Medusa Megaways, etc.

When choosing an online slot based on its volatility, start from the size of your bankroll. It can be small or large; it doesn’t matter because, in slots, everyone can get the best experience if they act correctly. With a large bankroll, players can expect a long process of betting big before seeing big wins and jackpots. Having your game with a lower amount, you will enjoy more attractive gameplay in the sense that you will only have time to admire the small but colorful scatterings of coins that appear on the screen and be excitedly waiting for the bonus rounds to see bigger wins. The chances that you are going to become incredibly rich in this case are low comparatively, but if that’s not the most important thing for you, don’t let the low volatility scare you.

The Main Question Is, How to Win?

All players in online casinos can be conditionally divided into two groups – beginners and experienced players. Of course, with experience, players know perfectly well what to expect from this or that game; they feel where they can just have a good time without worrying about big expenses and where it is better to go with the goal of hitting the jackpot and playing to the fullest. High volatility slots are not recommended for inexperienced players as they can rush and lose large sums without thinking.

Starting your journey with low volatility slots would be a more reasonable solution, but not the only one. Many slot machines, or even most of them, are available in fun mode for players. Needless to say, without depositing a penny, you will not be able to withdraw anything, but this should not be your priority. There are hundreds of online slots, and the demo mode exists so that there are fewer angry players on the market whose expectations are not met.

Thus, if the slot developer for some reason did not indicate the level of volatility, or you want to see for yourself what kind of return the slot has, you can always start with the free mode or a small deposit to get answers to your questions. Casino regulars advise you not to rush to refill your account if your luck doesn’t work out for you, but to cool down a little, as, in the case of a win, that is better not to bet again.

While the choice of volatility is not the key to your success but rather adds to the understanding of what your odds of winning are, there are some factors that should also be considered before starting the game. For example, among slots’ characteristics, there’s such an indicator as RTP, which in the best online slots usually ranges from 90%. This value shows how much of their bets the players are supposed to receive back in the long-term perspective. By understanding these two metrics, RTP and volatility, players are able to take a holistic view of the situation and remain fully satisfied with the game.

Check These Signs and Know What You’re Dealing With

Starting to play slots, players can quickly determine what they are dealing with and change tactics or games at the right time. To do this, you can use the payout table, which is usually indicated in the Slot Menu or Help. If you see that the winnings are large, then you are dealing with a highly volatile slot. Also, one of the signs that this kind of game is in front of you is the presence of in-game bonuses and progressive features. Even if there is no information about volatility on the website of the online casino you have chosen, which is often the case, such information can be found simply on the Internet in player discussions or on the website of the gaming operator.

Slots are great for helping players learn more about themselves and determine their tastes in the game. When chasing low volatility slots, players will have to be satisfied with small but guaranteed frequent wins. At the same time, they will need a lot of patience, time, and a decent bankroll to see what pleases their eyes. For those who have a sufficient bankroll but have not yet acquired sufficient experience, it is worth paying attention to medium volatile slots. It is important to understand that such indicators as volatility, RTP, and others only characterize how the slot will “behave” but do not have a special impact on winnings. Choose your style, and then your chosen slot title will start bringing you true pleasure.