Have you ever played slots and wondered why some slot machines tend to pay out smaller, frequent wins while others pay out larger wins rarely?
This is because of volatility, which plays a key role in how a slot machine behaves. Volatility is an important aspect of slot machines that is worth understanding, as this helps you to choose a machine that suits your preferences.
In this blog post, we'll explain what volatility is and how to find this information on a slot machine. We'll also explain how volatility is calculated, giving you a deeper understanding of how these machines operate.
How Do You Tell If a Slot Machine Is High Or Low Volatility?
Start by looking at the game information or paytable provided by the online casino, as many reputable software providers display the volatility rating here.
The rating tells you whether to expect potentially frequent, smaller payouts (low volatility) or potentially less frequent, larger wins (high volatility).
Casino websites and slot enthusiasts often publish reviews of slot games, giving you valuable insights into the volatility of a game, usually based on the reviewer's playing experience.
High volatility slots often feature large jackpots or exciting bonus rounds, whereas low volatility slots may advertise frequent payouts. These marketing clues may potentially provide hints about the game’s volatility.
How To Calculate Slot Volatility?
Understanding how slot volatility is calculated involves some behind-the-scenes mechanics that game developers use. Keep reading to gain a further understanding of how volatility is calculated.
Volatility is typically calculated by looking at the distribution of possible outcomes for each spin, which involves the game’s mathematics and the design of the paytable. Developers assess how often you're likely to hit a win and the potential expected size of those wins.
The calculations consider the probability of hitting winning combinations, taking into account each symbol's frequency on the reels. High volatility slots feature potentially rarer but larger wins, meaning the likelihood of hitting a big win is lower, but the potential payoff is higher.
The Return To Player (RTP) rate works alongside volatility. Although RTP is the theoretical percentage that is returned, on average, from the amount wagered over time, volatility explains the variability during play sessions.
Developers may use mathematical models to simulate thousands of spins, helping to determine whether the game is classified as high, medium, or low volatility based on patterns and outcomes.
While you may not need to calculate these numbers yourself, having an idea of how volatility is determined can give you a better understanding of the slots you want to play.
What Volatility Is Best On Slots?
Choosing the right volatility for your slot gaming can make a big difference in your enjoyment and how your money is managed. It’s all about aligning the game with your personal preferences and financial comfort.
High volatility slots are ideal if you’re someone who doesn’t mind waiting for a potential win, as these games tend to pay out less often. When they do payout, they can potentially be quite generous.
This type of slot is suited to players who enjoy the excitement of taking a risk with the hope of potentially landing a big prize; however, you’ll need a larger budget and patience as you may go through lengthy periods without wins.
Medium volatility slots balance the elements of risk and reward nicely, offering a combination of small and larger payouts, making them a versatile choice.
This can be a good starting point if you’re trying to identify the level of risk and reward that suits you best, as these slots offer unpredictability in a slightly more controlled setting than high volatility games.
Low volatility slots are ideal if you prefer regular payouts that keep you entertained longer without significant risks. These games provide potentially frequent wins, albeit smaller, which can help prolong your gameplay and ensure a steadier pace.
It is important to remember that volatility is theoretical, so it is possible that you may not experience the levels of payouts expected.
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*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to this slot game 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.