Once you've understood the basics of online slots, you'll also start factoring in elements like RTP, max wins, minimum bet amounts, and bonus features, to become a master of the reels and reach the top payouts.

However, there's one thing that often flies under the radar with many slot players—volatility. While luck and RNG will always play a part in any casino game, volatility is an average measure of how frequently a slot pays out and how big those wins are. This is crucial information to have locked in when playing slots at online casinos like Rivalry.

Understanding volatility can make a massive difference in choosing a game that suits your playing style, bankroll, and other factors. Whether you're after steady wins or willing to take risks for a big jackpot, volatility is one stepping stone for managing the balance between risk and reward to find the perfect slot gaming experience.

What Does Slot Volatility Mean?

Slot volatility is basically a gauge for how often a slot pays out when you land on winning combinations and also the typical size of those payouts. Of course, volatility is often determined by the statistical averages and cannot be guaranteed.

High-volatility slots are about the big wins but keep you waiting longer. Meanwhile, low-volatility slots tend to pay smaller amounts more frequently to keep players playing longer. As the best of both worlds, the rise of medium volatility online slot machines offer a healthy balance between frequent wins and long-ish waiting periods.

The Relationship Between Volatility and RTP

Understanding a slot machine's volatility and RTP (Return to Player) is key to gauging potential payouts. These are two factors that go hand-in-hand and is something you must fully understand before playing with real money outside of slot demo versions.

So, what does RTP mean? At its core, a game's RTP percentage represents the theoretical payout a player can expect returned back over a large number of spins/period of time. As an example, a high volatility slot with a 96.75% RTP suggests that, on average, players could receive $96 for every $100 wagered. This is just a ball-park figure, with actual wins and losses varying per session.

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Here's the breakdown: higher RTP slots tend to have lower volatility, meaning smaller, more frequent wins with less risk involved. High-volatility games usually have lower RTP and go big or go home with bigger payouts that are less frequent.

This does not have any guarantees, though. Even if a slot machine has an gaming industry average of 95% RTP, there's still a chance you could lose your initial wager or win the progressive jackpot at stake, which could be worth millions. Always gamble responsibly and set limits on your playtime, which an done via your Rivalry account or individual slot machine.

Different Types of Slot Machine Volatility

Now you're familiar with risk vs. reward that comes with different slot volatilities, we can explore the different types of online slot game volatility and variance. Typically, slot machines are categorized into five different levels of volatility to help you understand the ebb and flow of playing them. Different slot volatility types include:

  • High
  • Medium-High
  • Medium
  • Low-Medium
  • Low

Remember that any slot game can go on a streak of wins or losses as it all primarily depends on luck and RNG. Whether you're playing a high or low volatility slot, those bigger wins are possible with persistence and patience.

Here's a deep-dive explanation of the different volatilities available for online casino slots.

High Volatility Slots

Playing high volatility slots is not for the weak! These high-volatility slot machines offer you higher payouts but less frequently. This is paired with the excitement of the special features they come with, such as bonus games and huge multipliers, for high-risk-high-reward gameplay. Popular online casino providers like NoLimit City, Pragmatic Play, and Hacksaw Gaming have all produced and published higher volatility games with much success, with thousands of players coming back for more.

However, when you play slots with higher volatility, there is, understandably, a risk. It's extremely common to spin the reels multiple times without a single payout. However, there is the thrill of the chase: when you do eventually land on a winning combo, large jackpots may be awaiting as the light at the end of the tunnel.

Here are some of the most popular high-volatility machines available at Rivalry.

Medium-High Volatility Slots

Medium to high-volatility slots are a big hit with players, and it's no wonder. They give players the best of both worlds: a shot at those large, exciting payouts with more frequency in comparison to high-volatility games. These slots feel closer to high-variance games, striking a balance between big wins and steady action, making them an excellent choice for players of all bankrolls and backgrounds.

Here are some examples of medium-high volatility slots on Rivalry's online casino.

Medium Volatility Slots

Most online slots today fall into two risk levels—low and high volatility. But if you're after the sweet spot between frequent wins and the thrill of big payouts, medium variance slots are where it's at.

These games deliver a balanced experience, often with exciting bonus features like free spins and huge multipliers. This is all while offering moderately frequent wins with the chance to score decent payouts. Think of medium-volatility slots as Mama Bear's porridge in Goldilocks and the Three Bears: just right and perfect for all players.

Low-Medium Volatility Slots

Looking for a safer bet? Low to medium-volatility slots are a solid go-to. With smaller but more frequent payouts, these games can keep the action steady and fun without the high stakes and potential risks. By managing your bankroll wisely, you’ll maximize your playtime while keeping things exciting.

As you climb the volatility scale, the risk jumps up, too. For players who prefer a balanced risk-reward ratio, low-to-medium volatility slots hit that sweet spot, blending steady wins with bankroll-friendly gameplay.

Low Volatility Slots

Final Thoughts

Overall, understanding a slot's volatility can help slot players make more informed decisions on which games align with their risk tolerance, bankroll, and individual playing styles.

By now, you should be an expert on slot volatility, knowing how often a slot machine pays out and the typical size of those prizes based on their variance level. Low-volatility slots generally offer smaller, more frequent wins, while high-volatility slots pay out less often but with bigger prizes. To strike a balance between the two, any slot game with a medium variance offers the chance at higher-profitability wins with frequent low-balling wins.

If you're interested in more casino strategy guides, check out our blog page! We have everything from the biggest slot wins in history and general tips for playing online slot games to our top Halloween slots. Just remember, you miss 100% of the slots you don't stake, so get spinning those reels! GLHF.

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FAQs about slot volatility

Here are some frequently asked questions about online slot machines and their volatility levels.

How to determine the volatility of a slot machine?

A game's RTP should give you an idea of its volatility. For example, if the RTP is high (above 96%), this should tell you that the volatility is low due, with more frequent payouts. The game's paytable is also an indicator of the slot's volatility levels. Slot machines with large payouts for rare combinations but fewer small wins tend to be high-volatility slots.

How to find low-volatility slot machines?

The in-game settings of whatever slot you're playing should disclose the game's volatility rating and RTP.

What does high volatility mean in slots?

High variance or volatility means payouts tend to be higher with more money but rarer. These slots suit players who are comfortable with dry streaks from volatile games and enjoy the thrill of chasing a significant payout.

Is high or low volatility better?

There is no concrete answer as to whether low or high volatility is better; it all depends on the risks you're willing to take and if your bankroll can withstand possible loss streaks. Higher volatility slots suit players hunting for larger potential jackpots, at the cost of dry spells, while low volatility slots are better for players looking for smaller payouts.