Slots Volatility: Understanding High and Low Volatility Slots

Plus 10 of the Best Slot Tittles to Maximize Winnings

Understanding High and Low volatility slots and 10 examples of each to get started

Slot volatility shapes the rhythm of your gaming experience, influencing wins and gameplay unpredictably. The concept of volatility can mystify even seasoned players, distinct from return to player (RTP) yet equally critical. Understanding when to engage with high-volatility slots versus low-volatility options can make a significant difference in your casino strategy.

Learn more about slot volatility below, or jump right in with our list of the top 10 high and low volatility slots for 2024. Plus, find the quickest payout casinos where you can start playing these games!

In this review you will find...

🏆 10 Of The Best Low Volatility Slot Machines

More conservative gamblers, or those with smaller bankrolls, will generally prefer slots with lower volatility. There is a smaller chance of going broke quickly, and playtime can be extended to the maximum. The more or less constant stream of small payouts keeps anxiety at bay.

The tradeoff is that the game might produce little excitement, and even the maximum payout will be small compared to many other slots.

⭐ Frog Fortunes – RealTime Gaming. Bet: 0.1 – 5

Low Volatility slot from RTG: Frog Fortunes.
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“Frog Fortunes” by RealTime Gaming is a compelling low volatility slot set in a vibrant jungle, featuring a 5×3 grid with 243 ways to win. It’s user-friendly, and perfect for both new and experienced players, offering consistent yet smaller wins that keep the gameplay engaging.

The game’s standout feature is its Exploding Symbols. Unlike traditional slots, “Frog Fortunes” doesn’t use wilds or scatters but introduces exploding symbols that trigger cascades for potential new wins. This, along with the Cascading Reels, where new symbols fall into place after an explosion, enhance your chances of consecutive wins.

The Random Exploding Symbol Feature can activate at any time, causing symbols to explode and increase win possibilities without the need for conventional bonus rounds.

In summary, “Frog Fortunes” stands out for its simplicity, innovative gameplay, and serene jungle theme. It’s well-suited for casual gaming, providing a fun and stress-free slot experience.

⭐ Dead Beats – Genii. Bet: 0.3 – 37.5

Genii games: low volatility slot Dead Beats
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“Dead Beats” by Genii is a slot game set in a zombie-themed, apocalyptic world, promising a mix of spookiness and fun. It features a 5-reel, 3-row layout with up to 30 adjustable pay lines, and betting ranges from 0.3 to 37.50.

The game includes bonus features like expanding wilds, free spins with potential double wins, and a special Cheerleader symbol that turns into a wild.

Although the RTP and volatility are not disclosed, the game’s highest win is 6,375 coins, making it appealing to a wide range of players

⭐ Bao Ni 8 – RTG. Bet: 0.08 – 40

RTG slots with low volatility: BAO NI 8

Bao Ni 8 from RealTime Gaming is a Chinese-themed slot game featuring a 5-reel layout with 8 always-active pay lines, emphasizing the cultural significance of the number eight.

Released on March 9, 2020, it provides a low-variance gameplay experience, meaning players can expect more frequent but smaller wins. The game includes engaging features like respins on every win and multipliers ranging from 2x to 10x during bonus feature respins.

With a minimum bet of $0.08 and a maximum of $40.00, it caters to both casual players and high rollers

⭐ Fantasy Fortune – Rival Powered. Bet: 0.2 – 20

Rival slots with low volatility: Fantasy Fortune.
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“Fantasy Fortune” by Rival Gaming is a medieval-themed slot that transports players to a world of knights, dragons, and castles.

This 5-reel, 20-payline game offers a captivating adventure with a bonus game and free spins, featuring two scatter symbols and one wild symbol to enhance the winning possibilities.

With a betting range of $0.20 to $50 per spin and a jackpot dependent on the wager size, it appeals to a wide range of players.

The game’s standout graphics and thematic symbols immerse players in its fantasy world. With an RTP of 95.81%, it offers a balanced mix of entertainment and winning potential, suitable for players who enjoy thematic richness and moderate volatility in their slot games​

⭐ Frost Queen Jackpots – Yggdrasil Gaming. Bet: 0.2 – 40

Yggdrasil Gaming: low volatility slot Frost Queen Jackpots
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Frost Queen Jackpots by Yggdrasil Gaming is a visually stunning slot with an icy, magical theme and progressive jackpots.

With an RTP of 96% and low to medium volatility, it offers a balanced gameplay suitable for both casual players and those seeking frequent wins.

Bets range from 0.20 to 40, appealing to various budgets. Its main attractions are the progressive jackpots and multiple bonus features, including Magic Mirrors, Jackpot Free Spins, and the Treasure Chest Bonus Game.

This game is ideal for players who also enjoy engaging storylines, beautiful graphics, and the chance to win big with lower risk.

⭐ Lava Gold – Betsoft Gaming. Bet: 0.25 – 100

Betsoft Gaming slots with low volatility: Lava Gold
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Lava Gold by Betsoft is a slot machine set in the Jurassic era, featuring a unique 5×5 grid with cluster pays.

With an RTP of 95.99% and low volatility, it’s designed for players seeking a risk-free kind of slot experience.

The game does not offer a progressive jackpot but compensates with features like cluster wins, erupting reels, and a free spins bonus with increasing multipliers. Despite its low payout values and potentially slow gameplay due to lengthy animations, Lava Gold’s engaging theme, excellent graphics, and innovative gameplay mechanics make it an enticing option for those looking for a fresh slot experience.

⭐ Jackpot Raiders – Yggdrasil Gaming. Bet: 0.1 – 40

Yggdrasil slots with low volatility: Jackpot raiders.
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“Jackpot Raiders” by Yggdrasil Gaming is an adventure-themed slot with a 96.3% RTP and low – medium volatility, catering to a wide audience with its 0.10 to 40.00 betting range.

It’s perfect for players who enjoy engaging storylines and rich bonus features but don’t feature a progressive jackpot.

Key highlights include the Map Collection for Free Spins, Treasure Hunt Bonus Game, Sunken City Free Spins with multipliers, and a Pick and Click Chest game offering instant prizes. This slot is ideal for adventure enthusiasts and those seeking a balanced mix of frequent wins and the potential for substantial payouts.

⭐ Savanna Squad – NetGame Entertainment. Bet: 0.2 – 100

Netgame Entertainment low volatility slots: Savanna Squad
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Savanna Squad by NetGame Entertainment is an African wildlife-themed slot with a 96.1% RTP and low to medium volatility, suitable for players who enjoy visually stunning games and are looking for stable payouts.

The betting range is wide (0.20 to 100.00), appealing to both casual players and high rollers. This game is ideal for those who appreciate nature-themed slots and are patient enough to wait for bigger payouts. It does not feature a progressive jackpot but offers exciting bonus features like Free Spins, Wild Symbols, and Multipliers to enhance the gaming experience and increase winning potential.

⭐ Merlin’s Mystical Multipliers – Rival. Bet: 0.03 – 18

Merlyn's Mystical Multiplier one of the best low volatility slots with minimum bet
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Merlin’s Mystical Multipliers by Rival Powered is a fantasy-themed slot with a 94.86% RTP and high volatility, ideal for players who enjoy the thrill of chasing large payouts and are fans of medieval and magical themes. The game caters to a wide range of budgets with bets ranging from 0.03 to 18.00. The RTP is considered to be below average.

While lacking a progressive jackpot, it compensates with lucrative multipliers up to 7x and wild symbols that enhance winning potential.

This slot is suited for those with patience for bigger wins and a love for enchanting, mystical atmospheres.

⭐ Journey Flirt – BGaming. Bet: 1 – 100

Bgaming slots with low volatility: Journey Flirt.
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“Journey Flirt” by BGaming features a 96.6% RTP and low to medium volatility, with a betting range from 1 to 100.00.

This slot is tailored for players who enjoy engaging themes and consistent gameplay, ideal for beginners or those preferring smaller, more frequent wins.

While it lacks a progressive jackpot, it offers rich bonus features like free spins with unique modifiers for each city, re-spins with sticky wilds, and multipliers during free spins rounds, enhancing its appeal and winning potential.

🏆 10 Of The Best High Volatility Slot Machines

High-volatility slots are more attractive to those with the opposite gambling style. Players with larger bankrolls or those looking for more excitement, especially casino high-rollers, often prefer slots with high volatility. However, the possibility of higher payouts and more excitement comes with a higher risk of breaking before those big wins materialize.

Then, of course, plenty of slots fall somewhere in the middle of the spectrum. You might see slots labeled as medium volatility, medium-low, or medium-high. The thing about volatility, though, is that, unlike RTP rates, the volatility level of most slots is not published. So, it’s up to the player to make a few spins and determine if any particular video slot fits their gambling style and comfort level.

No matter which type of slots you prefer, we have some brilliant suggestions that will add a few more titles to your list of favorites. Even though many online video slot machine designers don’t publish the volatility of their games, we’ve been through hundreds of them and compiled lists of some of the best high and low-volatility slots.

⭐ Lucky Ox Jackpots – Rival Powered. Bet: 0.25 – 25

Rival Powered High Volatility slots: Lucky Ox Jackpots. US Friendly
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Meet Lucky Ox Jackpots, a thrilling 5-reel video slot with 243 pay lines, high volatility, and 95.41% RTP.

Released on July 26, 2021, by Rival Powered, this game celebrates the Chinese Year of the Ox in style! Get ready for an explosion of color and excitement with its vibrant graphics and animations. The highlight of the game is the Zodiac Prize Wheel, triggered by landing three or more Prize Wheel scatter icons.

Spin the wheel for a chance to win one of three jackpot prizes, free spins, or multipliers. Embrace the luck of the ox with traditional Chinese symbols like lucky coins, gold pots, and dragons. The Lucky Ox himself serves as the wild symbol, adding to the thrill.

So, light your lanterns and join the festivities as you spin the Zodiac Wheel in Lucky Ox Jackpots for a chance to win big!

⭐ Merge Up – Bgaming. Bet: 0.20 – 20

Bgaming Slot: Merge up. Slot volatility: very high.
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The Merge Up slot by BGaming offers players a fun experience with potential rewards. With an RTP of 97.25%, you can expect good returns. It has very high volatility, meaning you can win less often but also have a chance at bigger prizes. The game has five reels and ten pay lines, suitable for all players.

To maximize your winnings, keep your bets small and consistent, around 1-2% of your total bankroll per spin. Take advantage of any bonuses or special symbols the game offers. Remember to play responsibly and have fun!

⭐ Spinfinity Man – Betsoft. Bet: 0.1 – 10

Betsoft slots with high volatility that USA casino players can play: Spinfinity man
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Spinfinity Man by Betsoft hit the scene in June 2019, catering to all devices. With its high volatility and a decent RTP of 95.8%, this game brings thrilling superhero action to your fingertips. Sporting 7 reels and a cluster pays system, it offers a unique gaming experience.

The game features free spins, extra cascades, and 2×2 symbols that shake up the playing field with every bound. As Spinfinity Man, players harness special powers like laser eye beams, icy breath, and telepathy to thwart criminals and trigger cascades. With each spin, Spinfinity Man’s loyal fangirl adds to the excitement by popping clusters of symbols and triggering cascades.

⭐ Mummyland Treasures – Belatra. Bet: 0.2 – 50

Belatra Slot: Mummyland Treasures Medium High Volatility
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Mummyland Treasures slot by Belatra offers an RTP of around 95%, making it a moderate-return game. With medium volatility and 10 pay lines, it balances frequent wins with the chance for bigger payouts.

To maximize winnings, try a conservative betting strategy, wagering around 1-2% of your total bankroll per spin. Utilize any bonus features wisely, and aim to extend your gameplay for more opportunities to win.

⭐ Asgard Deluxe – RTG. Bet: 0.3 – 150

RTG slot: Asgard deluxe
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Asgard Deluxe is an immersive Norse mythology-themed slot by RealTime Gaming (RTG) with high volatility and 243 ways to win.

Featuring a random jackpot and a top award of x2000 of your bet, this slot offers thrilling gameplay and exciting bonuses like Random Wild Reels and Free Games with various multipliers.

With stunning visuals and engaging features, players embark on an epic adventure filled with opportunities to win big. Whether playing for free or real money, Asgard Deluxe can be enjoyed on any device with an internet connection. Simply set your stake, spin the reels, and experience the excitement of Norse mythology come to life.

⭐ Kraken Bay – Ela Games. Bet: 0.1 – 50

Ela Games: Kraken Bay slot with very high volatility and €250,000 max win

Kraken Bay by ELA Games is an exhilarating slot machine set in the depths of the ocean. With an RTP of 95.10% and very high volatility, players can expect low chances of winning decent prizes. This slot features 10 pay lines, with multiple opportunities for winning combinations.

There’s a max win of €250,000.

Symbols in the game include various sea creatures like octopuses, sharks, and of course, the mighty Kraken itself.

⭐ Spring Wilds – RealTime Gaming. Bet: 0.25 – 125

RTG slots with high volatility: Spring Wilds
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Spring Wilds, developed by RealTime Gaming (RTG), is a game designed to celebrate the vibrant colors and joyous spirit of springtime. Featuring 5 reels and 25 pay lines, Spring Wilds offers several opportunities to win. The max reward is set at x15,000 the bet per line and there’s a progressive jackpot.

One of its standout features is the Lucky Streak Re-Spins, where independent reels can lead to consecutive wins and boost payouts. Players can also unlock re-triggerable Free Games, for extra chances to land big wins.

RTG doesn’t publish their RTP.

⭐ Bonanza Billion – Bgaming. Bet: 0.2 – 12

Bgaming slots with high volatility: Bonanza Billion
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Bonanza Billion is a classic-style slot game with a nostalgic feel, released on December 2, 2021. It has high volatility and a decent RTP of 96%.

The game offers exciting features like refilling reels, Scatter symbols, and free spins with multipliers, keeping players entertained for hours.

With a maximum win potential of €180,000 and a maximum multiplier of x15000, there are plenty of opportunities to win big. Symbols pay anywhere on the screen, increasing your chances of winning. Plus, there are additional features like multiplier symbols, a buy bonus option, and a chance x2 feature to enhance gameplay.

Dive into the fun of Bonanza Billion and go after those juicy winnings!

⭐ Trinity Reels – Betsoft. Bet: 0.2 – 25

Betsoft slots with high volatility: Trinity Reels
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Discover the excitement of Trinity Reels™, a dynamic 6-reel, 3-row video slot with a gemstone theme and up to 177,147 ways to win. This is a high volatility slot with 95.96% RTP and a 20.03% hit rate launched in October 2022.

Symbols can be single or split, and the sixth reel introduces special boosts like Wild Boost, Split Boost, and Multi Boost, which can multiply wins up to 10x.

Trigger 10 Free Spins with 3 or more Scatters, where boosted features appear more frequently. With stacked mystery symbols, wilds, and a buy feature, Trinity Reels™ offers non-stop thrills for players!

⭐ Cash of Gods – Ela Games. Bet: 0.1 – 50

Ela Games slots with high volatility: Cash of Gods. Aussie friendly slot machine.

Cash of Gods beckons players into an ancient Greek-themed slot machine adventure, promising boundless riches.

Released on November 2023, this high volatility 5×4 slot boasts 1024 ways to win and a solid RTP of 96%.

Engage in the Bonus Game where mighty Gods intervene to amplify your winning potential, offering a chance to win up to €250,000 or 5000x the bet payout.

Keep an eye out for the wild symbol, which substitutes for all symbols except the bonus symbol. Trigger the God’s bonus by landing 3 bonus symbols.

Low and High Volatility vs. Risk: Decoding the Differences

Volatility in slot games refers to how often and how much they pay out, affecting both the risk and potential rewards involved. Return to player (RTP) indicates the average return over time, while volatility determines how these returns are spread out. In slot games, higher volatility means bigger risks, as payouts are less frequent but larger when they do occur.

Understanding volatility helps players choose games that match their risk preferences. High volatility slots offer the chance for big wins but require patience and a larger bankroll.

On the other hand, low volatility slots provide more consistent, smaller wins, offering less financial risk per spin.

Players should consider their risk tolerance and budget when choosing which slots to play. High-volatility games offer the potential for significant rewards, while low-volatility games provide a steadier gameplay experience.

Return to Player (RTP): The Winning Odds Explained

The Return to Player (RTP) is like a report card for slot machines, showing how much money they’re expected to give back to players over time. It’s measured as a percentage.

For example, if a slot machine has an RTP of 96%, it means that, on average, for every $100 you bet, it will give back $96 in winnings.

But here’s the catch: RTP doesn’t tell you exactly what will happen each time you play. It’s more of an average. So even though a slot machine might have a high RTP, you might not win every time you play. That’s where volatility comes in. Volatility helps you understand how often a game pays out and how big those payouts might be. It adds some extra detail to the picture.

How RTP Influences Slot Outcomes

The Return to Player (RTP) is like a roadmap for slot machines, telling you how much money you can expect to get back over a long time of playing.

It’s shown as a percentage and gives players an idea of what they might win and lose. But remember, the RTP is an average, not a guarantee of what will happen each time you play. It’s more about the overall performance of the game across many rounds.

Knowing about RTP helps players pick games where they might have better chances of winning more money in theory, even though actual results can vary with each spin.

RTP isn’t the only thing to consider. Volatility is another factor that affects how often and how much you win. Together, RTP and volatility shape the ups and downs of playing slots, showing that while RTP hints at possible returns, volatility decides how you’ll get there.

Think of RTP as the “expected return” and volatility as the “pattern of payouts.”

Balancing RTP and Volatility for Maximum Entertainment

When it comes to playing slots, volatility is key. It shows how wild or calm your gaming experience might be. High volatility means big wins could happen suddenly, but your bankroll might also take a hit. Low volatility means smaller wins more often, like gentle waves.

Players need to think about this alongside Return to Player (RTP) percentages.

High volatility slots offer excitement with big wins but fewer payouts. Low volatility slots give steady, smaller wins.

Choosing the right slot is like art. It’s about balancing the excitement of big wins with steady payouts. This mix keeps the game fun while being realistic about winning chances.

Smart players pick slots based on volatility and RTP. High rollers might like high volatility for the thrill, while others prefer low volatility for longer, more relaxed gaming.

When to Dare with High Volatility Slots

Having a strong bankroll and the courage to withstand periods without wins are crucial when playing high volatility slots.

  • Only try high volatility slots if you can handle the ups and downs without it affecting your fun or money.
  • If you’re more interested in big payouts than winning often, high-volatility slots might be what you’re looking for.
  • If you’re okay with the chance of losing your money in exchange for the chance at big rewards, then high-volatility games are for you.

Profiles of High Volatility Slot Enthusiasts

Adrenaline seekers in the casino realm often gravitate towards high-volatility slots.

  • Adrenaline Seekers: Thrill-seekers who relish the anticipation of a game-changing payout.
  • High Rollers: Players with substantial bankrolls that can withstand prolonged droughts.
  • Strategic Bettors: Individuals who employ meticulous strategies to optimize the potential of high payouts.
  • Patience Mavericks: Those who possess the patience to endure the stretches of non-winning spins.
  • Risk Embracers: Players who are undeterred by the heightened risk and the possibility of depleting their funds.

They understand the inherent risks and embrace the sporadic nature of massive wins.

These players are typically characterized by resilience and a strong bankroll, ensuring they can ride through the volatility.

Low Volatility Slots: Consistent Fun for Cautious Players

Slot fans who prefer longer play sessions and steady control over their money often prefer low-volatility slots. These are the perfect games for budget control and a more conservative gameplay.

These games pay out smaller wins more often, making the experience smoother and easier to predict how much you’ll spend. They’re great for players with smaller budgets or those who like playing for a while without big ups and downs. The frequent wins make the game feel consistent and fun, keeping the entertainment going while reducing the risk of losing a lot of money.

❓ Slot Volatility & RTP FAQ

  • What does slot volatility refer to?
  • What does slot variance refer to?
  • So what’s the difference between slot volatility and slot variance?
  • Are high / low volatility slots good or bad?
  • Is there a suggested strategy for high volatility slots?