When I initially discovered slot machines, I played all the popular games possible. From Book of Dead to Sweet Bonanza, Starburst, and Age of the Gods. Did I rake in some wins? Sure, but I made losses too, and that’s because I barely knew nothing of slot volatility or how these machines worked.
It didn’t take long to understand these technical details, though, and slot volatility was by far my favorite.
This singular element could help me predict how often I could expect wins from a casino slot, making it easier to choose the right games to play. If you’re learning the basics of online slots like I was some years ago, I’ll walk you through slot volatility and how it influences payouts on these games. Here’s a quick class from slot machine 101:
What is Slot Volatility?
Volatility is how often an online slot hits winning combinations and the size of the prizes. Based on this feature, we can classify slot machines into three categories: low, medium, and high volatility games.
Low-volatility online slots will trigger wins frequently, but the prizes aren’t exactly eye-catching. In other words, you’re getting smaller payouts but in quick succession.
High-volatility games are the opposite. The prizes can take a while to show up, but when they do, you’re getting a bigger payout.
Then, there’s medium-volatility slot machines. As you’ve probably guessed, they exist in the middle ground between the other two. Wins are fairly steady and moderate in size. On occasion, they can also deliver a big prize.
Why Is Volatility Important to Slot Gameplay?
Slot machines can be entertaining, but we’re not playing solely for fun, are we? Our eyes are on those payouts. So, it makes sense to know how often we can expect wins and the size of our prizes. That’s where volatility comes in.
Understanding volatility can help you decide which real-money slots fit your playing style and bankroll. For instance, I typically play with a moderate budget and enjoy the excitement that comes with successive rewards, no matter how small.
As such, low and medium volatility slot machines are my preference. However, I have friends who are risk-takers with eyes on the jackpot prize. They don’t mind playing a little bit longer till that mega win hits. You can already guess these guys always opt for high-volatility games.
To put it better, if you don’t have a fat purse, I advise staying away from high-volatility slot machines. You might exhaust your bankroll before recouping any significant wins. Low-volatility one-armed-bandits will guarantee better returns for your budget.
However, with a sizable bankroll and an appetite for risk and adventure, you can go ahead and spin those highly volatile games.
Closing Thoughts
While we’re all playing slot machines for wins, some of us want our prizes quickly as motivation to keep spinning. Others don’t mind the wait, as long as the reward will be worth it. Your preferences will determine how you pick online slots based on their volatility.
However, ensure your bankroll matches your choices. If you’ve got a smaller budget, high-volatility slot machines will likely eat up your cash before you get a chance to claim the mega prize.
