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High Volatility Slots

High volatility slots, or high variance slots as they are sometimes called, refer to fruit machines that feature a significant level of risk and uncertainty. 
To look at the context of casino games, volatility is about the risk involved in playing a particular title for a certain amount of time. High volatility slots are characterized by fewer game wins, but when the wins do occur, they tend to be quite large. This means users all over the world might experience long dry spells, but the winning amounts are typically higher than those found in low volatility slots. On the other hand, low volatility slots are the exact opposite. Fans of these video games can expect frequent, but smaller real money wins.

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How to Play

Deciding on whether to play high variance slots or low ones depends on your personal preferences and risk tolerance. Some players might prefer the thrill and the higher potential rewards that come with high volatility activities, while others might prefer the lower risk and more frequent, but smaller, rewards associated with low volatility slots. It’s also worth noting that the theoretical Return-To-Player percentage doesn’t necessarily change based on volatility, so it’s mainly about the size and frequency of payouts.

What Does High Volatility Mean in Slots?

If we are talking about slot machines, volatility refers to the level of risk associated with a particular casino activity. It helps you to understand how often you can win. 

The best high variance slots are games that have a high level of risk. These games pay out less frequently, but the wins tend to be larger when they do occur. In these activities, you can stay without any kind of winnings for a long time, but this way your chances to hit an enormous amount of money at once significantly increase. This option suits gamblers who like risk and prefer to win real money at once in a large volume, rather than receive small winnings.

On the other hand, low volatility slots are designed to provide more frequent, but smaller wins. These video slots are less risky, as the frequency of payouts helps to maintain a bankroll, but the size of the payouts is generally smaller. They appeal to players who prefer a more conservative approach, with a steadier stream of smaller payouts.

It’s important to note that the volatility doesn’t affect the Return-to-Player rate, which is the payout percentage of a slot machine over an extended period of play. Best volatility slots can have the same RTP as low volatility games, they just deliver the payouts differently. It’s also worth mentioning that slots, like all casino products, favor the house, so over the long term, you are expected to lose, regardless of the volatility.

How Does the Volatility of a Slot Machine Measure?

The volatility of a slot machine, also known as variance, refers to the level of risk inherent in a particular game. It’s a rate of how unpredictable the outcome is in the short term. It’s important to note that the best high variance slots don’t affect the theoretical RTP, it just dictates how and when the payout occurs.

There are typically three levels of volatility:

  • Low volatility. These games pay out frequently, but the amounts are usually small. They’re suitable for players who want to play for a longer period or who are satisfied with small but frequent wins.
  • Medium volatility. These slot machines strike a balance between the frequency and the size of winnings. The payouts are moderate and occur moderately frequently.
  • High volatility. High volatility slots don’t pay out frequently, but when they do, the amount is substantial. They’re more suitable for players who are willing to risk more in hopes of a big win.

However, the specific measure of volatility is typically not disclosed by game developers and casinos. Instead, it is often inferred by players through gameplay, reviews, and forums. Some top software development studios have begun to provide volatility information, but it is not universally applied or standardized. The volatility is determined during the game development and testing process, using mathematical models and simulations.

It’s also important to remember that all outcomes in slot machines are determined by a Random Number Generator. It doesn’t matter what the game’s volatility is, each spin is completely independent and random to play online.

Top Providers Offering High Volatility Slots

High Volatility Slots Features

High volatility slots are a specific type of online slot game that have become increasingly popular among gambling enthusiasts who are seeking potentially larger payouts, albeit less frequently. These games are characterized by a high degree of risk but, in return, they can yield substantial rewards, making them thrilling and enticing for risk-loving players.

The primary feature that sets the best high volatility slots apart from their low and medium volatility counterparts is the payout frequency and amount. High volatility slot machines do not pay out wins as often, but when they do, the payouts are significantly larger. This means that players can go for extended periods without winning, but they stand a chance to hit a major jackpot when they do.

Another typical feature of high variance slots is the bonus games or free spins rounds, which usually are harder to trigger than in low volatility slots. But once activated, these bonus rounds can lead to hefty payouts. These rounds typically come with multipliers, wild symbols, or special bonus symbols that can massively increase the amount won.

Many slot machines also have a high maximum bet limit. This feature can amplify the risk and reward scenario because betting higher amounts can result in significantly larger wins, but it also implies greater losses if luck doesn’t favor the player.

Moreover, the RTP rate might be lower compared to low and medium volatility slots, which means over a long period, players might win less of their total wager back. But it’s needed to add that RTP is a long-term calculation, and in the short term, anything can happen, which is part of the appeal of slots.

To sum up, high volatility games are designed for those who are willing to endure a dry spell in pursuit of that potentially life-changing win and need no download. While they might not be suitable for everyone, for risk-embracing gamblers, these games offer a unique blend of suspense, excitement, and high potential rewards.

Best High Volatility Slots

Dead or Alive II by NetEnt

A Wild West-themed slot game and the sequel to the popular Dead or Alive slot. It’s notorious for its high volatility.

Book of Dead by Play’n Go

This Egyptian-themed slot is known for its high volatility, with a maximum win potential of 5000 times the stake. It has a demo mode to test the game without risking your own money.

Bonanza Megaways by Big Time Gaming

This mining-themed high variance slots features the Megaways engine, which offers a high number of potential ways to win and can result in significant payouts.

White Rabbit Megaways by Big Time Gaming

Another high volatility game that uses the Megaways engine. It’s based on Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland.

Immortal Romance by Microgaming

This vampire-themed slot game offers a high volatility play with a variety of bonus features.

300 Shields by NextGen Gaming

A slot based on Spartan warriors, it is known for its high volatility and a high multiplier in the bonus round.

Vikings Go Berzerk by Yggdrasil

A Viking-themed highest volatility slots with a rage meter that can trigger big wins.

Jammin’ Jars by Push Gaming

A unique grid-based slot with a fun and colorful theme, offering high volatility and significant winning potential.

Money Train 2 by Relax Gaming

The sequel to the popular Money Train slot, this one ramps up the volatility and offers even more significant win potential.

Razor Shark by Push Gaming

This one of the best high variance slots is known for its exciting bonus round that can lead to massive wins.

Why is Volatility Important in Slot Machines?

Volatility is a term used in casino games to describe the level of risk involved with a particular game. In the context of slot machines, volatility plays a crucial role in how the game is experienced by the player, influencing factors like the frequency and magnitude of the payouts. Here are a few reasons why it is important:

  • Risk assessment. High volatility slots have fewer but larger payouts, whereas low volatility machines have more frequent but smaller payouts. This directly impacts the risk level for the player. Some gamblers might prefer a steadier experience, with small but regular wins, while others might aim for the big wins, accepting the fact that they may have long periods with no wins at all.
  • Bankroll management. Understanding the volatility of a slot machine can help players manage their bankroll efficiently. If a slot has high volatility, a player might need to prepare for longer losing streaks, hence needing a larger bankroll to sustain their play until they hit a big real money win. On the other hand, with low volatility slots, a player can expect more frequent wins, so they can typically get by with a smaller bankroll.
  • Strategy and style of play. Some players may choose the highest volatility slots because they’re willing to take on more risk in hopes of hitting a substantial jackpot. Others may prefer a game with lower volatility, which might offer more consistent, albeit smaller, payouts. The player’s choice often depends on their personal tolerance for risk, playing style, and playing objectives. A lot of slots have free mode where you can play just for fun. It helps to know more about the game for better results.
  • Game development. From the perspective of game developers, volatility is a key factor in slot machine design. Balancing the volatility in conjunction with the Return to Player (RTP) rate. A well-balanced game can ensure player satisfaction and engagement.

So, volatility in slot machines serves as a measure to guide players in picking the right slot games based on their risk tolerance and gameplay preferences, and aids developers in creating engaging and balanced games.

FAQ

What are high volatility slots?
High variance slots are casino games with a higher risk level. They may not pay out as frequently as low volatility games, but when they do, the payouts can be significantly larger.
What makes a slot high volatility?
The volatility of a slot is determined by the game’s payout structure. If the game has fewer but larger payouts, it is high volatility. This means you might experience longer losing streaks, but with the potential for massive wins.
Are high volatility slots better than low volatility ones?
It depends on your risk appetite. High volatility slots can offer large payouts but require more patience and a larger bankroll due to infrequent wins. Low volatility games provide more frequent smaller wins, creating a different gaming experience.
Can I identify a high volatility slot by looking at it?
No, the volatility level is not visually identifiable. To determine it, you must understand the paytable and features, or rely on reviews and information from the game’s developer.
Do high volatility slots have higher RTPs?
Not necessarily. RTP (Return to Player) and volatility are not directly related. A slot can have a high RTP (meaning it returns a high percentage of all bet money over time) but still be high volatility (meaning it pays out infrequently).
Is it possible to increase my chances of winning on high volatility slots?
Slots are games of chance, so there are no guaranteed strategies for winning. However, having a solid bankroll management strategy and understanding the paytable can help you navigate the best volatility slots more effectively.
What are some examples of high volatility slots?
Some popular high volatility titles include Book of Dead, Dead or Alive, and Bonanza Megaways. Please note that this can vary as new casino games are continually being released.
Can I play high volatility slots for free?
Yes, many online casinos offer demo versions of their slot games, allowing players to try them for free before win real money by betting. This is a good way to understand the game dynamics and whether you enjoy its volatility level.
How much should I bet on high volatility slots?
This largely depends on your personal budget and risk tolerance. Remember, the idea with high volatility games is to sustain your bankroll until you hit a big win, so smaller, consistent bets can often be a wise strategy.

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