WHAT IS SLOT VOLATILITY & WHY DOES IT MATTER?

One of the most common questions among slots players is: what does volatility mean in slots? Today, we’re going to answer that question, and show you why it matters when gambling online.

In simple terms, volatility refers to the risk involved in playing a slot machine. Low volatility slots dish out frequent but smaller wins, while high volatility games offer bigger payouts but less often.

So, why is this important? Well, it all comes down to your playing style and what you want from a slot. If you’re the type of player who enjoys a relaxed, laid-back gaming session with plenty of small wins to keep things fresh, low volatility slots might be the most suitable. On the other hand, if you’re looking for those juicy big wins – like you find with Hot Drop Jackpots – high volatility slots may be more up your alley. Medium volatility slots are somewhere in the middle.

Ultimately, understanding slot volatility allows you to make informed decisions about which games to play based on your preferences. Whether you’re an experienced player, or are brand new to the world of online gambling, slots volatility is easy to figure out and can significantly enhance your overall gaming experience.

After all, choosing between low and high volatility slots is similar to deciding whether you want a slow-roasted feast or a fast-food jackpot – both are delicious, but it’s your personal preferences that decides the best fit. So, before you hit spin on some Cafe Casino online slots, keep reading to find out what is slot volatility, how to determine it, and why it’s so important.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF SLOT VOLATILITY?

When it comes to slot volatility, there are three main categories to familiarize yourself with: low, medium, and high. Each type offers a unique gaming experience when playing slot machines, catering to different player preferences, and games can play very differently depending on which volatility model they follow. Let’s take a closer look at each volatility level and how they work.

LOW VOLATILITY SLOTS

Low volatility slot machines are the perfect choice for players who enjoy frequent payouts and a more relaxed gaming session. These games are designed to pay out smaller amounts regularly, keeping you engaged and entertained without breaking the bank. While you might not hit any massive jackpots, the consistent wins can add up over time, making low volatility slots ideal for those wanting extended playing sessions.

One of the biggest benefits to playing low volatility slots is that you can often play games for quite a long time on a smaller budget. This is because the risk amount is lower compared to high volatility slots.

While you may not win as much money in a single spin, the smaller, regular wins via a low volatility slot will help to prolong your gameplay, allowing you to enjoy the thrill of every win (no matter the size) for a longer period without depleting your bankroll too quickly.

MEDIUM VOLATILITY SLOTS

For players seeking a balance between risk and reward, medium volatility slots offer the best of both worlds. These games provide a mix of small and large wins, with wins coming at – generally – a moderate frequency. Medium volatility slots allow you to experience the thrill of aiming for those bigger wins, while also enjoying smaller, more frequent hits.

HIGH VOLATILITY SLOTS

High volatility slots are the ultimate choice for thrill-seekers and casino high rollers. These games are capable of producing super big payouts, but to compensate, wins generally occur less frequently. When playing high volatility slots, you might experience longer dry spells between wins, but the payouts can be significantly larger when they do come around.

These payouts can be huge, like a six-figure progressive jackpot, 50 free spins that trigger a fixed bonus prize, or even a max win of 100x your bet amount.

It’s important to note that volatility levels can vary within each category, and some games may fall somewhere between the defined categories. Additionally, game developers don’t always list the volatility level of their slots, so you may need to rely on reviews, experience, or trial and error to determine a game’s true volatility (more on that below!).

Cafe Casino offers a wide variety of online slot machines with different volatility levels for you to enjoy. With over 300 games to choose from, you can take a look around and pick one that suits your preferences. Then, deposit conveniently via one of our crypto casino transaction methods like Bitcoin, Litecoin, or one of our other accepted cryptocurrencies, and reap the benefits including bigger bonuses.  

HOW VOLATILITY IS DIFFERENT FROM RTP

While volatility and return to player (RTP) are both important factors to consider when choosing a slot game, they represent different aspects of the gaming experience. Understanding the differences between volatility and RTP can help you make more informed decisions when selecting a slot game.

Volatility, as we’ve discussed, refers to the risk associated with playing a slot machine. It determines the frequency and size of payouts, with low volatility slots offering frequent small wins and high volatility games providing less frequent but larger payouts. Volatility directly impacts the gameplay experience, influencing the pace and excitement level of a slot session.

On the other hand, a game’s RTP is the percentage of money a slot machine is programed to pay back to players over an extended period of time. For example, if a slot has an RTP of 96%, it means that for every $100 wagered, the game is designed to return $96 on average.

Of course, the RTP is calculated over millions of spins and doesn’t necessarily indicate what your session will look like. A high RTP slot may still result in losses in the short term, while a low RTP game could produce a lengthy winning session.

While volatility and RTP are separate concepts, they work together to determine how slot machines are likely to play. A low volatility slot with a high RTP might offer consistent small wins, while a high volatility game with a lower RTP is often capable of producing massive wins, albeit with bigger risk.

As such, both volatility and RTP are important slots strategies to keep in mind when picking a game!

HOW CAN YOU FIND A SLOT’S VOLATILITY

If you’re looking to determine a slot’s volatility, there are a few methods you can use to try and pinpoint how a slot is made. While not all game developers always state the specific volatility level, that doesn’t mean you have to leave everything to guesswork.

GAME MENU

One option to try and find a slot’s volatility is to load up a game and enter the game menu – sometimes displayed as the slot’s “information.” Some game developers include volatility information alongside other game features, such as the number of paylines, bonus rounds, and special symbols. Take a moment to browse through the game’s paytable and information screens to see if the volatility level is mentioned.

REVIEWS AND FORUMS

Another helpful resource to determine a slot machine’s volatility are reviews and forums. Many experienced players and industry experts share their insights and experiences with specific slot games, often discussing the perceived volatility level. Of course, keep in mind that unless you’re getting information about slot’s volatility level directly from a game developer, it’s based on a collective assumption.

PRACTICE PLAY

If you’re still unsure about a slot’s volatility, consider trying the game in practice mode. Here at Cafe Casino, most of our video slots are available to try out in demo mode, allowing you to get a feel for the game’s payout frequency and win potential without risking any of your real money.

PLAY SLOTS AT CAFE CASINO

Now that you’re armed with the knowledge of slot volatility and how it can impact your gaming experience, it’s time to put that information into action with Cafe Casino online slots. With an extensive selection of slots from top game providers, our online casino offers a diverse range of volatility levels to suit every player’s taste.

Whether you’re in the mood for a low-risk, entertaining session with frequent small wins or a thrilling journey to those massive jackpots, Cafe Casino has the perfect slot for you. Take a moment to browse through our game menu, explore the pay tables, and read up on the features to find a slot that fits what you’re looking to play.

And if you’re still unsure, remember that Cafe Casino is one of the best online casinos because we offer the opportunity to try most slots in practice mode, allowing you to get a feel for the game’s volatility without risking your bankroll. Once you’ve found your ideal match, you can easily transition to real money online slots and start spinning your way to exciting wins.

GET STARTED WITH A BONUS

In addition to a succulent array of slot games for you to enjoy, Cafe Casino also offers a wide variety of bonuses and promotions for you to indulge in. For example, the Cafe Casino refer a friend promotion allows you and a friend to claim fantastic bonuses – ideal if you want to begin playing our slots with a little extra cash – on us!