What Does Volatility Mean in Slots: Low vs. High Volatility Slot Machines

Volatility in relation to slot machines measures how high risk a game is for the player. Of course, there is a risk of losing money in all slots, but some games are less predictable than others.

If you play a selection of slot games online, you will experience high volatility slots and low volatility slots, perhaps without realizing it at first. But the more you play, the more you will understand how to differentiate between the two.

What Does Low Volatility Mean in Slots?

Low volatility slots are the type that pay out regular, small amounts. The biggest prize may not be large, but the advantage for the player is that there will be lots of small rewards.

Games with a low volatility tag tend to appeal to recreational players. They can dip in and out of these slots multiple times and won’t necessarily experience big swings in the outcome of one session to another. The thrill of winning smaller amounts, more often, is satisfying enough.

More experienced slots players, and perhaps those with deeper pockets, might prefer the challenges thrown up by high volatility slots.

List of Low Volatility Slot Machines

It’s no surprise that the top spot of our list of low volatility slots is occupied by the most popular slot in the world for almost ten years:

1. Starburst (NetEnt)

• Volatility: Widely recognized as a low volatility slot. Players get frequent small to moderate wins, ideal for extended play. 
• RTP: Around 96.09%, a typical value for a fair-return game. 
• Features: Expanding wilds (Starburst Wilds), re-spins, "Win Both Ways" feature. Simple, low-risk design. 

2. Blood Suckers II (NetEnt)

• Volatility: Identified as a low volatility game despite rich features—frequent, modest wins with low risk. 
• RTP: Approximately 96.94% (or “excellent average returns” ~96.6%). 
• Theme & Features: Vampire-themed with free spins, bonus rounds (like demon-slaying), and tripled wins. 

3. Jimi Hendrix (NetEnt)

• Volatility: Confirmed low volatility across multiple reputable sources. 
• RTP: 96.9%, above average. 
• Key Features: Includes Purple Haze (turns low pays into wilds), Red Guitar Respins, Pick-and-Click bonus offering various free spin modes.

4. Dazzle Me (NetEnt)

• Volatility: Classified as low volatility, offering steady action with frequent rewards. 
• General Info: Known for linked reels and dazzling visuals, making it engaging while still low risk. 
• Specific Metrics: Detailed RTP and payout data weren’t found in the sources searched.

5. Guns N’ Roses (NetEnt)

• Volatility: Often listed as low-to-medium volatility—offers frequent wins with some potential for bigger payouts. 
• RTP: Around 96.98%, above average. 
• Features: Includes expanding wilds, random base-game features (Legend Spins, Solo Multiplier, Appetite for Destruction Wild), Bonus Wheel, Encore free spins. Max win up to 1,250× bet. 

What Does High Volatility Mean in Slots?

Just as low volatility slots pay regularly, high volatility slots do the reverse. These slot machines are likely to feature big top prizes and even progressive jackpots. Unfortunately, with those potential rewards comes a downside – they will not come around that often.

And, as you have bigger prizes available, you won’t experience so many smaller payouts in high volatility slots. You can play for longer without much happening, hoping to trigger a bonus feature that attracts a larger payout. In this way, you might have successive sessions on the same slot with wildly different results:

• No big payout and a few smaller wins
• No small wins but one large win
• Several large wins (if you are really lucky!)

Those slots players with more of a gambling spirit will enjoy high volatility slots because the thrill of landing the big win draws them in. Regular, small payouts are not for them.

It stands to reason that if you are to play high volatility slots, you should be prepared to have patience. Have enough cash in your account, or bet small enough on every spin, so that you can play for as long as it takes to trigger that lucrative bonus feature or land that hard-to-get winning line.

Unfortunately, there is nowhere to find out what a slot machine’s volatility might be, aside from reviews and advice, just like this article. The foolproof way to find out is to play any slot for a length of time, and you will see whether it is low volatility. You can use the play for free option on slots to avoid risking any cash while exploring your choices.

List of High Volatility Slot Machines

If you fancy pocketing a big win, then head for high volatility slots like these, which are available to play at online casinos:

1. Dead or Alive (NetEnt)
2. Raging Rhino (WMS)
3. Bonanza (Big Time Gaming)
4. Extra Chilli (Big Time Gaming)
5. White Rabbit Megaways (Big Time Gaming)

Play Slots Online at Top-Rated US Casinos

You can experience high and low volatility slots at online casinos once you register your account and make your first real money deposit. Claim your welcome bonus and then explore the large range of slots. Good luck!

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