It is paramount to know the rules of the game you are playing on the best online casino sites, whether it's real money blackjack, craps, or even with slots, in which outcomes are random. It’s important to know just how random these outcomes can be. Slot machines have different levels of volatility, which we will highlight in this article. 

🎰 What does volatility mean in slots?

Slot volatility is determined by how often you win and how big of a win you can get. 

Some real money slots at online casinos are of a high-risk, high-reward nature. With others, there are more frequent payouts, but the risk is lower.

⬆️ What does high volatility mean in slots?

If you’re chasing that monster jackpot on the best online casino app and you have a hefty bankroll, then high volatility slots like real money megaways are likely for you.

The wins on high volatility slots are infrequent, and you can lose a ton of money on these if you’re not careful.

On the flip side, when you do win, the payouts on the best high volatility slots can be massive. 

Slots icon Slot guides

If you're looking to maximize your slots gameplay, we've got plenty of tips and hints to consider while you're spinning the reels:

↔️ What does medium volatility mean in slots?

Medium volatility slots appeal to gamblers who want the rush of a big jackpot but are also mindful of tracking their casino spending.

These slots deliver more frequent wins than high volatility machines, but the wins aren’t quite as large. At the same time, medium volatility slots offer less frequent wins than low volatility slots, but come with bigger jackpots. These are a great choice to play with no-deposit bonuses, as they strike a good balance between risk and reward.

⬇️ What does low volatility mean in slots?

If you’re looking for lengthy sessions, be sure to check out our list of the top 10 low volatility slots. All of the slots in our list offer frequent wins but the payouts are not substantial.

Some examples of low volatility slots include Jumanji, with an RTP of 96.3%, and Blood Suckers, which has a crazy good RTP of 98%.

Here is a look at the pros and cons of low, medium, and high volatility slots:

Type of Slot Machine 🙂 Pros 😡 Cons 🎈 Best for

⬆️ High volatility

 Large payouts, quick sessions

Risk of big losses, less frequent wins, hard to manage bankroll

Risk-takers, players with larger bankrolls, those looking for a quick session
↔️ Medium volatility Sizable payouts, more frequent wins than low volatility slots Frequency of wins not as much as low volatility, payouts not as big as high volatility Those who like the best of both worlds
⬇️ Low volatility Frequent wins, easier to manage bankroll, less stressful, sustained enjoyment Poor payouts, too simple for experienced players Beginners, players with smaller bankrolls, players who are looking for a fun and relaxing time, players who are seeking longer sessions

Want more information on how to choose the best online video slots? Check out our slot strategy guide!

Banking icon Bankroll management 101

If you've ever spent time in front of a slot or at a table, you know how quickly you can lose track of spending. It's a good idea to have a plan for managing your bankroll, so we've created a series of guides to help you do just that:

🔴 How do you find a slot's volatility?

The easiest way to quickly find out a slot’s volatility is by checking the slot’s pay tables. Slots that display big payouts but have fewer opportunities for victory are typically high volatility slots.

On the other hand, if the pay table shows that the slot has frequent but small wins, you are usually dealing with a low volatility slot.

The simplest way to find out a specific slot’s volatility, though, is by simply Googling the name of the game. It doesn't matter if you're spinning the reels in person or at a sweepstakes casino; you'll be able to find slot volatility information easily. 

For instance, let’s say you’re playing at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and you want to find out the volatility of Bonanza Blast. 

Try this Google search: “Bonanza Blast volatility.” Multiple reviews will pop up for this specific game, and its volatility is prominently displayed at the top of each article. For this particular game, it is a high volatility slot with an RTP of 95.9%.

Move around the casino floor, and you might stumble upon an old classic, Cherries Jubilee. It is renowned for its low volatility. If you're playing online at a traditional real money or social casino, look for Starmania, another low volatility gem. 

🟠 What is the difference between volatility and RTP?

Often, low volatility online slot machines also have a high Return to Player (RTP), but that is not always the case.

Volatility focuses on how frequently a slot pays out and how large those payouts are. They are typically labeled as a "low volatility slot", a "medium volatility slot", or a "high volatility slot".

RTP, meanwhile, concerns how much you win over a period of time. A slot’s RTP is expressed as a percentage. For example, slots that have an RTP below 96% are not preferable. They do not pay out well over time.

A “good” RTP is usually in the 96% range, and an “excellent” RTP is anything 98% or higher. Finding casino games with the best payouts is a huge part of being a smart player. 

Matt Burke - Covers
Contributor

Matt Burke is an online casino and sports betting expert. He has been an editor and writer in the betting space for more than a decade. He has produced thousands of real money online casino pages and sports betting articles. The University of Connecticut graduate prides himself on accuracy and giving users all of the information they need to make informed wagers.