Volatility on slot machines

Slot machine volatility is a term that is often used but perhaps not 100% understood. Slot volatility determines how a slot game distributes its winnings and can be the deciding factor in whether you go home with full or empty pockets at the end of a gaming day. My many years of experience in this field have shown that understanding this component often makes the difference between a successful and a less successful player.

Slot machine volatility, often referred to as variance, refers to the risk level of a particular game. A high volatility game pays out less often, but when you win, the payouts tend to be higher. On the other hand, low volatility games offer more frequent payouts, but these are generally smaller. There is no universal strategy for all players – the choice depends on your individual risk appetite and financial means.

When we talk about online casinos such as Gamrfirst or Swiss4Win, it is important to know that the volatility rate of slot machines is not set arbitrarily. It is based on complex mathematical algorithms and is therefore an integral part of a slot’s game design. It is therefore always worth obtaining some information about the specific volatility of the chosen slot before the first spin.

The influence of volatility on slot machines

Volatility is a term that is often used in online games. But what does it actually mean? Quite simply, the volatility of a slot machine indicates how often and how high the winnings can be. So when I talk about a high volatility slot machine, I mean a game that pays out less often, but when it does, the winnings tend to be higher.

For example, games at Gamrfirst or 777 have different volatility. You will find both high and low volatility games. While some players may be more risk-averse and would therefore prefer a high volatility machine, others may prefer a less risky game and would opt for a lower volatility machine.

It’s important to understand that neither high nor low volatility are better or worse – they simply offer different gaming experiences. With a high volatility slot, you might experience longer dry spells, but a single big win could make up for these periods. On the other hand, a low volatility slot offers frequent but smaller payouts.

Of course, choosing the right slot has a lot to do with personal taste. For someone, for example, a slot at Swiss4Win may be just right, while someone else may have found the perfect slot at MyCasino.

Ultimately, the decision of which slot to play and how high the volatility of the game is depends on your personal risk appetite and individual playing style. Whatever your preference, remember: gambling should always be fun and handled responsibly!

Slot machines with the best volatility in the December 2024 can be found here:

How do slot machines work?

Slot machines, whether in traditional casinos or online like at Swiss4Win and 7Melons, are both exciting and mysterious. The way they work is based on two important components: the random number generator (RNG) and the payout odds.

Random Number Generator (RNG)

The random number generator is the heart of every slot machine. It is a microprocessor, similar to the one in your computer, which constantly generates numbers – even when no one is playing. These numbers correspond to the symbols on the reels of the slot machine. Each time the “spin” button is pressed, a random series of numbers is generated. Each number represents a specific symbol on a reel.

I must emphasize that the process is completely random and does not follow any predictable order – hence the name “random number generator”. Even if you were to play the same slot at Jackpots or MyCasino, the results could vary greatly.

Payout ratios

The payout ratio, often referred to as RTP (return to player), is another decisive factor when playing on slot machines. It indicates the percentage of stakes that are returned to players over a certain period of time.

So if a slot machine has an RTP of 97%, this does not necessarily mean that you will get exactly €97 back every time you bet €100 – we are talking about long-term, statistical values here. For example, a player might win €200 on a bet of €100 one time and nothing the next time.

It is important to note that RTPs can vary from game to game. Some slots at Gamrfirst may have a higher payout percentage than those at 777.

There is no guarantee of winning when playing slot machines – they are games of chance and luck. But by understanding the basics of how they work, you can make informed decisions and improve your experience.

What is volatility in slot machines?

When playing slot machines, whether at Gamrfirst or Swiss4Win, we come across the term ‘volatility’ time and again. But what does it actually mean? Quite simply, the volatility of a slot machine indicates how risky a slot is. It determines the amount and frequency of winnings.

Low volatility

Low volatility slots are designed for players who prefer to play it safe. These slots often pay out, but the winnings tend to be rather small. It is therefore rather unlikely that you will win the big jackpot here. An example of this would be a game at 7Melons – it offers constant small rewards and thus ensures a steady flow of success.

• Starburst (NetEnt) – classic with frequent, small payouts
• Sultan’s Palace Fortune (Wizard Games) – Frequent winnings with 96.09% RTP
• Sunny Shores (Yggdrasil) – Regular small wins with expanding Wilds

High volatility

On the other side of the spectrum, we find slot machines with high volatility. With these, you might not win anything for a long time – and then suddenly land the big score! So if you’re prepared to take a little more risk and are hoping for the big jackpot, you should take a closer look at such games. Think of a high-roller slot at MyCasino or 777, for example.

• Money Train 4 (Relax Gaming) – RTP: 96.1%, great winning potential
• Gates of Olympus (Pragmatic Play) – multiple winnings with up to 5,000x stake
• Sweet Bonanza (Pragmatic Play) – cluster pays and free games with multipliers
• Wanted Dead or a Wild (Hacksaw Gaming) – maximum win of 12,500x
• Curse of the Werewolf Megaways (Pragmatic Play) – Up to 46,656 win lines

Medium volatility

And then there is the golden mean: slot machines with medium volatility. Here you combine the best of both worlds – regular payouts of a moderate amount. These games are a good choice, especially for players who don’t want to take too many risks but are still hoping for significant winnings. An example of this would be a slot at Jackpots.

All in all, volatility is about the ratio of risk to reward. Depending on what type of player you are and what strategy you pursue, you can choose the right slot machine for you!

• Fat Rabbit (Push Gaming) – Balanced rewards in the farm theme
• Book of Helios (Betsoft) – Up to 20,168x winnings, Greek mythology
• Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (Playtech) – Superhero theme with 95% RTP
• Incinerator (Yggdrasil) – Frequent small wins with chain combos

Effects of volatility on slot machines

When we talk about volatility in slot machines, we mean the range of fluctuation in which winnings are paid out. The effects of these fluctuations are varied and affect different aspects of the game.

Winning frequency

The volatility of a slot machine has a significant influence on how often a player can win. In slots with high volatility, winnings are less frequent but often higher. With low-volatility slots, on the other hand, winnings are more frequent but usually smaller. An example of a high-volatility slot would be “Book of Dead”, while “Starburst” tends to have low volatility.

Profit amount

In addition to the frequency of payouts, volatility also influences their amount. As already mentioned, highly volatile slots tend to pay out less frequently – but when they do, the amounts are usually higher. Low-volatility machines, on the other hand, pay out more often – but the sums are smaller.

Willingness to take risks

Finally, the player’s individual risk behavior also plays a role in dealing with slot volatility. Those who like to risk a lot and are looking for the big jackpot are more likely to venture into a highly volatile slot – such as the “Mega Moolah” at 7Melons or the “Major Millions” at Jackpots. On the other hand, those who are more interested in security and are satisfied with smaller but more regular winnings are better served with a low-volatility slot, such as “Gonzo’s Quest” at Swiss4Win.

The volatility of slot machines therefore has a decisive influence on the gaming experience and potential winnings. It is up to each individual player to decide what risk they want to take and what style of play suits them best. This means you can search for machines with a volatility that matches your preferences – whether at Gamrfirst, 777 or MyCasino.

Strategies for different volatility levels

When playing slots, it is important to understand the volatility of the game and apply appropriate strategies. Here I share my insights on low, high and medium volatility.

Low volatility

Low volatility slot machines are known to pay out smaller winnings more often. This does not mean that you will always win on these machines – luck still plays a role – but the odds are better. A good example of this could be some of the games on Gamrfirst.

Strategically, it would be wise to plan longer sessions on low volatility slots. As these machines tend to pay out small winnings, it can take a while to accumulate a significant total profit.

High volatility

On the other hand, we have slot machines with high volatility. These may pay out less frequently, but when they do, the winnings are often very high. So a high risk can bring high rewards! You could say: “Nothing ventured, nothing gained”. At Swiss4Win, for example, there are several such riskier games.

For slots with high volatility, I recommend having a larger amount of money available and being prepared for longer dry spells without a win – in the hope of that one big hit!

Medium volatility

Then there are the medium volatility slot machines. As the name suggests, these are somewhere in the middle between the two types mentioned above. They offer a balanced mix of smaller, more frequent wins and larger, less frequent payouts. Some games on 7Melons could fall into this category.

The strategy here would probably be a combination of the other two approaches: You should be ready for both regular smaller wins and possible bigger hits.

In summary, choosing the right slot machine can make a big difference. And the right understanding and application of strategies can make the gaming experience all the more rewarding!

Conclusion

I started this analysis with the belief that volatility has a significant impact on slot machines. After looking at numerous studies and statistics, I can say that this is indeed the case.

The data is clear. High volatility slot machines tend to pay out less often than their low volatility counterparts. But when they do, the winnings are often significantly larger. This makes this type of slot particularly attractive to risk-taking players.

Sites such as Gamrfirst and Swiss4Win offer a large selection of such highly volatile games. But 7Melons and 777 also have some interesting options on offer. MyCasino and Jackpots, on the other hand, seem to focus more on lower volatility slots.

However, it is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all strategy for dealing with volatility. Each player must find their own tactics and always keep an eye on their budget.

You should also not forget: Despite all the analysis and strategies, playing slot machines remains one thing above all else – a game of chance. And in a game of chance, there is never a guarantee of winning.

All in all, I can only advise everyone: Inform yourself well about the games you play – be aware of their volatility and play responsibly!