What Is Volatility In Casino Games?
Volatility refers to the level of risk and variation in the outcomes of a non-live casino game. It’s an indicator of how often a game pays out and the general size of the winnings you can expect.
Volatility applies to all RNG online casino games. This means any game that is 100% automated and not run in a live studio environment. Some automated games can be manipulated to adjust the volatility level with betting strategies.
For example, if you place a bet on a single number in Roulette, it results in a high volatility game with a potentially lucrative payout of 36:1. On the other hand, a dozen bet, which covers 12 out of the 36 numbers, creates lower volatility with a 2:1 payout.
But none of this applies to pokies, where only the bet size influences the potential winnings. All wins are a multiplier of the stake, but adjusting your bet doesn’t impact the probability of winning.
Volatility in pokies can only be controlled by selecting a different game with different volatility levels. This guide will focus on the role volatility plays in pokie games.
When it comes to these games, there are two rules to remember:
- High volatility means less frequent wins that are larger in size.
- Low volatility means more frequent wins that are smaller in value.
Top Tip
The RTP and Volatility Relationship
Keep Return to Player (RTP) in mind when picking a pokie. This is the percentage of wagered money that’s returned over time. High volatility pokies typically have higher RTP to balance risk, while low volatility pokies offer smaller, more frequent wins with slightly lower RTP.
While it makes sense to choose a pokie based on risk tolerance and preferred playstyle, it makes sense to understand both factors for informed gameplay decisions.
- Volatility represents the level of risk of a casino game and indicates payout frequency and win sizes.
- In table games, players can control volatility through betting strategies, choosing between high and low volatility options.
- Volatility in pokies is controlled by choosing games with varying volatility levels. Altering bet size affects potential winnings but not the probability of winning.
- High volatility leads to larger but less frequent wins. Low volatility provides smaller, but more frequent wins. Play games with volatility levels that suit your risk tolerance.
High Volatility Pokies Vs. Low Volatility Pokies
Not sure whether to opt for high or low volatility pokies? The two tables below will help you decide! In the first section you’ll get to see the advantages and disadvantages of each option, then we summarise everything into a single comparison table.
High Vs Low Volatility – Pros and Cons
Here’s what you should know about high volatility pokies:
- Potential for significant payouts
- Exciting gameplay with the possibility of hitting big wins
- Attracts risk-takers and those seeking high-reward experiences
- Risk of long losing streaks
- Requires a larger bankroll and patience
- Less optimal for bonus wagering due to higher risk
Here’s what you should know about low volatility pokies:
- More frequent wins, suitable for players with limited budgets
- Lower risk of significant losses, making them ideal for casual players
- Better suited for wagering bonuses due to consistent wins
- Smaller individual payouts compared to high volatility slots
- Less excitement and anticipation compared to high volatility slots
- Limited potential for massive jackpot wins
High Vs Low Volatility – A Side by side comparison
Now, cast your eyes over these direct comparisons before you make your final decision.
| Criteria | High Volatility Pokies | Low Volatility Pokies |
|---|
| Win Potential | Offers the potential for significant payouts, ideal for players with a sufficient bankroll and patience for big wins. | Provides smaller, more frequent wins, suitable for players with limited budgets or aiming to fulfill wagering requirements. |
| Risk Level | High risk of losing streaks, requiring patience and a larger bankroll to withstand variance. | Lower risk of significant losses, making them more suitable for players with limited budgets. |
| Bankroll Management | Requires a sufficient bankroll to handle potential losses during dry spells while waiting for large wins. | Ideal for players with smaller bankrolls or those seeking a more consistent gameplay experience without high fluctuations. |
| Bonus Wagering | Less optimal for wagering bonuses due to the risk involved and potential for losing streaks. | Better suited for wagering bonuses as they provide more frequent wins, helping to meet wagering requirements. |
| Gaming Experience | Offers excitement and anticipation with the possibility of hitting big wins, appealing to risk-takers. | Provides a more stable and predictable gaming experience, suitable for players who prefer steady progress over big gambles. |
| Player Preference | Attracts players seeking high-risk, high-reward experiences and those with the bankroll to wait for significant wins. | Appeals to casual players, those with limited budgets, or those who prefer smaller, more consistent wins. |
What’s The High Vs Low Volatility Verdict?
High volatility pokies are a good choice if you have a robust bankroll and the patience to withstand longer periods without wins. The potential for substantial payouts is the main draw, making it a suitable choice if you have the budget to wait out several dry spins.
Low volatility pokies are a preferred option if you’re playing with a limited budget or looking for the best chance to fulfil wagering requirements. While the wins are smaller, they provide a steadier stream of returns and minimize the risk of substantial losses.
How To Determine The Volatility Of A Pokie
Assessing the volatility of a pokie involves complex mathematical calculations, but as a player, you don’t need to worry about this. The gaming industry grades volatility using numeric scales from 1 rto 5, or simple labels such as low, medium, and high.
Some pokies fall between these categories and may be labeled as medium-high, medium-low, and so on. Whatever the case, you can rely on the gradings to be completely honest an accurate.
There are two ways to find out a pokie’s volatility:
- Find A Transparent Casino: Many online casinos provide information about volatility in their game descriptions. Casinos often categorise pokies into low, medium, or high volatility so you can check before you start playing.
- Visit the Game Provider’s Home Page: Game developers offer more detailed information on their games, including volatility. Visiting the official website of the game provider is your best option for accessing accurate information about a pokie’s volatility.
How Volatility And RTP Affect Casino Bonuses
RTP determines what percentage of the bet spend is returned to players, while volatility influences the distribution of these winnings in terms of frequency and size. Together, they play a pivotal role in clearing bonus wagering requirements.
A high RTP indicates a larger portion of the wagers is returned to players over time. Opt for games with an RTP above 96% to ensure the best possible winning probability. You can learn more about this by reading our in-depth guide to RTP.
Because low volatility pokies provide more consistent wins, they increase the chances of sustaining your bonus balance over an extended period. Highly volatile pokies might rapidly deplete bonus credits before you can hit a substantial win.
The combination of high RTP and low volatility is considered ideal for efficiently wagering bonuses. This ensures a balance between a favourable winning probability and extended gameplay, increasing the likelihood of successfully meeting wagering requirements.
Expert Tip:
Consider exploring medium volatility pokies with a high RTP. This is something of a sweet spot, providing a balanced mix of consistent wins and substantial payouts.
Examples Of Low Volatility Pokies
Low volatility pokies are a great choice if you’re seeking a more consistent stream of wins to sustain your bankroll and clear wagering requirements.
Here are two examples of low volatility pokies from casinos on our site, each carefully selected for their reputation and exciting gameplay features.
Starburst
Starburst is a classic low volatility pokie by NetEnt. It features a stunning cosmic theme and vibrant colors, with five reels and ten paylines. Known for its simplicity and frequent wins, it’s an excellent choice for players seeking extended gameplay. Play Starburst at Betchan Casino.
Fruit Zen
Fruit Zen is a peaceful low volatility pokie created by Betsoft. It offers a serene fruit-themed setting with five reels and ten paylines. The game’s expanding Wilds feature brings an extra layer of excitement by triggering re-spins. Relax with a game of Fruit Zen at Blueleo Casino.
Examples Of High Volatility Pokies
High volatility pokies are the preferred option if you’re more risk-tolerant and have the budget to wait out a big win.
Let’s look at two high volatility pokies available at reputable casinos on our site.
Book of Dead
This is a volatile pokie developed by Play’n GO. It has an ancient Egyptian theme with five reels and ten paylines. A free spins round is triggered by landing three or more scatters, where a special expanding symbol can lead to huge wins. Play Book of Dead at Rolleto Casino.
Bonanza Billion
A high volatility pokie developed by Endorphina featuring five reels and ten paylines. The scatter symbol, represented by a glamorous diamond, can trigger free spins, leading to the potential for substantial wins. Enjoy the luxurious aesthetic of Bonanza Billion at Ripper Casino.
Why Should You Play High Volatility Pokies?
If you don’t mind some risk and enjoy the thrill of chasing substantial wins, high volatility pokies may be the right choice for you.
Here are a couple of scenarios where you might want to opt for a high volatility game:
- When You Have A Sufficient Bankroll – This allows you to endure numerous spins without immediate wins. The goal is to hit the bonus game or a big win that makes up for the losses. On the other hand, if you’re playing with a small balance, it’s likely to run out before you recoup your losses.
- If You’re Playing With A Bonus – After accumulating a sizable bonus balance, you might be willing to take a few more risks. A big win gives you a good chance at clearing any wagering requirements and guaranteeing a remaining balance that can be converted to real cash for you to withdraw.
Here’s an example:
- You have a $200 bonus with a 30x wagering requirement.
- You decide to play a high volatility pokie with a $5 bet per spin, hitting the maximum win multiplier of 50x in the game.
- If you win $250, you’ve played $100 (20 spins), leaving $100 to wager (30x wagering requirement – $100 remaining).
- Your profit would be $150 ($250 winnings – $100 left to wager), and you can cash out the remaining $150.
Does Volatility Really Matter?
It’s important to note that even though volatility might seem very important in the short term, directly impacting the outcome of every spin, it’s not an indicator of your impending success. That’s because it’s not a foolproof predictor of specific outcomes.
When it comes to pokies, there are no guarantees. And while high volatility games offer the potential for substantial payouts, you’re more than likely to experience extended periods without significant wins.
In the same vein, low volatility doesn’t ensure a successful betting strategy. Bonus wagering requirements remain constant, irrespective of win sizes, so accumulating enough winnings and stretching your bankroll to clear these requirements can still pose challenges.
The Importance Of RTP In Extended Gameplay
Because RTP represents the percentage of all wagers that a pokie is expected to return to players over time, it becomes more significant the more you play.
While volatility influences the distribution of wins, RTP has a more substantial impact on your overall gaming experience by determining the long-term returns. Combined knowledge of a pokie’s RTP and effective bankroll management will give you the best chance at increasing your balance.