What Does Volatility Mean in Slots?

Have you ever come across a slot game that purports to have either a high or low volatility? Chances are you have, but do you know what volatility means?

You might guess it refers to risk in some way, but beyond that, it can be tricky to work out how it might affect you as a player. It is one of the most important things to know about though, so let's explore it further here.

High or low volatility - what's the difference?

If a slot is said to be highly volatile, it means you could win big prizes very often, but you could also go through lots of spins and not win a thing. Hence, they will be said to have a high volatility.

Conversely, a low volatility slot game is one where you can expect to secure prizes a lot more often. You are unlikely to go through a long period with no wins, but the prizes you get are far more likely to be much smaller in value.

How can you decide which type of volatility is right for you?

There is no right answer as to whether one type of slot is better than another. Your own preferences will determine whether you choose high volatility ones or low volatility ones.

Some people like the thrill of winning more often, and for these people the low volatility games will be best. Conversely, if you are the type of person who wants to go for the big wins, the higher volatility games will be more your thing.

You should bear in mind the amount of time you can devote to playing a slot before you make your choice, though. Additionally, you should also consider your budget. This latter element is always something to think about of course, but it bears repeating here. You'll get the most out of a high volatility game if you have the time and the budget to play it for a long period. It still doesn't mean you'll win big, but you can open that chance up. Those with smaller budgets or less time might want to think about making the most of a low volatility slot game.

There are lots of games out there that fall into both these categories. You may even find you swap between them over time. But now you know what the word volatility means, you know how to make the right choice each time.