Slot volatility – Why some games pay out more often?
Online slots have exploded in popularity in recent years, with thousands of exciting games now available for players to enjoy. However, while the basic concept of spinning reels to match symbols and win prizes remains the same across different slots, volatility plays a huge role in how you play. Slot volatility refers to how often a game pays out and the size of the payouts. High volatility slots have bigger wins less often, while low volatility slots offer smaller payouts more frequently. Volatility indicates how much risk is involved in playing a particular game. Small wins are more consistent with lower volatility, and bigger risks and rewards are associated with higher volatility.
- Number of paylines – More paylines mean more ways to win and more payouts.
- Hit frequency – How often winning symbol combinations appear per spin. Higher hit frequency equals lower volatility.
- Max payout – The maximum prize available on a single spin. Higher max payouts increase volatility.
Understanding volatility helps players pick slots that match their preferences. Those seeking big occasional jackpots may prefer highly volatile games, while players wanting steadier payouts choose less volatile options.
Low Volatility
These slots have the highest hit frequency and RTPs around 96-98%. Wins come often but are typically small, less than 20x the bet amount. Low-volatility games include many classic and fruit-themed slots. Playing sessions last longer with plenty of small payouts to reinvest.
Medium Volatility
The middle ground between risk and reward, medium volatility slots payout 2-3 times less often than low volatility games. Wins range from 20-50 bets. Many popular branded slots like movie or music-themed games are medium volatility. Playing sessions vary between short runs and occasional big payouts.
High Volatility
Here players experience extended droughts between wins, but prizes reach 500-1000x the bet amount. Hit frequency and RTP (92-96%) are lowest. High volatility suites players with big bankrolls aiming for giant jackpots. Playing sessions are boom or bust, with some quick losses but life-changing wins are possible. Click here for more info: magic.ly.
Why do some slots pay out more often?
- More paylines
The number of paylines directly impacts hit frequency, since more lines give more ways to make winning combinations each spin. Low volatility slots often have between 10-25 paylines, while high volatility games have fewer lines. Medium volatility is around 5-10 paylines. More lines increase payout frequency.
- Higher RTP
A slot’s RTP or return to the player specifies what percentage of bets are paid back over many spins. Low volatility slots return 90-96% or more over time, resulting in more payouts. High volatility games with bigger prizes come with lower RTP around 92-94%. The higher average returns lead to low volatility slots paying out more regularly.
- Lower max payouts
Limiting the maximum possible single payout allows more frequent wins. Low volatility slots cap their top prizes around 500-1000x bets. Medium volatility games may reach 2000-5000x bets. High volatility slots pay over 10,000x bets, but far less often. The lower max payout ceiling lets low volatility slots pay out smaller wins on more spins.