Every slot machine comes with a unique feel or experience, and one of the most important factors to consider when choosing the right machine is volatility.
Yeah, here’s the thing — a lot of folks don’t really get this whole volatility deal, and not every casino lays it out for you. But hey, it’s still good info to have. Knowledge never goes to waste, you know?
Alright, volatility basically depends on this thing called standard deviation, which is just a fancy term statisticians throw around. Now, if a machine had 0 standard deviation, there would be no point in playing slots. For example, a slot with a 95% RTP (Return to Player) and no standard deviation means you always get back 95% of what you bet. Sounds sort of boring, right? No surprises, no fun, just the same old predictable losses.
But here’s where things get interesting. Volatility is the essence of the thrill and what gives slot gaming its edge. It’s that element of risk and chance that casinos are banking on. See, while in the long run, the house always wins, each individual bet can swing either way from what the casino expects (that 5% in this situation). And the extent to which bets can go off track is what is called standard deviation — it sets the boundaries for the possible outcomes.
This variance is what pumps up the excitement and uncertainty in slot gaming. High standard deviation means high volatility, so you’re looking at a bunch of ups and downs of outcomes with every spin. This means the outcome of the bet can diverge greatly from the average. High-volatility slot machines are inherently more risky (although they tend to pay more when you do win).
On the flip side, low volatility generally means things (the outcomes) stay pretty close to the average, and you get a rather cool gaming experience.
Some of the main advantages of playing on a low-volatility slot machine include:
To really amp up your slot gaming and either tick off or make the casino bosses green with envy over your winnings:
Before you start checking out the list, take note of this tip: Try to actually walk around the casino floor and take your time weighing the options in the house.
You’ll find this slot machine all over Vegas and across the US. It’s a classic 3-reel game, typically available with 5 or 20 paylines. With its nostalgic vibe and great winning chances, Triple Red Hot 7s is a timeless favorite packed with bonus features (especially the multiplier). This one’s got top-notch features compared to its buddies, and it’s perfect for folks on a budget since you can place small bets. It’s got a solid RTP of 94.7%.
This is another super-bonus-giving slot machine. The hot cake in this machine is the bonus round, which gives players decent odds to win big sums. The thing is, there is a special feature that when you play with maximum credits (which isn’t a lot), you unlock it.
When you get to this stage, if the Pinball logo lands on an active payline on the third reel, you’ll get four or five pinball shots, each with a random cash prize. There is a reason pinball is so popular in casinos throughout the US, and Pinball remains one of the best slots out there. Keep in mind that it’s the original pinball that is being referred to and not the gold version.
The other machines talked about earlier were from IGT, but this one’s from Wazdan. It’s a game that dishes out lots of multipliers, and it has relatively low volatility. That’s what makes it one of the top picks on any casino floor. With 5 reels up to 10 paylines, and a nice 96.28% RTP, it’s easily a winner. And if you’re feeling a bit more daring, there’s a higher-risk version called Triple Double Stars that offers a similar vibe.
Here’s another gem from IGT. This slot machine is one of the least risky ones out there, with an RTP of around 85 to 98 percent. It’s pretty common to hit that “double-double-double,” which explains why it’s so popular. Just to clarify, it is the original double-diamond version, not the deluxe or triple-diamond ones.
This video slot is one of the most entertaining low-volatility gaming experiences available at 96.0% RPT. This game is made by Light and Wonder. It features special Fireball symbols that can fill up reels and give you jackpots worth up to 10,000 times your bet. On top of that, there are free spins and respins with multipliers that can score you some fiery prizes.
While winning the jackpot is often very difficult to trigger, playing cash falls in modest denominations will sustain your bankroll and keep you thrilled for a very long time.
If you’ve made it this far, chances are you’re either not “keen” on heading to a crowded casino, or you’re just eager to join the online gaming trend. Either way, you’re in luck and covered! Here are the top two low-volatility online slot machines:
This is a spooky vampire-themed slot by NetEnt. With a sweet 98% RTP, it’s been around for over ten years. If horror movies give you the chills, you might want to approach them with caution. It’s got eerie symbols and creepy sound effects.
Blood Suckers gives you a shot at winning up to 7,500 coins in one spin. Furthermore, there are Free Spins, a Bonus Game, and some decent scatter and wild wins to look forward to.
This slot has mad visuals. The theme revolves around out-of-space. The backdrop is full of dazzling jeweled symbols and stars. Get ready to become an astronaut! With 5 reels, 3 rows, and 10 paylines, this iconic video slot is known for its special Starburst wilds that expand and trigger respins.
You could win up to 50,000 coins or 500 times your bet, and it’s got a good RTP of 96.10%.
It’s not just about knowing the best low-volatility slots and hitting the casinos to play them as if there’s no tomorrow. You need some extra stuff, such as risk management, staying calm, and gambling responsibly. Just because a slot has low volatility doesn’t mean you can’t lose or that there’s no risk involved.
Start with smaller bets before you start throwing down big bucks. Only go all in once you really understand how a slot works. Always stick to a set gambling budget, never go over it, and make sure to take regular breaks as slots, although fun, can be super addictive.
Lastly, the better you know your own risk tolerance, the easier it is to find the right slot for you. Never let this escape your mind: The house always has the edge, so coming to the casino for some fun rather than expecting to win big can help you avoid heart attacks in the long run. The last of the last, haha… Focus on machines that help stretch out your bankroll for as long as possible.
