The Ultimate Guide to High and Low Volatility Pokies: Top Game Picks and Expert Tips


Slot volatility is one of the most important concepts to understand when choosing a game. It measures the risk vs. reward of a slot machine, determining how often it pays out and the size of potential winnings.
To make things easy for you, we’ve covered the ins and outs of slot volatility and rounded up the best online pokies for each type of volatility.
What Is Slot Volatility?
Volatility, sometimes called variance, is all about risk versus reward. Here’s the deal:
- Low Volatility Pokies: These games offer frequent, small wins, making them ideal for players with smaller bankrolls or those who want to play for an extended period. Low volatility slots provide a steady stream of payouts, ensuring you can enjoy the game without significant risk.
- Medium Volatility Pokies: These slots provide a balance between win frequency and size, making them suitable for players who want a mix of both. Medium volatility slots offer a good compromise, delivering moderate wins at a reasonable frequency.
- High Volatility Pokies: These games offer less frequent but larger wins, making them perfect for players willing to take risks and aim for big payouts. High volatility slots can be thrilling, but they require patience and a larger bankroll to weather the dry spells.
Quick Compare: High and Low Volatility Pokies
Feature | High Volatility | Low Volatility |
---|---|---|
Frequency of Wins | Rare | Frequent |
Payout Size | Big jackpots or high multipliers | Modest, consistent payouts |
Ideal Bankroll | Larger bankroll, prepared for dry spells | Smaller bankroll, lower risk |
Common Features | Free spins, multipliers, progressive jackpots | Fixed paylines, frequent bonus features |
Example Games | Dead or Alive 2, Book of Ra | Starburst, Twin Spin |
Maximum Win | Potential for very high payouts, often exceeding 10,000x the stake | Lower maximum win, typically up to 1,000x the stake |
Where to Find a Slot’s Volatility
Finding a game’s volatility isn’t always obvious, but there are several ways to figure it out:
- Game Info Pages: Many online casinos provide detailed descriptions, including volatility ratings, in their game info or help sections.
- Developer Websites: Slot providers like NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, or Microgaming often list volatility for their games on their official websites.
- Reviews and Guides: Trusted casino review sites frequently include volatility ratings along with RTP details for popular slots.
- Test It Yourself: Play a slot in demo mode to observe how frequently it pays out and how big the wins are—this can give you a good sense of its volatility.
High Volatility Slots: Thrill and Big Wins
If you’re someone who loves the suspense of chasing a big win, high volatility slot machines are where the excitement’s at. These games:
✅Tend to have fewer payouts, but when they come, they’re worth the wait.
✅Pack in features like cascading reels, progressive multipliers, retriggerable free spins, or jackpot mechanics. For example:
✅Deliver a high percentage of RTP through their bonus rounds, often around 70-80% of total payouts.
Our Top Picks for High-Volatility Slots
Slot Name | Provider | RTP | Features |
---|---|---|---|
Book of Dead | Play'n GO | 96.21% | Egyptian adventure with free spins, expanding symbols, and massive payout potential in high-risk gameplay. |
Dead or Alive 2 | NetEnt | 96.82% | Wild West slot offering enormous win potential through its three volatile free spins features. |
Jammin’ Jars | Push Gaming | 96.83% | Fruit-themed cluster slot with cascading wins and sticky wild multipliers for huge but rare payouts. |
Pro Tip: High volatility slots are best for longer sessions. If you’re feeling adventurous, try games with bonus buy features for quicker access to the action. Keep in mind that RTP may differ slightly in these modes.
Low Volatility Slots: Consistency and Fun
Looking for a laid-back, fun-filled session? Low volatility slots, also known as low variance pokies, are your go-to. These games:
✅Offer frequent, smaller wins to keep your bankroll ticking over.
✅Feature simpler mechanics, like fixed paylines and moderate bonuses, that deliver reliable gameplay. For example:
✅Spread their RTP more evenly across both base gameplay and bonuses, making them less reliant on big features.
Our Top Picks for Low-Volatility Slots
Slot Name | Provider | RTP | Features |
---|---|---|---|
Starburst | NetEnt | 96.09% | Space-themed with expanding wilds and win-both-ways mechanics, boosting chances of frequent payouts despite smaller wins. |
Twin Spin | NetEnt | 96.55% | Retro Vegas style with a unique Twin Reels feature that links reels together for synchronised wins on every spin. |
Blood Suckers | NetEnt | 98.00% | Vampire-themed with a rewarding bonus game where players slay vampires for coin prizes, adding layers to frequent wins. |
Pro Tip: Keep your stakes small on low volatility pokies to enjoy longer playtime and more opportunities to explore the game’s features. High RTP combined with low variance is the sweet spot for casual players.
Medium Volatility Slots: The Best of Both Worlds
If you can’t decide between steady wins and jackpot thrills, medium volatility slots offer a balanced experience. These games provide:
✅A mix of frequent payouts and solid prize potential.
✅Features that cater to both casual and seasoned players.
✅Bonus rounds, such as cascading wins or expanding symbols, that keep the gameplay exciting without being overly risky.
Our Top Picks for Medium Volatility Slots
Slot Name | Provider | RTP | Features |
---|---|---|---|
Gonzo's Quest | NetEnt | 95.97% | Adventure-themed slot with Avalanche Reels and increasing multipliers, offering balanced risk and reward. |
Immortal Romance | Microgaming | 96.86% | Gothic love story with 243 paylines and a Chamber of Spins bonus for consistent medium-sized wins. |
Thunderstruck II | Microgaming | 96.65% | Norse mythology theme with a multi-level bonus feature and steady payouts through Wildstorm mechanics. |
Volatility vs. RTP
It’s important to note that volatility isn’t the same as RTP (Return to Player). While RTP reflects the percentage of wagered money a slot is programmed to return to players over time (e.g., 96%), volatility determines how that RTP is distributed.
Here’s how it works:
- A slot with an RTP of 90% is programmed to return $90 for every $100 wagered—on average, over thousands of spins.
- Most online slots, whether high or low volatility, have RTP values above 90%, with many reaching 96% or more at top-rated casinos.
But remember, both volatility and RTP reflect long-term averages. A high RTP of 98% doesn’t mean you’ll win $98 every time you bet $100. You could still lose your bankroll quickly or walk away with a massive progressive jackpot—it’s all about timing and luck.
Using RTP and Volatility to Choose Your Game:
RTP + Volatility | Best For | Example Game |
---|---|---|
High RTP + Low Volatility | Casual players seeking steady, smaller wins and extended playtime. | Blood Suckers (NetEnt, 98% RTP) |
High RTP + High Volatility | Risk-takers chasing large payouts with decent odds over time. | Dead or Alive 2 (NetEnt, 96.8% RTP) |
Low RTP + High Volatility | Jackpot hunters willing to risk lower long-term returns for massive prizes. | Mega Moolah (Microgaming, 88% RTP) |
Low RTP + Low Volatility | Rare, but may suit players who enjoy consistent small wins despite lower returns. | Older classic pokies without bonus rounds. |
For consistent payouts, aim for low volatility games with high RTP. These slots offer steady rewards, longer playtime, and a great balance for casual players. Check out our list of the best payout pokies online for recommendations.
How Bet Sizes Impact Volatility
Did you know that bet sizes can influence how some slots behave? Many high volatility games increase payout potential at higher bet levels, often unlocking larger multipliers, better bonus features, or jackpot eligibility. For example:
- In Dead or Alive 2, increasing your bet improves the potential size of bonus round payouts.
- Progressive jackpot games often require maximum bets to qualify for the top prize.
On the other hand, low volatility slots often maintain consistent payouts regardless of your bet size, making them ideal for smaller bankrolls.
Pro Tip: Always check the game’s paytable to see if your bet level affects bonus features or payouts.
Finding the Right Volatility Level
Finding the right volatility level is crucial to enjoying online pokies. Here are some tips to help you choose the best fit for your gaming style:
- Consider Your Budget: If you have a smaller bankroll, low volatility slots may be the best option. These games offer frequent, smaller wins that can help you stretch your budget. If you’re willing to take risks and have a larger bankroll, high volatility slots might be more suitable.
- Think About Your Playing Style: If you prefer longer gaming sessions with steady payouts, low volatility slots are ideal. On the other hand, if you’re chasing big wins and don’t mind the occasional dry spell, high volatility slots are the way to go.
- Look for Games with Adjustable Volatility: Some online pokies offer adjustable volatility settings, allowing you to choose your preferred level of risk. This feature can be particularly useful if you like to switch up your gameplay.
- Read Game Reviews: Our reviewers at Auscasinos work tirelessly to provide valuable insights into a game’s volatility level and help you make informed decisions. Read our reviews to understand the frequency and size of payouts, as well as any bonus features.
By understanding volatility and choosing the right level for your preferences, you can enhance your online pokie experience and make the most of your gaming sessions.
Conclusion
Choosing between high and low volatility pokies doesn’t have to be complicated. It all comes down to your goals and what kind of experience you’re after.
Whether you’re chasing massive wins in high volatility slots or savoring the steady rewards of low volatility games, there’s something out there for everyone. By combining your understanding of volatility with RTP, you’ll be better equipped to pick games that match your playstyle.
Remember, play responsibly, enjoy the journey, and let the reels bring the fun.

Ryan is our resident pokies expert. Not only does he provide readers with the latest insights, innovations and technology news related to pokies, but he also knows all there is to know about pokies game developers.
Read more about the author