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

Ryan Anderson
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The Ultimate Guide to High and Low Volatility Pokies: Top Game Picks and Expert Tips
7 min

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:

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:

  1. Game Info Pages: Many online casinos provide detailed descriptions, including volatility ratings, in their game info or help sections.
  2. Developer Websites: Slot providers like NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, or Microgaming often list volatility for their games on their official websites.
  3. Reviews and Guides: Trusted casino review sites frequently include volatility ratings along with RTP details for popular slots.
  4. 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:

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:

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.

 

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Ryan Anderson
Ryan Anderson Pokies Expert
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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.

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Last updated: 30 January 2025
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