Everyone who wants to play slots, it is important to know what volatility is and why it is important. After all, this is the parameter that helps you understand what to expect from a session – frequent but small wins, or rare but big ones. It is important to realise that the percentage affects the mechanics of the game, controlling its dynamics and affecting the overall perception of the process.
Types of volatility in slots
There are slots with high and low volatility.
High percentage
What is the rate of variability in slots in the context of high volatility? It is a real “game swing”. The parameter implies that the wins here are rare, but they can be significant. For participants with a limited budget, this type of machines can be too risky, because it will take dozens and sometimes hundreds of spins before you manage to get the desired combination. Examples of such slots may include machines with jackpots, where bets can reach 10,000 rubles, but the winnings will compensate for the losses many times over. High volatility is suitable for those who are ready to take risks and seek big prizes.
Low percentage
At the other end of the spectrum are slots with low volatility: what is it? It means that winnings occur frequently, but their size remains relatively small. Such machines are ideal for users who prefer a safer approach, as here the risk of losing the entire bankroll is significantly reduced. Stakes can range from 50 to 100 rubles per spin, and winnings come with a frequency of about every 3-4 rounds. A feeling of constant activity and luck appears.
How to determine the volatility of the slot
It is necessary to pay attention to a number of parameters. Firstly, many manufacturers provide information about the percentage – this can be indicated in the description. Secondly, pay attention to the ratio between minimum and maximum bets, frequency of bonus features and jackpot size. For example, slots with high volatility often have large jackpots and require more bets. How to determine the volatility of a slot by yourself? One method is to conduct testing by playing in demo versions and observe the frequency of wins. Additionally:
- Check the slot description. Many game manufacturers specify volatility in the description, which can be labelled as low, medium or high. Find this information on the developer’s official website or in the description on the game platform.
- Analysis of bets. Pay attention to the range of minimum and maximum bets. Machines with a wide range often have high volatility, as they can offer big wins for a solid investment.
- Bonus frequency. Research how often bonus features are activated. Machines with rare but high paying bonuses are more likely to have high volatility.
- Check the size of the jackpot. If the machine offers a large jackpot, it is a sign of high volatility. Big wins rarely come easily, and you need to be prepared for long periods without big payouts.
- Testing in demo version. Play in the trial mode to practically determine the frequency of wins. Low volatility implies frequent but small wins, while high volatility implies rare but large wins.
- Use third-party resources. Some specialised sites and forums publish information about the volatility of popular slots based on users’ experience.
What is volatility in slots from the point of view of winning
Volatility directly affects the strategy of the game. High volatility requires patience and a large bankroll. For example, if a participant has 30,000 roubles, he should expect that it should be enough for a long gaming session, where long periods without wins are possible. It is important to realise that long periods without wins are not a sign of failure, but a feature of the mechanics of machines with high variability. For such users, the ability to withstand such periods is important, because one big win can fully compensate for all previous losses and even bring a solid profit.
With low volatility it is easier to control your budget, because frequent small wins allow you to prolong the gaming process and enjoy even at lower stakes. Such machines create a sense of stability and allow you to stay afloat longer, avoiding the risk of losing a large sum. With a starting bankroll of 5,000 roubles, a player can enjoy longer sessions with frequent payouts of 500-1,000 roubles, which helps to maintain a positive attitude and level of interest.
Additional parameters
When choosing a slot machine, you should not rely only on volatility. It is important to consider other indicators such as slots variance, risk, and winnings fluctuations. The variance reflects the degree of variation in winnings, while the risk describes the probability of losing. Fluctuations in winnings, on the other hand, allow you to estimate how often and how big you can win at certain machines. Together with volatility, these parameters form a complete understanding of what to expect from the game.
Formulas and calculations for high, medium and low volatility: what they are
For those who wish to delve deeper into the mechanics, there are several formulas. For example, the coefficient of variation (CV), which can be calculated as the ratio of the standard deviation of winnings to their mean. The value helps to measure the variability of payouts. If the coefficient of variation exceeds 1.5, it indicates high volatility, which means a high level of risk and a greater opportunity for large wins, but with a lower frequency.
The following formula is used to calculate this value: CV = σ / μ, where σ is the standard deviation and μ is the average winnings. For example, if the standard deviation of winnings is 3000 rubles, and the average is 2000 rubles, the coefficient of variation will be equal to 1.5. Such mathematical methods help to better understand possible fluctuations and risks, which allows you to more accurately choose the machine that corresponds to your preferences and strategy.
Conclusion
Understanding what volatility is in slots allows users to be more conscious about choosing games and managing their finances. High promises big but infrequent wins, while low promises stability but smaller amounts. It is important to be able to identify which type is suitable and use this knowledge to improve the gaming experience.
Increasing your chances of winning is not magic, but a smart approach. There are tactics that allow you to manage your budget and make your experience more manageable. One of them is choosing machines with a high RTP (more than 96%). This is not a guarantee of winning, but it is an indicator that allows you to choose a more user-friendly machine, where the probability of frequent small payouts is higher.
After analyzing the above, we can confidently say that it is impossible to cheat a slot machine. It is a mathematically programmed device created to generate profits for the casino. But by applying strategies, managing your bankroll and choosing slots with high RTP, you can increase your control over the game and make the process more exciting.