The Advantages and Disadvantages of Playing High Volatility Slots

The most popular games online are high volatility slots and just like any other form of game, they have pros and cons. Here we will explore these advantages and disadvantages in more depth so that you can make a fully informed decision about which slots you play.

An Introduction to High Volatility Slots

High volatile slots are those which are riskier than low and mid variance slots. They tend to have higher maximum payouts, bigger rewards for landing 5 symbols across a payline, more features and for many, are more fun. What’s more, high volatile slots are the more popular and exciting because of their potential big paying combinations. However, the payouts from them tend to be rarer.

If you are playing a slot with lots of frequent smaller wins, chances are, you are playing a low volatile slot. These games are fun to play but do not draw the same attention as high variance games. The main reason for this is that more volatile slots can offer mouth-watering payouts.

One of the key factors to understand about slot volatility is the hit frequency. Highly volatile slots will tend to have a low hit frequency, compared with low volatile slots. Low volatility slots may hit more often but will pay out smaller wins. High volatility slots will also pay out small wins at times but will not hit that much. However, all it takes is for a lucky spin to land 5 high paying symbols across a payline and the big payout is yours.

We will let you make up your own mind about which type of slot game you prefer – the low or high volatile ones. For more insight on what pros and cons high variance slots can offer, read on.

Pros of High Variance Slots

High volatility slots have a lot going for them. They are the most popular online casino game and dominate the games portfolio at Queenplay and other gaming sites. One of the most important things to remember about high variance slots is that they are very unpredictable. We will elaborate on this rule of thumb later on.

Here are a few traits to know about volatile slots.

• High variance slots usually pay out large wins
• The hit frequency for high volatility slots is low
• The risk involved when playing high volatility slots is high

What we mean by risk is that these slots can be profitable or ruinous. At times, you may end up with a big winner whilst other gaming session can see your bankroll shrink to nothing.

Bonus Features

To make high volatility slots appealing to players, most software providers include several bonus features. These features can take the form of free spins, re-spins, expanding wilds, multipliers and much more. The more features a slot has, the more attention it draws. The idea is to attract players to the games with bonus features that offer the chance of huge winnings.

Bigger Pay Outs

Typically, high volatility slots will have bigger payouts than any other games. This can range from around 500 to 100,000 your stake as a maximum win amount. These slots also include more base game features and tend to reward players more after each win.

You don’t need to look only at the maximum pay out a slot offers. When launching a game, head on over to the paytable. This will show you exactly what a symbol is worth when landing them in a combination. Slots with high variance will see combinations of 5 across a payline paying between 250 to over 5,000 times your stake for a single symbol. Also, most jackpot slots tend to be highly volatile.

Arcade Slots

High variance slots come in all shapes and forms and include all types of winning opportunities. Some examples of this are Cluster Pays and Megaways slots. These games offer many bonus features and ways of winning.

For the Cluster Pays mechanic, slots will typically employ an Avalanche feature, which sees winning symbols removed from the reels, making way for new symbols to drop down and fill up the empty positions. They also are known for bringing in expanding symbols which can become 2x2, 3x3 or even 5x5 in size – resulting in a guaranteed cluster win.

Megaways slots are known for providing up to 117,649 ways to win on any spin. The mechanic was first developed by Big Time Gaming, but it has since been licensed by nearly every major slot developer. The games will also often have expanding wilds than can cover an entire reel, giving you more chance of winning.

For many people, the games with the best gameplay are high volatility slots. They can potentially pay big amounts and sometimes even jackpots. However, for these games, you’ve got to have a lot of patience.

Cons of High Variance Slots

On the flip side of the argument, highly volatile slots can be very draining. Both financially and emotionally. Do you remember our rule of thumb about how these slots are unpredictable? Well, here’s why.

High volatility slots may have the potential to award a big win but the majority of the time they won’t. Even if you have gone without a win for a few rounds, when you do win, the payout can also be disappointing. Slots with a high variance are risky and can see you pulling out your hair before long.

The Dry Spells

One of the reasons why players opt for low volatility slots is because the hit frequency is very high. With more volatile games, that is not the case. When playing high volatility slots, you can expect to go many rounds without a win and even when that win does eventually land, there’s nothing to stop it from being just a small payout.

Whilst games offer many features and unique mechanics, they are not always worth the trouble. Playing high volatility slots can be mightily frustrating because of dry spells that simply drain your bankroll.

The Financial Hit

Another thing to be wary of is the impact high volatility slots have on your bankroll. In order to be successful when playing volatile slots, you stand a better chance with a large bankroll. Many spins will be unsuccessful and just eat away at your bankroll. Before you know it, you could be left with an empty bankroll and no winnings.

The Sad Truth

We hate to break it to you, but not all wins are going to be life-changing. If a slot is extremely volatile, that doesn’t mean it will always pay big. Many times, you will land winning combinations which will not turn any heads. However, don’t let that break your spirit.

The main reason why people love high volatility slots is that they can accept these realities. Is the risk of losing a bankroll or claiming small wins after a dry spell worth it? If you’re a real gambler, then yes! The motivation behind this is the potential of big winners.

The Gambler’s Game

High volatility slots have become known as the ‘gambler’s game’. Many rookies will opt for low volatility slots as they enjoy winning frequently. However, if you’re more of a seasoned professional, you’ll know why high variance slots are worth the bet.

In order to be successful at high volatility slots, we recommend you go in with an all-or-nothing attitude. You either lose your whole bankroll for the session or you win big. The key here is to know that patience is your best friend.

Playing high variance slots will see you go through many dry spells without getting any significant cash prize. But if you are patient enough and do not chase losses, all it takes is one lucky spin. Any long-time slots player will tell you the reward is worth the risk.

Closing Remarks

High volatility slots are riskier than their counterparts but have bigger rewards. To enjoy playing high volatility slots, you must first have a strong mindset. Losing is part of the game in a bid to win a jaw-dropping amount. If you can get to grips with the fact that you are just as likely to lose your money as you are to win, you’ll have a better time playing high volatility slots.