The Best Low Volatility Slots and Volatility Guide

By benboland – Last updated 24 Oct 2024

Volatility should be a key determining factor when choosing a slot game. Not to be confused with RTP, volatility refers to how often you can expect a particular game to pay out. Even the most inexperienced slot player can use this information – which is provided by all developers – to help determine if a title is worth giving a few spins.

Volatility is also referred to as variance and ranges from low to high. The former pays out frequently yet modestly, with the latter less frequently and more substantially. Generally, low volatility slots are preferred by casual players that enjoy spinning slots and are happy to keep their bankroll comfortably ticking over; long winless streaks are also less likely.

That being said, there are still multiple other factors that determine how likely you are to win on a given game – and this article will help you to understand what to look for if you are interested in playing low variance slots. We will also look at some of the most enjoyable releases for you to enjoy.

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What are low volatility slots?

As we have touched on, slots with low volatility are those that are more predictable in how often they give wins. As you can probably imagine, high volatility slots are much more up and down and, while they can offer huge wins, it is also easy to eat into your budget if you are not careful.

Low volatility slots, then, are much more steady and provide regular injections to your account balance, even if these are unlikely to be anything close to the slot’s maximum win, even if you are using the highest coin values.

It is not always black and white as to which category a slot falls into; medium volatility exists, as do variations of each, such as low-medium, and medium-high. Regardless, all this information can be found in our Slotsia slot reviews.

To summarise: the best low variance slots will allow you to minimise your losses, play for longer, and decrease the house edge!

Here at Slotsia, we have also compiled a guide to the best high volatility slots which you can read about and learn their secrets.

High volatility vs low volatility slots

The main choice that you are likely to have when considering variance is whether you want to opt for high or low slot volatility. This will have a material impact on your gaming experience as well as how much money you can expect to walk away with. As has already been mentioned, highly volatile slots can result in some of the biggest jackpot prizes around if your luck is in – but you are also likely going to have to contend with long barren periods in between spins.

The lowest volatility slots, on the other hand, have the opposite effect. Whilst it is unlikely that you will walk away with a life-changing sum of cash, you can still enjoy regular and moderate wins that will make playing that bit more fun.

As this table shows, low volatility slots have some distinct advantages for players. The fact that regular wins are likely means that these games are generally chosen by casual players that are happy to keep a steady flow going in and out of their account balance. This does make the largest max. wins pretty rare but low variance slot games are a great way to try out the various different providers that exist – each has a unique feel to it.

In contrast, highly volatile slots do the opposite and, while the largest payouts are more likely to happen in this type of video slot, it is still a rare occurrence so you should never run down your bankroll in the expectation of a big win.

Is it better to play high or low volatility slots?

This, of course, comes down to personal preference. We have already outlined what you can expect from both types of slot but this should not be your only consideration. Arguably just as important is a game’s RTP. Expressed as a percentage, this number refers to how often you can expect to see wins over a huge number of hypothetical spins; around 96% is the industry average and anything above that can be considered very attractive indeed.

In this respect, you will have plenty of options when it comes to high RTP low variance slots, which combine the best of both worlds. We will look at some specific titles that we recommend further down the page, but games with a higher RTP are useful with regards to bankroll management and not suffering extended losses over longer play sessions – they also generally have a better array of features for extra entertainment value.

The best low volatility slots that pay out frequently

Now that you know all about low volatility slots and why they are such an attractive proposition, now is time to delve into more detail to pick out some of the best titles out there. Here is our selection of five elite low variance slot games that will each give you a memorable experience on the reels; we have also recommended a casino that offers the game so that you can check it out for yourself, should you desire, and get a great bonus at the same time.

1 – Starburst – NetEnt

No list of low volatility slots would be complete without this marvellous creation by NetEnt called Starburst. One of the most enduring and endearing releases in recent years, Starburst has captivated slot fans with its exceptional visuals and cosmic theme since launching back in 2012. The slot serves unrelenting action across its 5-reels and 10 pay lines. Starburst is fast-paced and creates an entirely immersive atmosphere. It also features a unique Both-Way wins mechanic with winning combinations possible either way and whenever the magical Starburst symbol appears, it replaces all the other symbols before activating up to three ReSpins if you get three consecutive Wild symbols on the reels.

2 – Thunderstruck II – Microgaming

Thunderstruck II is the sequel that surpassed the original in many ways. Since its release in 2010, Thunderstruck II has captivated and thrilled slot players. Its layout has 5-reels, but an enhanced number of ways to win reaching 243. The bonus rounds permit you to choose from a variety of free spins and multipliers combinations. The RTP percentage is average at 96.1%, and you can have hours of fun playing Thunderstruck II.

3 – Enchanted Garden II – Real Time Gaming

This beautifully designed fantasy slot by RTG Gaming is a triumph, improving on its predecessor in multiple ways. You get 5-reels and 25 pay lines and a Wild Fairy Princess who will help you gather more wins as she replaces other symbols, thereby doubling your payouts in the process. Enchanted Garden II has a few features including a Scatter and bonus round. The low volatility means you can expect frequent and modest payouts to keep you satisfied for long without breaking the bank.

4 – Bloodsuckers II – NetEnt

Bloodsuckers II was released to critical and fan acclaim and has become a prime release by NetEnt. The game provides additional bite and includes all the popular features and characters of the original version. NetEnt has designed a genuine cult classic with Bloodsuckers II, and the lovely layout includes 5-reels, and 25 pay lines, along with Scatters, Wilds and multipliers. With a high RTP percentage of 97% to go along with the low volatility, Bloodsuckers II boasts the best of both worlds.

5 – Wild Scarabs – Microgaming

Wild Scarabs by Microgaming is a 5-reel video slot with a massive 243 ways to win. Released in 2018, Wild Scarabs is an ancient Egyptian themed slot with low volatility that will boost your chances to win. The reels are full of Egyptian images making up the higher paying symbols, and the Scarab Wild is the one you want as it can land after a losing spin to activate the Wild Deal bonus feature, where four Wilds are added to your reels.