Recognizing Volatility
Australian casinos provide various online game options that are not equal by design. They vary in their mechanics, bonus features, and payout rates. However, volatility, also known as variance, is one feature that can help users know what to expect from a game and choose one that matches their preference. This article discusses this term in great detail and how to recognize it in games.
What is Volatility and Its Different Types?
Volatility is a term that defines the amount of risk involved in playing casino games. This feature is essential for gamers to predict how their bets will pan out. Variance helps players make decisions regarding their potential rewards and risk tolerance.
Games can be classified into three classes based on their volatility, which could be low, medium, and high. They are briefly described below:
- Low Volatility: This offers more frequent but smaller wins. Most users do not opt for games with higher risks, which makes this level more appealing as they often get more but small payouts.
- Medium Volatility: This level has features from games with low and high volatility. As such, players get to experience rounds with lesser and higher risks.
- High Volatility: This level comes with less frequent but higher payouts. It is designed for players who want to be thrilled. Although they get massive payouts, their chances of winning are slimmer, making the games high-risk.
Factors Affecting the Feature
There are different factors that can affect the level of variance of casino games. Some of them include the following:
- Paytable and Payout Symbols
The more complex the symbols and combinations on the paytable are, the higher the payout rate, which increases how volatile the game is.
- Size and Frequency of Jackpot
How frequently the jackpot is won, as well as the size, has a direct impact on the risk level as well. Slots with irregular but huge payouts fall in the high-risk level. Also, spins with more regular but smaller wins can either be low or medium.
- Bonus Features
A game’s availability and amount of bonus features also directly affect how volatile a game is. For example, pokies with more free spins and multipliers are more volatile than those with fewer perks.
- Return to Player (RTP) Percentage
This value represents the average return that players get throughout gameplay. Similar to variance, it does not guarantee the results. Therefore, slot machines with high RTP values may not be highly volatile. Users could walk away with a near jackpot or lose most of the money wagered.
Top-Rated Pokies
Many casinos, whether online or with actual gaming machines, offer different levels of variance. Gamers can check reviews on these slots before proceeding to play. However, Stakers experts have curated a table that gives an overview of top-rated casino slots and their levels of volatility:
| Slot | Volatility | Description |
| Book of Dead | High | Book of Dead has significant payouts for those chasing huge but less frequent wins |
| Buffalo King Megaways | High | Buffalo King offers more winning possibilities for players seeking high-reward gameplays. |
| Fire Joker | Medium | Fire Joker has consistent and moderate rewards for those who enjoy relaxed gameplay with good payouts. |
| Wolf Gold | Medium | Wolf Gold has a mix of regular wins and big rewards for those who appreciate a steady game |
| Starburst | Low | Users get frequent and smaller payouts, which are suitable for those who cannot take high risks. |
| Cherry Trio | Low | Cherry Trio is for players who seek consistent gameplay that delivers regular and smaller rewards like traditional slots. |
Casinos in Australia with Diverse Games to Select From
The Role of Volatility in Playing Strategically
Variance does not help individuals play based on personal preference but helps them strategize and assess the risks involved before playing in casinos. It is up to players to decide whether they prefer the slow rhythm of low-risk games with regular wins, the flow of mixed outcomes from the medium level, or the thrill of winning jackpots in high-risk pokies. Users can confidently play online casino games with a proper understanding of this term.
