Understanding “slot volatility” is essential when choosing the best online slots. Whether you prefer the steady wins of low volatility or the big thrills of high volatility, we’ll compare both options at the safest Canadian casinos to help you make the best choice for your gameplay.
First things first – you need to understand the difference between RTP (Return to Player Rate) and volatility. The former refers to the percentage of money that a player can expect to win back from a game over time. Volatility, on the other hand, refers to the frequency and size of the wins they can expect. Another common word for this is ‘variance’.
| High Volatility | Low Volatility |
| Bigger payouts but higher risk | Smaller payouts but lower risk |
| Longer dry spells without a win | More frequent wins |
| Requires a bit more patience and a bigger bankroll | Great for longer gaming sessions and managing smaller budgets |
You may wonder why volatility matters in the world of online slots, but understanding even the basics can help you align your gaming experience with your expectations – be it to chase big wins or to enjoy longer sessions with smaller stakes. Slot variance can impact everything from the length of your gaming sessions to the way you manage your bankroll.
This Wild West-themed online slot from NetEnt is known for its massive payout potential of up to 100,000x your stake, and is ideal for those who are prepared to wait a while for a big win.
📝 Editor’s Experience: “I was a huge fan of the original Dead or Alive slot. This sequel, with its awesome soundtrack and three Free Spins modes, is even better!”
Set in Ancient Egypt, this alluring online slot has been a hit for ages thanks to its rewarding yet straightforward gameplay, played across 5 reels and 10 paylines.
📝 Editor’s Experience: “Just when I started losing hope, I hit my biggest win ever! This is a game of patience for sure, but when those payouts happen, they’re worth waiting for.”
The original was popular already, but getting reimagined with Red Tiger’s Megaways feature has taken this slot to the next level. Expect multiple features and rewards up to 21,000x your stake!
📝 Editor’s Experience: “With its Avalanche and Free Falls features, this adventure-themed slot was entertaining enough to keep me spinning until that big win finally came around!
One of the first games to incorporate the Megaways feature, Bonanza offers unlimited multiplier potential during free spins, which makes its high variance well worth enduring.
📝 Editor’s Experience: “I love betting big and taking risks, and this game is risky for sure. But, with a little patience, I know a nice payout could be just around the corner!
Plenty of online casinos in Canada have a big selection of both low and high variance slot games for you to spin, but here are some real money gambling sites you simply can’t afford to miss!
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| Welcome Bonus | $750 + 200 Free Spins | 100% up to $2,500 + 250 Free Spins | Up To $5200 + 150 Free Spins | 100% up to $750 + 200 Free Spins |
| Number of L/V Games | 1,500+ | 1,500+ | 2,000+ | 1,000+ |
| Top Provider of L/V Slots | Play’n GO | Red Tiger Gaming | Yggdrasil | Big Time Gaming |
| Why This Casino? | High volatility slots with varied themes | Plenty of slot games for riskier players | Wide selection of high volatility slot providers | High variance Bonus Buy slots available |
| Overall Rating |
Inspired by old-school fruit machines, this low variance slot is perfect for those who love a vintage look and feel. Plus, with its simple layout and Supermeter Mode, you can also enjoy some modern slot mechanics.
📝 Editor’s Note: “For me, gaming is a way to unwind. With a game like this, I can kick back, relax, keep the wins ticking over, and feel right at home.”
With a cute and quirky cat mascot, this food-themed slot features free spins and Cash Drops, and its low variance is sure to see your casino account balance stay in good shape.
📝 Editor’s Note: “Not a game for big wins, Cornelius is more just about unwinding with playful graphics and a memorable cat with a human name.”
With a cute and quirky cat mascot, this food-themed slot features free spins and Cash Drops, and its low variance is sure to see your casino account balance stay in good shape.
📝 Editor’s Note: “Not a game for big wins, Cornelius is more just about unwinding with playful graphics and a memorable cat with a human name.”
One of NetEnt’s most raved-about titles, Starburst endures thanks to its iconic gem theme and Expanding Wilds feature – which certainly helps contribute to its frequent payouts.
📝 Editor’s Note: “Honestly, I have played Starburst for years and never gotten bored with it. It’s elegant, simple, and doesn’t demand much from me. Love, love, love!”
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| Welcome Bonus | $750 + 200 Free Spins | 100% up to $750 + 200 Free Spins | 200% Up to $15,450 + 100 Free Spins | 100% Match Bonus of up to $750 + 200 Free Spins |
| Number of L/V Games | 2000+ | 1500+ | 10,000+ | 6000+ |
| Top Provider of L/V Slots | NetEnt | Quickspin | Microgaming | Betsoft |
| Why This Casino? | Low variance slots with huge jackpots | Adventure themed high-risk slots | New low volatility slots added weekly | Poker games for when you need a break from slots |
| Overall Rating |
Deciding the best slot volatility for your gaming needs boils down to personal preference and play style. Slots with high variance are better for those seeking bigger thrills and payouts, and who don’t mind waiting a while between wins. On the other hand, low volatility slots, are suited to players who prefer longer gaming sessions, with more frequent, smaller wins along the way.
Although online slot games make use of Random Number Generator (RNG) technology to ensure that outcomes are completely arbitrary, there are a few ways to make the most out of whichever variance level you prefer.
We mentioned in the beginning that RTP is different from volatility, but for a clearer explanation to help your understanding, take a look at the table below.
| RTP (Return to Player) Percentage | Volatility |
| Refers to the percentage of total wagers won by players over time. | Refers to the risk level of a game, balancing the frequency and size of wins. |
| Stays consistent, regardless of outcomes. | Tends to fluctuate. |
| Gives an overview of long-term potential returns. | Affects the gaming experience in the short term. |
| Focuses on potential win value over time. | Suitable for players who want to enjoy varying levels of excitement and thrill. |
| Can affect the perception of fairness of a game. | Focussed on varying degrees of emotional highs and lows while playing. |
| Remains static between spins, doesn’t vary. | Impacts the pattern of payouts of individual spins. |
| Reflects statistical reliability over thousands of spins. | Reflects how unpredictable each individual gaming session may feel. |
Slot volatility refers to how frequently a game pays out. Games with high variance pay out less frequently but in larger increments, while low volatility games pay out more often but in smaller amounts.
For high volatility games, it’s important to budget responsibly and be prepared for longer dry spells. Consider lowering your bet size to extend your playtime, and always set win/loss limits on your account to ensure you stay within your limits. Practicing responsible gambling helps maintain a fun and safe experience while enjoying these exciting games.
This depends entirely on your personal preferences. If you like taking risks and don’t mind extended periods between wins, high variance games may suit you better. If you’re looking to enjoy a more relaxed gaming experience, try slots with low variance.
Generally speaking, yes – because of their multiple payways and dynamic reels, Megaways slots function with high variance. But of course, every game is different, so always look up its variance online.
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