When you play pokies for real money online, you’ll notice that some games pay out more often than others. If you read some reviews, you will also find out that all the online pokies can go down to one of the 2 groups: high-volatile (high-variance) and low-volatile (low variance) games.
Volatility, also known as variance, is a measure of how often a pokie pays out and how big the payouts are. A high volatile pokie will pay out less often but the payouts will be higher. A low volatile pokie will pay out more often but the payouts will be smaller. A medium volatile pokie will have a mix of both.
pokies with high volatility are usually more exciting to play as you never know when that big payout will hit, but they can be more frustrating too as you have to wait longer for a win.
Low volatile pokies are more predictable and can provide more regular, small wins which can keep your bankroll ticking over nicely.
The decision of whether to go for a high volatile or low volatile pokie is really up to personal preference — some people like the thrill of waiting for that big win, whilst others prefer the steady stream of smaller wins.
And if you’re not sure which game to choose, you can always try out the demo version first to get a feel for it before you commit to playing for real money.
High Volatility (Variance) Online Pokies
The higher the variance, the greater the fluctuations in payouts. A game with high variance will pay out big jackpots infrequently, while a game with low variance will pay out small jackpots more often. Many players prefer high-variance games because they offer the opportunity to win life-changing sums of money. However, these games can be more volatile and unpredictable, so it’s important to choose wisely. Just be sure to manage your bankroll carefully, so that you don’t end up losing more than you can afford to.
If you’re interested in trying out high volatility pokies, then check out our list of the top five best games below.
1. Dead or Alive by NetEnt
This high-volatile pokie features a Wild West theme and offers players the chance to win up to 12,500x their stake. With an RTP of 96.8%, it’s no wonder that Dead or Alive is one of the most popular high volatile pokies around.
2. Starburst by NetEnt
This classic pokie is as popular as ever, thanks to its simple but addictive gameplay and dazzling graphics. With a max payout of 50,000x your stake, it’s definitely one to check out if you’re looking for some high-risk fun.
3. Bonanza by Big Time Gaming
This old-school pokie has a mining theme and offers players the chance to win up to 10,000x their stake. With an RTP of 96%, Bonanza is a great choice for players who are looking for a highly volatile pokie with the potential for big wins.
4. Reactoonz by Play’n GO
This space-themed pokie features adorable aliens and offers players the chance to win up to 7,777x their stake. With an RTP of 96%, Reactoonz is a fun and exciting option for highly volatile pokie fans.
5. Jammin Jars by Push Gaming
This Cluster Pays pokie from Push Gaming is another great option for those chasing big payouts. It offers a max payout of £250,000 and features an 8×8 grid layout.
High volatility online pokies are perfect for players who are looking for a thrilling and exciting gaming experience. These games offer the possibility of big payouts, but they also come with a higher risk of loss.
Low Volatility (Variance) Online Pokies
Low volatile online pokies are a great way to have some fun without breaking the bank. These pokies have low variance, which means that they pay out smaller prizes more frequently. As a result, you can enjoy hours of play without having to worry about losing a large amount of money. While the payouts may be smaller, they will come more often, providing you with a steady stream of winnings. In addition, low volatile online pokies tend to have lower betting limits, making them more affordable for casual players.
If you’re looking for a steady stream of small wins, then low variance pokies are probably your best bet. However, if you’re hoping to hit the jackpot, then high variance pokies are certainly worth a try.
Here are five of the best low-volatility online pokies that you can try.
1. Irish Luck by Playtech
This exciting 5-reel, 30-payline game features all of your favorite symbols of Ireland, including four-leaf clovers, leprechauns, and pots of gold. There are also plenty of bonus features to keep you entertained, including a wild symbol, a scatter symbol and a free spins round.
2. Jack and the Beanstalk by NetEnt
This folktale-inspired pokie from NetEnt is another great option for those who want to enjoy some low-risk fun. With a maximum payout of 2,500x your stake, it’s perfect for anyone after some quick and easy entertainment.
3. Panda Pow by Lightning Box Games
This 5-reel, 25-payline game features an adorable panda theme and offers players the chance to win up to 20 free spins. The free spins can be re-triggered, and there are also special expanding symbols to fill entire reels.
4. Golden Goddess by IGT
IGT’s Golden Goddess is one of the most popular online pokies around, and it’s not hard to see why. The Golden Goddess herself is the wild symbol in the game, and she can substitute for all other symbols except the pink rose, which is the scatter.
5. Steam Tower by NetEnt
Last but not least on our list is Steam Tower, another excellent choice for those looking for some low-risk fun. With a maximum payout of 2,000x your stake, it’s a great option if you’re looking to win big without taking on too much risk.
When it comes to pokies, there is a lot of debate about which type is better: high or low volatility. Ultimately, it depends on your personal preferences. If you’re looking for a chance to win big, then high volatility pokies are probably your best bet. But if you’re more interested in playing it safe, then low volatility pokies might be a better option. Ultimately, the best pokie machine is the one that you enjoy playing the most. So, experiment with both types and see which one you prefer.