There&\s no arguing that big win slots with high volatility offer the most thrilling gaming experience online, but what are they exactly? In short, these games don&t dish out smaller wins very often – instead they keep your bankroll tight for longer before eventually rewarding you with a large payout.
If you’re familiar with the notion of risk versus reward, you’ll understand slot volatility rather easy. Basically, high-variance slot machines (high-volatility slots in the US) promise rare but lucrative payouts – which ultimately means, you’ll have to assume a greater risk to achieve those higher rewards than, for example, on a low-variance slot machine.
Traditionally, high variance slots feature the industry’s biggest jackpots–both at land-based casinos (i.e. Vegas slots) and online. However, the degree of risk can vary quite drastically within such games, which is why we set out to find the most volatile slots out there.
Our goal was to identify casino slots that deliver plenty of excitement by way of significant dry spells, followed up by some truly eye-popping big wins. Of course, it’s not always possible to measure pure volatility in absolute terms, but our experts did their very best. After months of rigorous testing, playing each game hundreds of times, we were finally able to narrow down the list to our top 10 most volatile slots – see for yourself!
Most Volatile Slots of All Time
1. Mega Moolah (High 9,5+)
Microgaming’s most famous creation made history in 2006 when it hit the world record jackpot, and it remains one of the most volatile slots ever made. Known as “the Millionaire Maker”, this African safari-themed slot has spawned several sequels over the years, all featuring the iconic wheel-of-fortune bonus round which gives you a shot at hitting a life changing seven-, six- or even five-figure sum.Boasting a very high volatility (9,5+), this classic slot will keep you guessing at all times. While big wins are few and far between, any combination of five lions will give your balance a healthy 36x boost – not to forget the free spins with a tripled multiplier which can easily send the meters into the thousands. Based on our extensive tests, we consider this legendary slot to be the most volatile slot of them all.
2. Book of Ra (High 9,5)
No inspired journey through ancient Egypt would be complete without Nova Mega Reel and 1000 Free Spins! What makes this adventurer’s quest so special, you ask? Well, aside from the enthralling storyline, captivating music score and immersive sound effects, this video slot packs a few surprise features which can add quite a bit of instability to your gameplay – turning what would normally be a stable session into a nail-biting thrill ride!Like all other Egyptian-themed slots, it’s the ancient artifact (in this case, a golden book) which holds the key to untold riches – provided Lady Luck is shining down upon you …The gamble feature gives you a fair chance to turn small wins into big ones, but scratchings-winning big isn’t easy as this slot definitely qualifies as one of the more volatile games around.
Check out our overview of the for more recommendations.
3. Hall of Gods (High 9,2+)
This Norse-mythology themed slot might just be the perfect recipe for big wins: three progressive jackpots waiting to be won, stacked wild symbols and a bonus feature that awards free spins during which all wins are tripled – what’s not to like? But beware of the one-eyed giant who’s snarling at you from behind the reels because this beast can go weeks – if not months – without dishing out any decent prizes.However, much like the fierce gods Thor, Odin and Loki only show themselves during mighty storms and catastrophic natural disasters, this highly volatile slot can award staggering big wins out of the blue – making it all worthwhile in the end! Cautious players may want to start with small bets – say, $0.25 per spin – but in order to qualify for the progressive mega jackpot, you need to wager at least $1.60.
pokerstars casino review paInterested in learning more about this high variance slot? Then our might do the trick.
4. Mad Scientist (High 9,2)
You’d think a scientific breakthrough was in the making every time that creepy little monkey presses the lever and another batch of green smoke rises from the test tubes – but all we ever seem to get are meagre winnings and a pathetically tiny light bulb. Still, we keep coming back for more despite the fact this slot tends to deplete our bankroll at an alarming rate. Why? Because every now and then, the ridiculous amount of small wins add up to something substantial – and that, friends, is the very definition of high volatility slot machines.
5. Superman The Movie (High 8,7+)
As comic book movies continue to dominate multiplexes across the planet, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to see the Man of Steel soaring onto the reels of many a superhero slot – but is this game as powerful as its namesake? Certainly, it comes packed with all the bells and whistles you would expect from a next-gen video slot but does that make it an enjoyable experience?Well, the software engineers over at Playtech must be big fans of Marvel comics because they’ve incorporated no less than nine chroniclers of the Big Blue Boy Scout’s adventures – including a certain Mr Kent and a pretty klutzy Lois Lane. Thanks to randomly triggered re-spins and two different bonus features – one of which offers multiple levels – you’ll hardly ever feel like you’re on the losing end of things; but make no mistake, this is one of the most volatile slots you’ll find – so don’t say we didn’t warn you!
For fans of DC Comics, we also recommend giving a try.
6. Ramses Book (High 8,5)
Egyptian-themed slot with a clever twist on an old literary classic? Yes please! But beware of those cursed ancient relics – you don’t want to end up like all those mummified explorers whose sole mistake was hitting the max bet button… OK, so maybe turning into a golden statue isn’t all that terrifying – especially since it could happen at any time, expanding symbol and all; but trust us when we say you really don't want to play this high variance slot for too long on a low roller budget. That said, any fan of ancient civilizations should enjoy the charming atmosphere created by the symphony of Middle Eastern sounds and the intricate carvings adorning the walls of an otherwise unremarkable online casino.
Best MI Online Casinos (updated for ) - Top Sites & Games7. Blood Suckers (High 8,4+)
A horror-comedy slot set in a dark gothic castle where the brave protagonist gets to battle hordes of zombies and werewolves before finally facing off against Dr Acornpants himself? Sounds awesome, right? Well, not only is this NetEnt gem one of the highest volatile slots out there, it also features some of the most frustrating near misses you’ll ever encounter – but stick with us and you’ll soon agree it was all worth it! See, when you manage to gather the strength to spy on the vampire bride and her bridesmaids, you could be looking at a whopping 101x multiwin multiplying your stake – talk about a worthy goal! But be warned: this slot boasts 25 fixed paylines and an above average variance, meaning you’ll have to dig deep into your wallet if you plan on uncovering its secrets.
Not scary enough for you? Check out our list of and prepare to be spooked!
8. Good Girl Bad Girl (High 8,3+)
Wheeler-dealer types will feel right at home in this bank safe where every spin is covered by two angels and a devil – one wanting you to play max bet, the other encouraging you to take a chance with a single coin. Fortunately, should you choose to listen to the good angel, you’ll get to enjoy twice your stake thanks to a most generous return-to-player.But let’s be honest here: that wouldn’t make for much of a game now, would it? No sirree, we want action – give us the checksuit and a handful of singles, already! Only then do we stand a chance of triggering that thrilling bonus feature where you get to walk a tightrope between black and white, chasing after that elusive jackpot while trying not to fall into the bottomless pit. An absolute classic among high variance slot machines, Good Girl Bad Girl is a must-play for all fans of big win slots.
9. Jackhammer (High 8,2)
Don’t it always seem to go, you lose the most when the stakes are high – sorta like this old-school fruit machine set in the Roaring Twenties. With its catchy tune and cool graphics, nobody would bat an eyelid if you started wagering an entire farm on each spin – which sorta explains why you’ll be seeing quite a lot of that bloody-faced dynamite man whenever luck isn’t on your side. Indeed, free spin symbols are hard to come by – but should you ever strike it rich, you could be looking at a massive 25,000x multiwin! Talk about boomshakalaka!
10. Jackpot 6000 (High 8,2+)
Welcome to Sea Side, a quaint little coastal town reminiscent of the good old days – except it’s eerily deserted. Must be off season. Let’s hope we’re not stuck with nothing to do bur playing the one slot machine in the whole darn place because going for a swim doesn’t sound like a grand idea with that creepy clown face leering at us from behind the reels. Admittedly, wild cards can show up clockwise or counterclockwise at any time – but don’t hold your breath. Still, should you manage to collect ten skulls, you’ll earn the right to pick from three mystery envelopes – one of which could contain a huge cash prize, perhaps even one of the two progressive jackpots!
High Variance Slots List
Moving forward, we decided to split the rest of our top 20 high variance slots into three different groups, based on their apparent level of volatility. Remember: calculating the slot volatility is never an exact science, which is why these classifications are open to debate.
Feel free to use the table of content below to navigate through this page:
Slot Games with Very High Volatility (Above 9)
11. Tomb Raider (High 9,8)
Based on the hit movie franchise, this classic slot adaptation packs all sorts of exciting surprises – the most notorious being those laser-like close calls where you come within inches of striking gold, only to watch helplessly as the percentages defy all logic and swallow your hard-earned credits down the drain. Still, if you’re the patient type who isn’t afraid of long sessions, Tomb Raider can prove incredibly generous – courtesy of an interactive bonus round leading up to a wheel-of-fortune which awards free spins with a triple multiplier and up to 25× multipliers.
For lovers of the original video game series, we’ve got a list of ready and waiting.
12. Ugga Bugga (High 9,8+)
It looks like an average fruit machine but this quirky insect-themed slot conceals a very unusual setup: all symbols appear with equal frequency, regardless of their relative value. How is that possible? Well, every Betting spot represents five independent reels – meaning each spin contains 15 independently chosen symbols. Of course, that doesn’t guarantee big wins; in fact, it’s not uncommon to go through dozens of spins without even breaking even. Still, your chances of hitting the jackpot (five golden bees in this case) are supposedly the same on the first spin as on the hundredth. Pretty neat trick, eh?
13. Jackpot Giants (High 9,8+)
We all secretly dream of winning the lottery – but what if you could become an instant multimillionaire simply by spinning the reels of an online slot? Well, that’s precisely the promise made by this celebrity-filled game: line up six logo symbols on any active payline, and voilà! Granted, the odds of actually pulling that off aren’t much better than scooping the Powerball; still, the suspense can be exhilarating as one acting couple or the other keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very last second. Is this IWG production one of the most volatile slot machines ever made? Experts seem to think so.
14. Zombie Hunters (High 9,7)
When the undead begin to outnumber the living, it’s time to strap on your shotgun and head out into the streets – preferably with a stack of max coins because this high variance slot isn’t known as ‘zombo’ for nothing. Sure, explosive barrels can sometimes be useful for taking out hordes of brain-hungry zombies; but let’s be honest, we live for those epic near-misses where our hero comes within centimetres of chopping off the main zombie’s head – only to watch him get swamped by a wave of groaning undead. Such is life in an apocalyptic world overrun by flesh eaters.
Best Gambling Shelbyville KY Jobs – Jobs in Gambling ShelbyvilleSlot Machines with High Volatility (Between 7 and 9)
15. Alchemist’s Lab (High 8,6)
Here’s a high variance slot that delivers on all fronts: an entertaining theme, great graphics, smooth animations, random wild generators, and two separate bonus rounds which can award up to 25 free spins – during which time all prizes are tripled. Oh, and let’t forget the progressive jackpot that keeps rising until some lucky soul finally turns three flasks of the same color. Problem is, the flask symbols are among the lowest paying icons so catching the elixir of glory can take weeks – unless lady fortune is smiling down upon you, that is.
16. Highway Kings (High 8,4+)
Revving engines, screeching tires and roaring big cats up front – yeah, this trucking-themed slot is pretty much what you’d expect: a bunch of semi cabins lined up on either side of the reels, rumbling away during every win and waiting ominously for you to line up enough matching symbols to trigger one of four random features. As the saying goes, it takes guts to travel the open road alone – and the same applies to playing high variance online slots; still, should you succeed in getting that gold igloo truck and the gorgeous blonde to show up on an active payline, you could be looking at a highly gratifying 7,500 coin jackpot.
17. Tycoons (High 8,3)
Somewhere between diamonds, piles of cash and golden watches, you’ll find a bonus round that allows you to manage your very own simulation business – a feature which adds an extra layer of interactivity to this high volatility slot. But don’t spend too much time day trading; you’re a tycoon, for Pete’s sake, not a stockbroker! Besides, the real money lies buried deep inside a safe protected by a combination dial – provide the right numbers and you’ll get to spin a big wheel which can either increase your reward up to 10× or subtract free tries; once your chances run out, you’re awarded the total amount revealed on the wheel. Easy as pie.
18. Secret Service (High 8,3)
This James Bond inspired slot packs all sorts of gadgets and surprises – starting with those falling wilds that can add as many as four golden bullets to your credit balance. One James Bond symbol appearing on reel 3 will initiate a spy mission which can lead to a second screen bonus round where you get to investigate a corpse and select various body parts in hopes of revealing additional cash prizes. Problem is, this game can deplete your bankroll awfully fast so we suggest starting at micro stakes before moving up.
Need more MI6 approved slots? Look no further than our hand-picked collection!
19. Biker Pigs (High 8,2)
Is there anything more metal than a slot filled with greasy bandit dudes hogging the same paylines? Okay, so the music isn’t all that heavy and the artwork is more cartoonish than badass – but hold your horses, arseholes!” couldn’t be further from the truth in this high variance slot where the toughest-looking characters will rarely reveal themselves during the same spin. Still, lining up a row of bearded faces holding up cards can earn you a decent chunk of change –provided you managed to wager at least 25 cents or more.
Medium High Variance Slots (Between 6 and 8)
20. Eagle’s Wings (High 7,6+)
Stunning visuals, relaxing nature sounds and a host of feathered creatures helping you hunt down some tasty buffalo – what else is needed for a perfect day in the great plains? Oh, how about a sizeable credit balance? This medium-high variance slot can force you to be extremely patient if you’re after some decent returns; still, the wait is made bearable by a heated bonfire that keeps generating arrows pointing in all directions – some of which contain valuable prizes. Get particularly lucky during the bonus round and you could leave the reservation with up to 12,500 coins jangling inside your pockets.
21. Gopher Gold (High 7,5+)
What happens when an evil billionaire sends his army of gophers underground to retrieve priceless artifacts hidden by Inca treasure hunters? If you believe Golden Rock Studios, lots of tumbling reels and cartoonish wild animals popping up on different rows – but where’s that precious metal? Admit it: you’ve been checking the balance display ever since that sneaky groundhog triggered the bonus feature, haven’t you? Ah, patience my friend – that’s the price you must pay if you aspire to striking it rich in the unforgiving world of high volatility slot machines.
22. Hitman (High 7,5)
Hitman is one of the most popular video games ever made – which probably explains why this slot adaptation enjoys a certain following of its own, in spite of looking somewhat dated. Fans of the original game will immediately recognize Agent 47’s stylized image alongside assorted guns, briefcases, lipstick-loaded pens et al; but where’s that bloke with the Santa Claus outfit? Oh, you’ll meet him again all right – along with that Russian dude and that faceless woman, possibly even the guy in the yellow suit; unfortunately, catching those special symbols on the first few spins is about as likely as scoring a critical hit on IOC agent Olivia Washington – at the online slots, that is.
23. Lights (High 7,4+)
Inspired by traditional Japanese arts and crafts, this beautiful NetEnt slot is teeming with delicate symbols, soothing music and smart features such as randomly activated mini-bonuses which can trigger anywhere – well, almost anywhere. Problem is, the only symptom you’re likely to notice is monks suddenly becoming monks again, unless you’re running at maximum bet and desperate for some semblance of action. Catching the wise master himself could fill your account with yens, but such are the ways of high volatility slot machines: you feast one day, you fast the next.
24. Karate Pig (High 7,4)
There’s something weirdly satisfying about watching a pig dressed in a judogi performing karate moves – even though said animations seldom materialize unless you’re betting half an EUR/dollar per spin or more. It gets even better during the bonus stage where our chubby hero faces off against a group of toughed-looking yet comically ineffectual thugs – but honestly, how many times can you watch the same guys before deciding it isn’t your day? Truth be told, micro stakes players have no business engaging with this medium-high volatility slot.
Need some peace and tranquillity after all these karate kicks? We hear you – why not try some of the out there?
Advantages & Disadvantages of Playing High Variance Slots
OK, so you’ve decided to step outside your comfort zone and try some high variance games – but why? What’s the appeal of big win slots anyway? Here are some advantages and disadvantages to help you reach a decision:
Pros
- Bonus rounds can be absolutely thrilling
- Big wins can be mind-blowing
- Hours of intense action
- Some high variance slots offer large progressive jackpots
- A successful max bet can be surprisingly rewarding
Cons
- Painfully long periods of negative reinforcement
- Depleting your bankroll within hours – or minutes!
- Need for strong self-control to avoid chasing losses
- These slots aren’t suitable for low rollers
How to Find the Volatility of a Slot Machine?
Mathematicians usually refer to slot volatility by its actual name: variance. It represents how much a specific slot is going to deviate from its RTP over a long period of time and can be calculated using the following formula:
Best Bonus Slots - Big Win Slot Machines with Bonus GamesSlot Variance = (Arithmetic Mean (-) Overall Product \ / Total Bet Size) * 100%
That’s the theoretical side of things, but how are regular players supposed to know whether Mega Moo is a good or a bad fit? Luckily, many gambling websites nowadays give each slot a volatility index, typically ranging from very low (aka slot machines with low volatility) to extremely high.
Of course, even slot volatility indices may vary from one casino to the other, and most players don’t bother checking such figures anyway; instead, they learn to recognise high volatility slots by their typical symptoms:
- Long periods of mediocrity interspersed with occasional big wins
- Low Return to Player (RTP)
- Progressive jackpot slots are generally very volatile
- High variance slots tend to have a relatively wide range of bets
High Variance vs Low Variance Slots: What’s the Difference?
Now that we’ve gone over the 25 best high variance slots, you might wonder how they compare to .
Low variance games are also called ‘frequency’ or ‘video’ slots because, as the name suggests, they are programmed to pay out Small wins occur fairly , thus hiding the true cost of playing max bet.
However, the total percentage of money returned to players over a long period of time follows a completely different pattern:
While both types of slots can have high RTP rates exceeding 95%, it takes a lot more gameplay for the house edge to make itself felt in the case of low variance slots – which explains why many casual players prefer them over high variace slots.
Final Thoughts: Is High Volatility Worth a Try?
Most experienced slot players enjoy the diversity and will switch from one type of game to the other depending on their mood. Indeed, there’s room for all kinds of big win slots in any decent casino lobby.
Still, we can’t stress this enough: playing high variance slots with real money requires discipline and bankroll management skills. Some people react violently to the suggestion, others simply can’t abide by it; if you belong to those categories, then by all means, go ahead and spin that reels – but don’t come crying when the law of averages catches up with you.
Those who wish to improve their odds of profiting from online gambling should read the following guides written by our expert team:
Meanwhile, why don’t you share your own experiences with high variance slot machines? Maybe you have some good tips for dealing with long cold streaks, or perhaps a favourite big win quote? As always, we appreciate your messages.
Q&A on High Volatility Slots
What is a high volatility slot?
By extension from the concept of volatility in finance, slot volatility describes how much a specific game is likely to deviate from its theoretical return to player (RTP), over a long period of time. More specifically, high variance slots are programmed to pay out less frequently than low variance games but can offer larger rewards.
Are high variance slots good or bad?
Big win slots with high volatility can be both fun and rewarding, provided players understand the mechanics and accept the risks involved. In fact, most casino lobby feature a mix of titles suited to different types of gamblers.
Which are the most volatile slots?
The 25 games listed in this page can all be described as very volatile since their symmetrical variance approaches or exceeds 9 on a standard scale that goes from 1 to 10. According to mathematics, that should mean long periods of negatives results interrupted by odd moments of spectacular success – but one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, and vice versa.
How to tell slot variance?
Online casinos have started providing slot volatility information to help players choose their games accordingly, typically using a label system that goes from very low to very high variance. Gamblers who have access to the game’s theoretical data can also calculate variance using a mathematical formula involving the arithmetic mean and overall product of winning combinations.
Where can you find high variance slots?
All the games featured in our selection can be played online at licensed and regulated casinos. Of course, they may appear in different lobby, depending on the software providers’ contracts with the various operators. For what concerns the actual license, remember to always check whether your jurisdiction is listed in the legal notice section.
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Published on: 30 November 2023
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