It’s a fact that we slot veterans often don’t realise how confusing some of our jargon and terminology can get. We’ll throw phrases like “low stakes”, “low volatility”, and “low variance” around all willy-nilly and expect anyone to instantly understand what we’re talking about! If you had to stop and wonder what low stake and low volatility mean then you’re at the right place, as we’re going to tell you all you need to know about them. But that’s not all, as we’ll also teach you how to use this knowledge to figure out which online slots are ultimately right for you. So keep on reading, you’re set for a truly exciting ride
What do “Low Stake” and “Low Volatility” Mean?
First off we need to define what “low stake” and “low volatility” mean. Despite both sharing the word “low” the two have nothing to do with each other. So let’s thoroughly explain these reasons behind many slot fans’ confusion.
What does “Low Stake” Mean?
In the slots or gambling context the term “stake” refers to the same thing as the bet, or the amount of cash you’re spending on a round of the game. As such, the “low” there refers to the size of the stake or bet, specifically that it’s, well, low or small. Thus, a “low stake slot” is simply one that allows for small bets. All slots allow for variable bet sizes, but not allow you to play for as low as £0.20 or even £0.10. That’s when low stake slots come into play!
The term “low stake” does not indicate how often the game pays, or how much. It doesn’t point out if a game is risky to play or its volatility either. Again, it simply means that bets can go as low as £0.10 or £0.20. Many highly volatile slots can be played for low stakes, just as there are low volatility slots that only accept larger bets.
What does “Low Volatility" Mean?
We’ve defined the phrase “low stake,” so what about “low volatility”? Here we have to start with the term “volatility,” which refers to how the game distributes its winnings. The word volatility is interchangeable with variance, and can also be described as the risk playing a specific slot represents. A high volatility slot is high risk, meaning you’ll almost certainly get a lot of losing spins before potentially getting a win, while low volatility slots are the opposite as they promise smaller, more frequent wins.
Volatility has nothing to do with how much you actually bet per spin. A low volatility slot might still have a minimum bet size of £0.50 or more, while a highly volatile slot may be playable for as little as £0.10. Also keep in mind that slots are games of pure chance, and the volatility indicators are just that. You might play a low volatility slot for dozens of spins and not get a win, or play a single spin of a high volatility slot and instantly get a payout. That said these terms are still very useful means of classifying slots by how they tend to play over long periods of time.
The Key Differences Between Low Stake and Low Volatility Slots
We got around to defining the terms “low stake” and “low volatility,” but what are the key differences between the two? We went ahead and tabled these to make it easier to compare and contrast these two concepts:
|
Feature |
Low Stake Slots |
Low Volatility Slots |
|
Focus |
Bet size |
Risk |
|
Risk Level |
Depends on volatility |
Lower |
|
Win Frequency |
High or low |
Generally high |
|
Potential Payouts |
Differs per game |
Typically low |
|
Bankroll Impact |
Controlled spend per spin |
Slower balance swings |
|
Player Experience |
Budget-friendly |
Steady, less risky |
|
Ideal for |
Players with a small bankroll |
Risk-averse players |
As you can see above, low stake and low volatility are very different concepts. A low stake slot limits how much you spend, but you can still be spending your money on a risky, highly volatile slot. A low volatility slot, on the other hand, manages both your risk and expectations of winning, leading to a potentially more steady bankroll.
Which Type of Slot is Best for You?
This is, perhaps, the crux of the argument - which type of slot is best for you? It all depends on your personal tastes and circumstances and, ultimately, there is no right or wrong here. If your budget for playing slots is tight then we’ll be the first to recommend you to play for as low a stake as possible. The size of your bet will not affect the fun of a slot, as your chances of winning will remain the same. This means you can stretch out your bankroll by playing for the lowest £0.20 or £0.10 bet and still have a great time.
Low stake slots are also perfect for new players who are dipping their toes in these games, or those who simply want to enjoy the reel-spinning experience without a thought of the potential wins. We also recommend testing a slot for as low a new stake as it allows - after all no one wants to spend too much on a game they’ll end up not liking!
Meanwhile the choice of volatility affects directly how the experience the slot will bring. In the case of low volatility this can prove low excitement for those who prefer a spot of risk in their games. Low volatility slots do bring regular wins, but these tend to be on the lower side of the equation. This can allow for steady bankroll balance, which in turn allows you to play for longer and even go for bigger stakes. Do you prefer to be in control, even when playing a gambling game? Then low volatility slots might be the game for you.
How to Combine Low Stake and Low Volatility for Smart Play
These two concepts - low stakes and low volatility - are separate, but they can overlap in the case of low volatility slots that allow you to play for low stakes. Such slots would be the best choice for players who are as budget conscious as they are risk-averse. How can such a player find such games, never mind take advantage of what they have to offer? That’s simple, actually. All slots should have an Info or About section that clearly details its minimum and maximum stake sizes, as well as its volatility. If the bet size information is not available there then you can always adjust the size of your stake through the available controls, which typically take the form of a coin button found close to the Spin button.
Getting the most of low volatility, low stakes play requires a bit of a strategy. Set a budget for your session, and stick to it. Calculate how many spins you can get from your bankroll while playing at the lowest stake, and stick to that bet size. Consider any wins or triggers of bonus rounds as balance support, and stop playing once your bankroll reaches zero. This approach aligns with responsible gaming, which is key when it comes to any form of gambling, including slots.
Conclusion
The differences between low stake and low volatility slots are clear. Low stake slots control how much you spend, while low volatility refers to how the game plays. If you’re concerned about your budget then go for low stake games, while low volatility slots are perfect if you want to lessen the risk of the experience. Understanding these concepts will make you a more informed player that can enjoy slots on their own terms. Have fun with us at Slingo and, as always, play responsibly.
