Playing slots is one of the most popular casino games. The bright lights and sounds make for an exciting experience with the chance to win big. But not all slots are created equal when it comes to volatility. Low volatility slots have become increasingly popular over the years. What makes these games so appealing to players? Here’s an inside look at the key drivers behind low volatility slot popularity.
Back in 2020, high volatility slots ruled the casino floors. These games provide less frequent but much bigger payouts. Players were drawn to the potential for those elusive huge jackpot wins. However, over the last five years, low volatility slots have taken over in dominance.
Low volatility slots provide more moderate but consistent payouts. Rather than banking on that one big jackpot, players can expect to hit plenty of small and mid-sized wins. This may seem less exciting at first glance. Yet several key factors make these low-volatility slots incredibly appealing.
Lower Risk Brings Steadier Reward
The main driver behind low volatility slot popularity comes down to risk tolerance. High volatility slots available at GoldSpin can deplete a bankroll quickly while waiting to hit an infrequent big win. Low volatility games pose less risk, since players don’t have to wager as much money between payouts. The wins may not reach jackpot levels, but they add up at a steady pace.
Over time, low volatility slots tend to pay back a higher percentage of money wagered than their high volatility counterparts. This makes them ideal for players with smaller bankrolls or those less comfortable enduring long dry spells between payouts.
Rise of Casual Slot Players
Back in 2015, the typical slot player visiting land-based casinos consisted mainly of older adults with disposable income. These hardcore gamblers didn’t mind taking big risks for the chance at a life-changing jackpot.
Yet over the last ten years, casinos have seen a huge influx of younger casual players. For many millennials and Gen Zers, visiting a casino provides entertainment and excitement rather than solely chasing big wins.
These casual slot players prefer low volatility games that provide a fun, rewarding experience. Hitting plenty of small and mid-sized payouts makes the gameplay itself more entertaining, whether or not they walk away with a huge jackpot.
Mobile Game Experiences Transfer Over
Another key driver comes from the popularity of mobile games. Smartphone games often utilize variable ratio reward schedules. This provides random rewards and incentives to keep players engaged.
Low volatility slots mimic the type of small frequent rewards found in many popular mobile games. For a generation growing up playing games on smartphones and tablets, low volatility slots directly transfer over that same style of gameplay.
Math Behind Low Volatility Slots
While personal preferences fuel some of the popularity, the math behind low volatility slots also drives people towards these games. Let’s take a look at the numbers:
| Game Volatility | Hit Frequency | Average Payback % | Max Payout | Bankroll Risk |
| High | Low | 89-96% | Very big | High |
| Medium | Moderate | 92-97% | Big | Moderate |
| Low | High | 93-98% | Moderate | Low |
Low volatility games provide the best overall payback percentage to players. The high hit frequency ensures regular payouts that slowly add up. While the max payout ceiling isn’t nearly as big as high volatility slots, the reward ultimately proves more predictable and consistent.
For many gamblers, those key mathematical factors reduce the risk enough to prefer low volatility slots over chasing huge jackpots that rarely hit.
Customization Allows Control
In 2022, slot developers introduced far more customization options into low volatility games. Players can now tweak settings to control volatility, hit frequency and bonus features.
Being able to set these variables to match personal preferences provides a sense of control for players. They can find the right balance between risk and reward potential that brings the most enjoyment.
This level of customization makes low volatility slots even more appealing. Players aren’t stuck with preset game volatility and settings that may not fit their style.
Final Thoughts
The rising popularity of low volatility slots results from a perfect storm converging over the past five years. Preferences shifting towards lower-risk gameplay, influxes of casual players, mobile gaming influences, mathematical advantages and customization options all fuel the momentum behind these games.
While high volatility slots aren’t going away, their dominance in the industry continues to fade. As players discover the sustainable rewards low volatility games provide, this trend shows no signs of stopping. Slot developers will keep refining low volatility game features to match player interests and maximize enjoyment.
All signs point towards low volatility slots cementing their status at the top of the casino floors for years to come. Their ability to provide exciting and rewarding gameplay, even without massive jackpots, makes them the new gold standard in slots.
