Low-Variance Slots
Low-volatility slots offer frequent wins but offer low payouts when compared to slots with higher variance. Check out the best low-variance games!
Gamblers generally want to lower the risk of losing money sat slots. Low-variance slots offer this opportunity with their small volatility rate but on the flip side, they offer smaller wins (independently from their RTP).
Obviously, due to the low risk present among low-volatility slots, you must expect certain disadvantages. In this article, we take a close look at slots with low variance to determine whether they are worth your time and money.
Slot volatility defines the risk associated with a slot machine's payout across multiple spins.
Low-Variance Slots Explained
With a low-variance slot, the gambler will win more often across several spins but each win will tend to be smaller. In addition, a good chunk of low-variance slots have a medium to high RTP rate to ensure a solid return after playing them for a long time.
One notable characteristic of low-variance slots is their small payout rate. While the low-risk aspect of the slot will keep your bankroll going steady, the small payouts make it hard to truly grow your bankroll. Low-volatility slots are the opposite of high-variance slots which pay more rarely but much larger multiples.
A lower variance is ideal for players with small bankrolls as they cannot afford a long period without any substantial payout. However, doubling your bankroll with a low-volatility real money slot game is going to be a very unlikely outcome.
10 Best Low-Variance Slots
Here are our recommended slot games with low-variance.
| Name | Developer | Variance | RTP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 Golden Coins | EGT | Low | 95.50% |
| Jimi Hendrix | NetEnt | Low | 96.90% |
| Star Joker | Play'n Go | Low | 96.25% |
| Esqueleto Explosivo | Thunderkick | Low | 96.00% |
| Lara Croft: Tomb Raider | Microgaming | Low to Medium | 96.56% |
| Dragon's Myth | Microgaming | Low to Medium | 96.40% |
| Carnaval | Microgaming | Low | 96.94% |
| Aloha Cluster Pays | NetEnt | Low to Medium | 96.42% |
| Dazzle Me | NetEnt | Low | 96.90% |
| Classic 243 | Microgaming | Low to Medium | 95.31% |
1. 20 Golden Coins
With an RTP of 95.50% and low volatility, comes with many features, such as its progressive jackpot prizes. Its titular Golden Coin symbols contain random cash prizes within the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th reels. To collect these prizes, they need to match with the Collect symbol on the 5th reel.
One of the slot's interesting mechanics is its Mystery Nudge feature that randomly triggers when there are one or more Golden Coin symbols on the reels. This feature moves the 5th reel upwards or downwards to reveal new symbols and allow you to create matches with the gold coins.
2. Jimi Hendrix
Based on the legendary guitarist of the 60s, gives you several ways to gain a good payout, such as the Purple Haze feature. It boasts an RTP rate of 96.90% on top of its relatively low variance. When a Purple Haze symbol lands on the 1st reel, every low-valued symbols become a wild one.
Upon matching 3 or more scatter symbols, you can activate one of four features such as a random multiplier that can reach up to 30x your bet. Jimi Hendrix slots also have three special free-spins modes, one of which three to five overlay wilds throughout the free games.
3. Star Joker
Star Joker by Play'n Go takes a straightforward approach with a 5x3 reel matrix, 10 paylines, and its 96.25% RTP rate. Its free-spin feature changes the Scatter symbol into a wild one, increasing your chances of matching five symbols throughout your free games.
This game also has a Play'n Go gambling mini-game that lets you double or quadruple your winnings by selecting the right color or suit. Think of it as a small game within the bigger game; it's definitely exciting and innovative! It truly adds to the immersive experience.
4. Esqueleto Explosivo
Thunderkick's Day of the Dead celebratory slot uses a tumbling-reel slot feature with a 5x3 reel grid and 17 paylines. Esqueleto Explosivo boasts a 96% return-to-player rate alongside low volatility, which will please small bankrolls! Matching symbols in the game reward you with a progressive bet multiplier that can reach up to 32x.
Creating matches in Esqueleto Explosivo is easy thanks to the Explosivo Wild Symbol. Not only can the wild symbol substitute other symbols, but it also explodes and takes out 8 symbols surrounding it. Its explosion creates space for new symbols to enter the reels (yep, you guessed it, that's a cascading reel game).
5. Tomb Raider
Based on the popular action/adventure game, uses a 5x3 reel grid with 15 paylines. The game offers an RTP rate sitting at 96.56% with low-to-medium volatility.
Incredible payouts are possible through the Free-Spins mode, where each win is tripled. Matching additional Lara Scatter symbols within this mode can reward you with more free games. Tomb Raider also has a Tomb Bonus mode where you select four idols. Each idol rewards you with a random cash prize.
6. Dragon's Myth
Microgaming's Dragon's Myth is a 3D slot game with two different Free Spins features. This slot game embeds a 96.40% RTP rate as well as a low to medium variance. In the first one, the reels get a "both ways" mechanism that allow you to create matches from the left to right and right to left side of the reels.
Upon getting a special Dragon Blimp symbol on the reel, you activate the Dragon Cave mode. You can choose up to two spaces within the 2nd and 4th reel that will have a Sticky Wild symbol during this mode.
7. Carnaval
Carnaval is a . The game gives you a straightforward low-variance slot experience and a 96.94% payout rate. This experience includes a Scatter symbol that pays out when three or more appear on the reels and Wild symbols that only substitute all non-scatter symbols.
While Carnaval looks simple on the surface, the high-valued symbols and limited features ensure a steady payout in each spin.
8. Aloha Cluster Pays
One of the popular cascade reels from NetEnt, uses a Cluster pays feature where you match symbols adjacent to each other. The game embeds an RTP of 96.42% alongside a low to medium variance. Clearing symbols out through every win allow new ones to enter the reel and create additional matches.
An interesting aspect of the Free Spins feature of Aloha Cluster Pays is the removal of low-valued slots during the first set of free games. During the last free-spins, only the high-valued symbols are left landing on the reels.
9. Dazzle Me
Using an unusual 5x3x4x5 reel grid and 76 fixed paylines, offers several high-payout features. As a whole, Dazzle Me is a very exciting game with a return rate of 96.90% and definitely a low volatility level.
One of these features is the Dazzling Wild reels that create a wild reel within any of the five reels. This feature can occur during the base game and can create more than one wild reel.
Another feature of the game is the Linked Reels where two or more reels will have the same symbols. Linked Reels makes it easy for you to match five of the high-paying symbols.
10. Classic 243
With 243 paylines, a 5x3 reel grid, and a 95.31% RTP rate, upgrades the fruit-themed slot with neon colors. This game provides several exciting features such as a Stacked Wild symbol during the Free-Spins mode.
You can also double your wins by choosing the right Glowing Diamond within the Gamble mini-game. This mini-game lets you double up your winnings about five times. Talk about nerve-wracking excitement and pressure!
Advantages of Low-Variance Slots
Several low-variance slot advantages make them appealing to casino patrons. Here are two solid reasons why players want them and how they adapt their strategy when playing slots.
Frequent Wins
There are casino patrons who want to experience consistent wins regardless of how much they could win upon their visit to any casino. Low-variance slots provide them the experience they are looking for where a good chunk of their spins has a payout.
For certain participants, the experience of consistently winning is a rewarding experience than doubling their bankroll. Low-variance slots also allow players to extend their slot gameplay, which makes the game worth it if they are looking to kill time.
Low Risk
Low variance slots take out most of the risk involved with slot games, often due to the multiple payout opportunities such as high-valued symbols or robust bonus modes.
By minimizing the risk, players can enjoy various slots with minimum chances of losing their entire bankroll in less than an hour.
Disadvantages of Low-Variance Slots
While low-variance slots have their strength, it also has its flaws. Here are the cons of playing with these types of slots.
Gradual Money Loss
As you keep playing low-variance slots, your bankroll gradually decreases after a series of spins. With the lack of massive returns, it is difficult to recover the losses from low-paying or losing spins.
Those who dislike the experience of a gradual decline of their bankroll are less likely to enjoy low-variance slots.
Low Payout Potential
Anyone looking to get rich when visiting a casino is less likely to achieve their goals with low-variance slots. With its low-risk factor, the rewards are significantly smaller compared to high-volatility slot machines.
In addition, taking advantage of a slot's RTP rate require you to spend a significant amount of time spinning the reels. You can achieve a good return on a high-variance slot with just a few spins if you are lucky to trigger the bonus feature or match high-valued symbols.
Low-Volatility Slots: FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about slot games with lower volatility.
What are low-variance slots?
All low-variance slots present a low-risk rate where the likelihood of winning a majority of your spins is high. However, the low volatility also results in a low payout rate.
Do low-volatility slots provide high RTP?
A large number of low-volatility slots offer a high RTP rate of 97% to 99.5%, ensuring a good return over a long period. It is important to note that there are low-variance slots with low to medium RTP.
Will playing low-variance slots guarantee a return on your bet?
Despite the minimum risk present within these slots, low-volatility slots do not guarantee a return for your bet. Every slot offers a wide range of winning probabilities in each spin, but neither of them offers a large edge towards the player.
Where can you find low-variance slots?
You can find a rich selection of low-variance slot machines in brick-and-mortar casinos as well as online casino sites. Certain gambling establishments have their low-variance slots gathered within one section of the casino floor. You can ask the casino floor staff to indicate you which machines have lower volatility.
Should you play low-variance slots?
If you enjoy a casual gambling experience where the stakes are low, low-variance slots are worth playing with. You can enjoy a steady return and better bankroll management when playing these games.
Slots with low variance and volatility provide relaxing gameplay for anyone who is no comfortable with common gambling games. With a rich selection of low-volatility slots, you are likely to find one you can enjoy with a minimized risk.
