The difference between "low risk" and "high risk" slots when playing for money

Introduction

In the online slot industry, the terms low risk and high risk are directly related to the concept of volatility. It determines how often and how much winnings will fall. For Australian players, understanding that difference helps consciously pick games based on goals - whether it's a steady and long session or trying to break a major skid in a short amount of time.

What is volatility

Volatility is a statistical measure of the distribution of wins in a slot:

• Low volatility (low risk) - frequent but small payments.
• High volatility (high risk) - rare but significant gains.

In this case, RTP (theoretical return to the player) for low and high risk slots may be the same, but the path to the result will be different.

Signs of low risk slots

1. Hit Rate 25-40% - about every 3-4 spin brings something.
2. Low variance of bonuses - prize rounds give winnings within x20-x100 of the bet.
3. The balance is replenished with small winnings - allows you to stay in the game longer.
4. Suitable for wagering a vager - frequent bets increase turnover without large balance dips.

Examples:

• * Starburst (NetEnt) - frequent mini-win, up to a maximum of x500.
• *Aloha! Cluster Pays (NetEnt) - cascades and frequent combos.
• * 9 Masks of Fire (Microgaming) - simple mechanics with frequent symbolic payments.

Signs of high risk slots

1. Hit Rate 10-20% - win once in 5-10 spins and less often.
2. High variance of bonuses - prize rounds can bring from an empty bonus to x5 000 +.
3. Large possible multipliers - in some games up to x100 000 of the bet.
4. Not suitable for long sessions with a small bank - long "empty" periods are possible.

Examples:

• * Dead or Alive II (NetEnt) - rare bonuses, but payouts up to x100 000 +.
• * Money Train 3 (Relax Gaming) - huge potential, but high variance.
• * Gates of Olympus (Pragmatic Play) - rare drifts with x500 + multipliers.

When to choose low risk

Winning bonuses and vagers.
A long game with a small budget.
Minimize balance drawdowns.
Beginners testing slot mechanics.

When to choose high risk

Play for jackpots or large multipliers.
Tournaments where maximum winnings per spin are valued.
Players with a large bank, ready for long "empty" periods.
Catching "drift" for content (streams, social networks).

How to determine the risk level of a slot

1. Check volatility in game description (low/medium/high).
2. Study the paytable - the presence of large multipliers often indicates high volatility.
3. Play demo - evaluate the frequency of winnings and bonuses.
4. Look at the experience of other players - reviews and streams give an idea of ​ ​ the variance.

Bankroll recommendations

Low risk: rate 1-2% of bankroll, session 300-500 spins.
High risk: 0.5-1% bankroll rate, readiness to withstand series of 200-500 empty spins.

Conclusion

The difference between low risk and high risk slots is in the balance of frequency and amount of payments. Low risk provides stability and long play, high risk gives a chance for a big win, but requires patience and a financial cushion. The optimal strategy for Australian players is to combine both types depending on goals, situation and current bankroll.