When you’re choosing a new pokie to play, it’s easy to get drawn in by the theme, the flashy graphics, or the promise of a massive jackpot. But underneath all of that, there’s a mathematical engine at work, and one of the most important components of that engine is its ‘volatility’. You might also see it called ‘variance’—the terms are interchangeable.
Understanding volatility is absolutely key to matching a game to your budget, your personality, and the kind of experience you’re looking for. Choosing the wrong volatility can lead to a frustrating session where you bust your bankroll in minutes. Choosing the right one can lead to hours of entertainment. Let’s break down the three main levels of volatility to help you find your perfect ride.
Low Volatility: The Scenic Railway
A low-volatility pokie is designed for a smooth, steady ride. Think of it as the scenic railway of the pokie world.
- The Experience: These games pay out very frequently. You’ll experience a constant stream of small to medium-sized wins that keep your balance ticking over. The highs aren’t astronomically high, but the lows aren’t devastatingly low either.
- Who It’s For: Low volatility is perfect for new players, those on a smaller budget, or anyone who simply wants to relax and enjoy a long session without too much stress. It’s for players who value ‘time on machine’ and entertainment over chasing a life-changing win.
- Bankroll: You can get by with a smaller bankroll because the frequent payouts help to sustain your play.
- Classic Example: Starburst by NetEnt is the quintessential low-volatility pokie.
High Volatility: The Heart-Stopping Thrill Ride
A high-volatility pokie is the complete opposite. This isn’t a scenic railway; it’s a gut-wrenching, double-looping rollercoaster that you have to be tall enough (and brave enough) to ride.
- The Experience: Prepare for long, cold streaks. You can go for dozens, even hundreds, of spins with very few significant wins. It can be frustrating and punishing on your bankroll. Then, out of nowhere, you trigger the bonus feature, and the game explodes with a win that can be thousands, or even tens of thousands, of times your stake.
- Who It’s For: High volatility is for the thrill-seekers, the patient players, and those with a large bankroll that can absorb the long dry spells. It’s for punters who are chasing that one massive, unforgettable jackpot.
- Bankroll: You need a significantly larger bankroll and should use a smaller bet size relative to your total budget to ensure you can survive the cold streaks.
- Classic Example: Dead or Alive 2 by NetEnt is a legendary high-volatility game, famous for its insane winning potential.
Medium Volatility: The Best of Both Worlds
As you’d expect, medium-volatility pokies sit right in the middle, offering a balanced experience. Think of this as the classic wooden rollercoaster—faster and more thrilling than the scenic railway, but not as intense as the modern hyper-coaster.
- The Experience: You get a good mix of smaller, more frequent wins to keep your interest piqued, but you also have a genuine shot at hitting some very substantial payouts during the bonus features. It offers a great balance between entertainment and excitement.
- Who It’s For: This is the sweet spot for a huge number of players. It provides enough action to keep things interesting without the extreme risk of a high-volatility game. It’s the perfect all-rounder.
- Bankroll: A moderate bankroll is suitable. You still need to be sensible, but you don’t need the deep pockets required for high-volatility play.
- Classic Example: Many of the most popular online pokies in any casino library, like Pragmatic Play’s The Dog House, sit comfortably in this medium-volatility range.
There’s no “best” volatility—it all comes down to you. Are you after a relaxing ride, a white-knuckle adventure, or something in between? Answering that question will help you choose the perfect game at your favourite online casino ausy every single time.
