Understanding High Volatility Pokies

One of the great things about online and mobile pokies is that they come in all shapes and sizes with different themes, jackpot sizes and betting limits. Whether you a complete novice or an experienced High Roller, there is always a game to suit your mood and your bankroll. For players who want a bit more excitement in their life and have the bankroll and the time to spend, high volatility pokies are the way to go.

If you are new to the whole Internet gambling scene you may not be aware of volatility and how it works, and you could actually end up playing the wrong type of game for your bankroll and time frame. Understanding this is crucial, and we’ve explained everything you need to know here.

The Terminology Demystified

Volatility refers to the theoretical “risk” of the pokie itself. While the RTP doesn’t change, highly volatile games have higher risk, while their lower counterparts have a reduced theoretical risk.

The question is; why would you want to go with a higher risk option?

To answer this question we have to look at how each game pays out. If you are playing online or mobile pokies with low risk, you can expect to hit a least a few winning combinations in a relatively small time frame. The payouts may not be very high, but you will at least get something out in your play session, even if it is only 15 minutes.

On the other hand, if you are playing high volatility pokies, you may end up hitting the spin button for 20 minutes before you actually land a payout. The big difference is that when you do, the amount you win is significantly larger. There is a chance you will run out of funds before you actually get your payout, but if you have a generous bankroll and the time to wait it out, the payout may well be worth your while.

The Role of RTP Explained

Many people often confuse the return to player (RTP) rate and volatility. The RTP is the total amount the game pays back in winnings. Most online pokies NZ have an RTP rate between 93% and 98%. This means that for every $100 that goes into the machine, $93 or $98 comes back out in the form of winnings. Unfortunately it doesn’t mean you’ll win that amount back for every $100 wagered, as the RTP is a theoretical number the developer has determined over a set period of time.

This being the case, it is always better to find a title with a higher RTP. The volatility of the machine does not affect the total payout amount, but rather when it is paid out, and in what quantities. Either it is paid out in smaller, more regular batches, or it is paid out in infrequent, larger batches.

What Option Is Best?

Most players don’t even realise that choosing the element of risk involved is an option in the online pokies NZ has to offer. Unless you are specifically looking for the information, it is not openly displayed. The average casino is filled with low, medium and high-risk titles in all shapes and sizes.

So, Are High Volatility Pokies Better?

The answer depends on the amount of time you want to spend playing and the size of your bankroll.

As mentioned above, you do stand to win more in high volatility pokies if you have the patience and the bankroll to support a long period of gameplay without a single win. If this is the case, you may just land a major win when all the symbols line up.

For anyone just getting started and players with a limited budget, it may be best to stick to the lower risk mobile pokies, as you will preserve your bankroll and win more often, which is a huge mood boost even if the amount you are winning is not that high.