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HIGH VARIANCE SLOTS – SLOTS WITH HIGH VOLATILITY

Last Updated: October 21, 2024

Written by Stephen Cummings

Thrill seekers and risk takers – you have the opportunity to try your luck on the highest variance slots games. Slot machines come in three variances (aka volatility): low, medium and high volatility. So, what are high variance slots exactly? Slots with high variance give the opportunity for big potential wins at the expense of less regular payouts.

This page will talk you through the importance of volatility in slot games, as well as what we consider to be the best high variance slots to play in 2024. Our team of experts love playing high variance slots online, and we have come together to give you our opinion on what we believe to be the top ones currently available.

The table below showcases our favourites. Our list is based on playability, expected max payout and RTP percentage. If you are short on time, our top pick is Brute Force by NoLimit City.

TABLE OF TOP HIGH VARIANCE ONLINE SLOTS WITH RTP AND PAYOUTS

SLOT GAME	RTP	MAXIMUM PAYOUT	WHERE TO PLAY
Brute Force	96.08%	40,000x	Casumo Casino
Skate or Die	96.03%	30,000x	Casumo Casino
Land of the Free	96.08%	57,000x	All British Casino
Pirates Pub	96.03%	5,000x	ZetBet Casino
Razor Ways	96.36%	25,000x	Casumo Casino
Medusa Megaways	97.63%	50,000x	Hyper Casino
Big Bass Bonanza	95.67%	2,100x	MrQ Casino
Jammin’ Jars	96.80%	20,000x	PlayOJO Casino
Legion X	94.04%	31,000x	Pub Casino
Genie Jackpots Megaways	96.52%	10,000x	Skol Casino
Gates of Olympus	94.50%	5,000x	Bally Casino
Punk Rocker 2	96.06%	30,144x	Hyper Casino
Wild Expedition	94.67%	2,101x	Playzee Casino
Mighty Griffin Megaways	95.95%	50,000x	Fun Casino

BEST HIGH VOLATILITY SLOTS IN 2024

After researching max payouts, RTPs and general playability, we have compiled a list of what we believe are the 15 best high volatility slot games that you can play at online casinos. However, our editor in chief Jean Prince has chosen his editors pick for you below:

EDITORS PICK: THORO (RTP: 94%) BY ELK STUDIOS

Just this once, please do not pay too much attention to the RTP of Thoro as the slot is absolutely brilliant. In fact, this is Stephen’s (slots analyst) favourite slot of 2024. The mechanics play beautifully together and the Lightning paytable is extremely exciting.

if you have not played Thoro yet, I implore you to try it out, we are sure you will love it.

Play at: Casumo Casino

1. BRUTE FORCE (RTP: 96.08%) BY NOLIMIT CITY

Brute Force is SlotsHawk’s number one recommended high volatility slot for beginners because this one is super simple to play and understand. NoLimit City slots can sometimes be rather complicated when you play them because of all the features, we are pleased to say that Brute Force is the exception to this rule.

We recommend taking advantage of the xBet feature as it will ensure that entering one of the bonus games will be 10 times easier. When the SlotsHawk team tried and tested Brute Force, we triggered four bonus games in less than 15 minutes of gameplay and won over £200 betting the minimum bet of 20p per spin plus the xBet feature which took our total bet per spin up to 94p.

The volatility in Brute Force is as high as it can be and is actually described as ‘insane’ volatility. Therefore, Brute Force is our #1 recommended insane volatility slot.

Features:

• Free spins
• Bonus game
• Sticky xNudge
• xNudge wilds
• xBet
• xNudge meter

Play at: Casumo Casino

2. SKATE OR DIE (RTP: 96.03%) BY NOLIMIT CITY

Millennials rejoice, Skate or Die takes much of its inspiration from the 90s era of skateboarding and kick-ass music. Packed full of features which includes three different free spins games and a special ‘crasher’ game which allows you to win the maximum 30,000 payout, Skate or Die is a truly unique high variance slot.

One important factor to know though is that the likelihood of triggering the max payout is low – one in 11.2 million spins to be precise! With that being said, there is so much happening in this video slot that you won’t be too focussed on trying to trigger the crasher game.

Features:

• Free spins
• Bonus games
• Crasher game
• Multipliers
• Extra Sauce row
• xZone wild
• xNudge wild
• xNudge Wild Supreme
• Scatter symbols

Play at: Casumo Casino

3. LAND OF THE FREE (RTP: 96.08%) BY NOLIMIT CITY

Released in 2024 by NoLimit City, Land of the Free is a rather quirky online slot machine set in the USA. Be warned, Land of the Free plays on lots of American stereotypes, so it is not for the faint of heart. In addition, there are plenty of features here so its not really an online slot for beginners. However, if you are an experienced slots player looking for something new and thrilling, then we are sure you will love this one.

The high volatility aspect mixed with the large maximum potential payout factor of 57,000x your wager, ensures that Land of the Free has the potential to payout huge sums if a win is triggered. In addition, there are three bonus rounds, with lots of free spins available. Land of the Free is certainly one of the most popular high volatility slots in 2024.

Features:

• Free spins
• Bonus game
• Multipliers
• Wild symbol
• Scatter symbol
• Stacked symbol
• Protein powder keg
• Bottles
• Benzo bear
• Mr split and chainsaw
• Tsunami spins
• Submerged spins
• Titan spin/Idiot spin
• xBet

Play at: All British Casino

4. PIRATES PUB (RTP: 96.03%) BY PRAGMATIC PLAY

Pirates Pub is one of our favourite new high volatility slot releases due to its excellent graphics and modern mechanisms and features. Themed around pirates and pubs, Pragmatic Play have done a fantastic job when designing this slot.

Played on five reels and three rows with 9 paylines, Pirates Pub has the potential to become a classic slot game. Features include Sticky wild symbols, multipliers, repsins and wild reels. Play Pirates Pub and you will have the opportunity to trigger multipliers of up to 100x. Meanwhile, the maximum potential payout in Pirates Pub is set at 5,000x your bet.

Features:

• Free spins
• Bonus game
• Respins
• Wild symbols
• Sticky wild symbols
• Scatter symbols
• Multipliers
• High payouts

Play at: ZetBet Casino

5. RAZOR WAYS (RTP: 96.36%) BY PUSH GAMING

Razor Ways is certainly one of Push Gaming’s best slot releases so far this year. They have done an excellent job of improving and revitalising the original slots in the ‘Razor’ series. So, what makes Razor Ways so special in comparison with other online slot games, I hear you ask? The expanding reels certainly help to ensure that the base game is exciting. The more wins you manage to trigger, the more reels you get to play on which will create more and larger wins. Winning symbols explode too, so there is always the possibility of unlimited wins.

The bonus game is where the biggest wins occur due to the level up meter and the glowing mystery symbols which help to fill the meter up, resulting in larger multipliers. The only real downside is the low maximum bet per spin of just £4.50. The maximum payout is 25,000x your bet and Razor Ways utilises the Scatter Pays mechanic.

Features:

• Free spins
• Bonus game
• Expanding rows
• Expanding wild symbols
• Razor Reveal
• Instant wins
• Mystery symbols
• Glowing mystery symbols
• Multiplier level meter
• Expanding rows
• Cascades
• Push bet

Play at: Casumo Casino

6. MEDUSA MEGAWAYS (RTP: 97.63%) BY NEXTGEN GAMING

Based on the Greek mythological Gorgon monster, Medusa Megaways is a high volatility slot machine from NextGen Gaming. This slot is one of the original and classic Megaways slot games played on six reels. The minimum bet here is £0.25 that you can increase up to £25. It is possible to win 50,000x your total bet on this high variance online slot.

The graphics are cool and the theme is bold. The unique features make this game well worth playing and the massive payout percentage as well as the high RTP means that Medusa Megaways is one of our top recommended slots.

Medusa Megaways also features on our list of the best payout slot games.

Features:

• Free spins
• Bonus game
• Multipliers
• Scatter symbols
• Wild symbols
• Autoplay

Play at: Hyper Casino

7. BIG BASS BONANZA (RTP: 95.67%) BY PRAGMATIC PLAY

This is another hit online slot machine released by Pragmatic Play. The slot developer has showcased their ability to create world class high volatility slots with their Big Bass Bonanza slot. This game is in the slots libraries of almost every respectable online casino in the UK and for good reason – it is mightily popular. With a return to play of 95.67%, you get good value for your money too as well as a potential max payout of 2,100x.

Big Bass Bonanza is played on ten paylines and three rows with five reels. This Pragmatic Play high variance game is renowned for its superb graphics which appear straight out of the ocean. To score a win in this slot, all you need to do is land three matching icons on the fixed paylines. Boom! It is that easy.

Features:

• Free spins
• Bonus game
• Multipliers
• Scatter symbols
• Wild symbols
• Retriggers
• Autoplay

Play at: MrQ Casino

8. GORILLA MAYHEM (RTP: 94.50%) BY PRAGMATIC PLAY

Released by Pragmatic Play, Gorilla Mayhem is a modern online slot game with plenty of features, and of course, a high variance. The SlotsHawk team recently tested Gorilla Mayhem at Luckster casino and we can confirm that it can be played by both experienced and beginner slot players. We recommend a low betting strategy.

The layout here is a 5×4 grid with 1,024 paylines. The RTP is 94.50% and the maximum payout is 5,000x the original wager.

Features:

• Free spins
• Respins
• Bonus game
• Multipliers
• Scatter symbols
• Wild symbols
• Sticky wild symbols
• High payout
• Autoplay

Play at: Luckster Casino

9. JAMMIN’ JARS (RTP: 96.80%) BY PUSH GAMING

With a multitude of slot features and an impressive maximum payout of 20,000x, Jammin’ Jars is one of the most impressive high volatility slot machines out there. The free spins round is where the large payouts can be found.

Although the layout of Jammin’ Jars may look basic, the gameplay is anything but. If you are a fan of retro slots, you will love this one as all of the symbols are based on classic fruit symbols.

Features:

• Free spins
• Bonus game
• Multipliers
• Wild symbols
• Sticky Wild Symbols
• Autoplay

Play at: PlayOJO Casino

10. LEGION X (RTP: 96.68%) BY NOLIMIT CITY

A 31,000x potential payout awaits high volatility slots players in this game from NoLimit City. The beautiful graphics are the first thing I noticed when I tested this slot at Playzee casino. As with all slots from this developer, players will gain access to numerous modern features and various wilds.

Legion X is themed around Rome’s battles with the barbarian hoards. Played on a 5×5 grid, the minimum bet here is £0.20 with the max bet set at £100.

Features:

• Free spins
• Bonus game
• Multipliers
• Scatter symbols
• Wild symbols
• xNudge wilds
• Infectious wilds
• Autoplay

Play at: Pub Casino

11. GENIE JACKPOTS MEGAWAYS (RTP: 96.52%) BY BLUEPRINT GAMING

Like all games within the Megaways slots niche, Genie Jackpots Megaways slot is a thrilling high variance slot machine. Released in 2018, this slot provides you with a 25 line bet system. Scatter symbols will generate free spins. If you play this high variance online slot you will also be treated to wild symbols, mystery symbols and the buy-a-bonus special feature.

The minimum bet here is £0.10 whilst the maximum you can bet whilst playing this slot is £50. The maximum win potential playing Genie Jackpot Megaways is 10,000x your bet!

Features:

• Free spins
• Respins
• Bonus game
• Multipliers
• Scatter symbols
• Wild symbols
• Autoplay

Play at: Skol Casino

12. GATES OF OLYMPUS (RTP: 94.50%) BY PRAGMATIC PLAY

Themed around Greek myth and legend, Gates of Olympus by Pragmatic Play is the perfect high variance game for any players interested in ancient antiquity. In fact, Gates of Olympus is one of the most played online slots in 2024 due to its great features and fantastic graphics.

The great features only increase the excitement when playing this high variance game for real money. Random multipliers, numerous high paying symbols and a generous free spins round gives the opportunity for nice sized wins. A max payout potential of 5,000x is also worth noting.

Features:

• Free spins
• Bonus game
• Multipliers
• Scatter symbols
• Wild symbols
• Autoplay

Play at: Bally Casino

13. PUNK ROCKER 2 (RTP: 96.06%) BY NOLIMIT CITY

Another fantastic renovation of the original slot, Punk Rocker 2 is loaded with more features, new graphics and NoLimit City’s special ‘insane’ volatility which is another word for high! The key to hitting the largest payouts in this high variance slot machine is by triggering one of the free spins games. During free spins, you will get access to Jumping Wild symbols which really help to jack up the multipliers!

With a return to player of 96.06%, this is higher than the original Punk Rocker slot too, the maximum payout of 30,144x is way above average too. Finally, the free spins games will activate either one or both Train Enhancers which almost guarantee better rewards.

Features:

• Free spins
• Respins
• Jumping Wilds
• Train Enhancers
• Wild symbols
• Scatter symbols
• Bonus symbols
• xWays
• xBet

Play at: Hyper Casino

14. WILD EXPEDITION (RTP: 94.67%) BY RED TIGER GAMING

Wild Expedition is an adventure themed high variance slot machines with vibes similar to Book of Dead. With a hit frequency of 2 in 5, this is one of the slots played by high roller players due to its good hit rate and maximum bet limit of £200 per spin.

This game also comes with sticky wilds, multipliers and a remarkable bonus game which has been inspired by adventure stories. Wild expedition was released in 2021 and can be played at most online slot sites.

The only downside is the relatively low RTP level of 94.67%, but if you can overlook this, then you will likely enjoy playing.

Features:

• Free spins
• Bonus game
• Multipliers
• Scatter symbols
• Wild symbols
• Sticky wild symbols
• Autoplay

Play at: Playzee Casino

15. MIGHTY GRIFFIN MEGAWAYS (RTP: 95.95%) BY BLUEPRINT GAMING

We return to the high variance Megaways slots arena now with Mighty Griffin. Assuming you are here to play high variance slot games, checking out Mighty Griffin Megaways slot is a no brainer. With a max payout of 50,000x, the potential for big wins is all too real and makes this game one of the best paying slots online.

This online video slot allows bets from £0.10 per spin up to £10. This game also features a progressive jackpot – 0.49% of the RTP is reserved as a contribution to the progressive jackpots.

Mighty Griffin Megaways actually has three progressive jackpots in total that can be triggered at any time including the industry-renowned Jackpot King progressive jackpot.

Lookout for the griffin symbol which is the highest paying symbol (50 x your stake).

Features:

• Free spins
• Respins
• Bonus game
• Multipliers
• Progressive jackpots (x3)
• Scatter symbols
• Wild symbols
• Autoplay

Play at: Fun Casino

NEW HIGH VARIANCE SLOTS

On the lookout for new high variance slots? We’ve got you covered. You can find all of the newly released slots with high variance below, updated for 2024:

• San Quentin 2: Death Row
• Boo
• Outsourced
• Stockholm Syndrome
• Apocalypse Super xNudge
• Beheaded
• Fire in the Hole 2
• Boss Bear
• DJ Fox

EXPLAINING TYPES OF SLOT VARIANCES

Don’t forget, there are three different types of slot volatility levels. Here’s a quick look at the main differences between low, medium and high. This should paint a clear picture for choosing which type of slot machine is correct for you.

LOW VARIANCE SLOTS

Low variance slots are the opposite of high variance slots. In low variance slot games, the wins come regularly but the payouts are much smaller in comparison to their high variance counterparts.

Low variance slots are best suited to beginner slot players. you can read more about these slots by visiting our low variance slots page.

MEDIUM VARIANCE SLOTS

As you have probably worked out by now, medium variance slots are somewhere in between low and high variance games. These slots produce plenty of low-medium sized wins with a sprinkling of large wins too.

Medium variance slots give the opportunity to win a decent number of times without having to risk too much of your bankroll. However, this is often not enough for those risk taking players who are looking to win big!

HIGH VARIANCE SLOTS

High variance slots come at the other end of the spectrum, you have to play these slots for a while before you hit a win, but when a win does arrive, the sum is likely to be big. These slots tend to attract high roller slots players and players who like to make large deposits.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SLOT VOLATILITY

If you plan on playing slots for the long-run, it is advantageous to at least be aware of the volatility of the slots you are playing. However, there are other factors which should be considered too.

For example, slots with a higher RTP will payout more in the long run, regardless of the volatility factor. A high RTP mixed with high variance is likely to affect how much you win when playing an online slot.

RTP will effect how much you will win over a long period of time. For example, a slot with 97% RTP will pay £97 for every £100 put into the slot. This percentage is theoretical and is determined after several millions of spins. In reality, there is a lot of luck involved. However, it makes sense to play high variance slots which also come with a high RTP.

IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN VARIANCE AND VOLATILITY

There are no real differences between the terms variance and volatility. It is safe to assume that a high variance slot is the same as a high volatility slot.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF HIGH VARIANCE SLOTS

Like all aspects of life, high variance slots come with both advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of high variance slot games:

• More potential for high payouts
• Can be more rewarding in the long run
• Many of the newest slots have high variance

Disadvantages of high variance slot games:

• Higher risk in comparison with lower variance slots
• Wins are sometimes less regular

There are pros and cons of all online casino games, the most important factor to consider is how much fun you are having. However, when playing high variance slots, you need to take your bankroll more into consideration.

BEST CASINO’S TO PLAY HIGH VARIANCE SLOT GAMES

Any online casino which has its own library of slot games will likely stock a variety of slots with high variance/volatility. However, there are hundreds of such casinos to choose from in the UK alone.

Our slots analyst has picked our his choice of the casinos which he regards as the best ones for high variance slots players.

• All British Casino – An online slot site dedicated to UK players only, All British Casino has a games library of hundreds of high variance slot games. In addition, everyone who plays at All British Casino will receive 10% cashback on losses at the end of every month.
• BetFred Casino – One of the most well known gambling outlets on British shores, BetFred comes with a unique collection of high variance slots, many of which cannot be found at other casinos.
• Casumo Casino – With a library of over 1,000 individual video slots, Casumo is, in our opinion, one of the best all-round casinos in the UK. You can play all of the high volatility slots on this page at Casumo Casino.

HAVE FUN WITH HIGH VOLATILITY SLOTS

We hope that you have found this guide dedicated to the most up-to-date high variance slots information useful. The team here at SlotsHawk.com regularly update this page whenever one of us finds a brand new high variance slot or any other news regarding a game. So, be sure to check back regularly for important updates.

Please remember to always gamble responsibly.

HIGH VARIANCE SLOTS FAQS

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