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High Variance Slots – Big Payouts in the UK

Lead Author: Nicholas Crouch
Last Update: 25/11/2024

High variance slots are perfect for players who are looking for bigger risks in return for more substantial payouts. In essence, high volatility slots don’t award wins to players as frequently as their low and medium volatility counterparts, but they do award players with large payouts when they do win.

UK Best High Volatility Slots for 2024

You may be wondering what we mean when we mention high variance slot games. What makes them different from any other kind of online slot. Well, in essence, high volatility slots award wins to players less frequently than low or medium variance slot games.

You might ask, what’s the point of playing high variance slots if they award wins less frequently? It’s quite simple really, to compensate for the lower rate of wins, these slot types offer much higher payout in relation to the size of your bet. Meaning they offer more risks but greater rewards.

These kinds of slots will mostly appeal to players looking for a little extra risk to spice up their gambling, and admittedly some players may be put off by the low frequency of wins, especially if they are having a bad spell of luck. You can check out the best high volatility slots in the table below.

High Variance Slot RTP Maximum Payout Bonus Game Best UK Casino
96.02% 5.0 out of 5.0 1,000x Yes Griffin Casino
95.94% 4.9 out of 5.0 5,000x Yes NetBet
96.80% 4.9 out of 5.0 40,500x Yes Casumo
96.50% 4.8 out of 5.0 2,500x Yes PlayOJO
96.52% 4.8 out of 5.0 12,500x Yes Grand Ivy
96.20% 4.8 out of 5.0 50,000x Yes Videoslots
96.40% 4.8 out of 5.0 50,000x Yes Playzee
97.24% 4.7 out of 5.0 17,420 x Yes 888casino
96.23% 4.6 out of 5.0 6,532x Yes Casimba
95.95% 4.5 out of 5.0 1,500x Yes PartyCasino

As you can see, some of the best slots casinos in the UK offer a wide variety of high volatility slot games. All of these games differ in terms of the size of their maximum payouts, gameplay mechanics and their respective themes. Meaning that there are many variables to consider.

Finding the best high variance slots to suit your gambling needs comes down to personal choice and to which game you feel appeals to you the most. We have taken the liberty of including some brief reviews of the highest volatility slots that believe offer the best gambling experience to UK players.

High Volatility Slot Summary

High volatility slots are characterised by their lower frequency of wins as a result of offering players some of the highest possible payouts compared to the size of their bets.

Best High Volatility Slot Highlights

  • Potential for massive payouts
  • Produced by leading software developers
  • Usually have bonus games
  • Widely available at online casinos

Top High Variance Slot Games

The highest volatility slots showcase just as much variety between different titles as any other slot type. Every high variance slot will offer its own gameplay mechanics, bonus modes, art style, wagering limits and theme. Given this sheer level of variety, UK players have multiple options to choose from.

In fact, high variance slots cover both traditional style online slots and Megaways slots. It goes without saying that there are plenty of opportunities for players who are willing to take on the higher risks that high volatility slots games in return for more lucrative payouts.

The Top 5 UK High Variance Slots 2024

A selection of various high variance slots

In general, high volatility slots appeal mostly to players who get a rush from placing riskier bets. Of course, these types of slot games also appeal to many players because of the quality of their gameplay and their visual style. What kind of slot you choose to play ultimately comes down to personal taste.

Deco Diamonds – 96.02% RTP by Microgaming

Deco Diamonds is one of the top Microgaming slots, a leading high variance developer in the gambling industry. This is one of the best high volatility slots in the UK and players can expect lush visuals and dynamic gameplay mechanics that will keep you engaged and entertained.

With an RTP of 96.02%, this game offers a pretty standard payout rate compared to other high variance slot games. The maximum win, at 1,000x your current bet, is admittedly quite low compared to other titles that we have listed here, the excellent gameplay mechanics more than make up for this discrepancy.

The Deco Diamonds slot game.

Book of Gold Classic – 95.94% RTP by Playson

Produced by Playson, Book of Gold Classic offers players the very best gameplay one can expect from a traditional slot game. This Egyptian themed high volatility slot is very popular among UK players, and it has spawned a number of variants that go by its name.

While a RTP of 95.94% is not really anything to boast about, with a maximum win of 5,000x your current bet this high variance slot rewards gutsy players who are willing to risk the odds for a large win. For players looking for challenge, they can’t go wrong with trying their luck with this title.

The Book of Gold Classic slot game.

Dead or Alive 2 – 96.80% RTP by NetEnt

Wild West fans are in for a treat with Dead or Alive 2 the highly popular sequel to the classic slot from NetEnt, arguably one of the most renowned and influential games developers in the history of online gaming. Players are treated to stunning visuals and lucrative bonus spins modes.

Dead or Alive 2 has a respectable payout rate of 96.8%. It also offers one of the highest maximum wins of any high volatility slot at 40,500x your current bet, meaning lucky players who land a win can expect to see some massive payouts depending on how much they wager.

However, we will mention that it doesn’t get too out of hand, as the maximum bet a player can place is £18 a spin. At the same time, that does mean the highest possible payout available is a whopping £729,000. If you are looking for a top site to play this game, check out our Hippodrome online casino review on this page.

The Dead or Alive 2 slot game.

Gold Rush – 96.50% RTP by Pragmatic Play

Of all the available highest volatility slots available to UK players, Gold Rush from Pragmatic Play offers some of the most memorable animations and gameplay that you could hope to find when playing high variance slots. The game also offers decent wagering limits with a maximum bet of £125.

The game’s payout rate is good, with an RTP of 96.50%. The game’s maximum win is set at 2,500x your current bet, which when you consider the maximum bet you can make on this slot, the chances for potential large wins will prove enticing to many high rollers.

The Gold Rush slot game.

Gold King – 96.52% RTP by Play’n GO

This from Play’n Go title, is another high variance slot that offers a good range with its wagering limits. Players can make a minimum bet of just 20p or they can make a maximum bet of £100. That’s true royal treatment when it comes to wagering options, and it appreciate a game that tailors to all types of budgets.

You’ll find a good payout rate of 96.52%, which for a high variance slot is quite fair. The game really shows off its strengths with a king’s ransom of a maximum win at 12,500x your current bet. This is another title that can offer potential huge payouts to lucky players.

The Gold King slot game.

Best Online Casinos for High Volatility Slots in the UK

The best high variance slots in the UK come from reputable software developers and have all been tested for fairness by respected third-party auditors such as eCOGRA and iTechLabs. All of our recommended high volatility slots games casinos hold valid gambling licences from the UK Gambling Commission.

This means that these operators listed in the table below, are all fully regulated and responsible gambling sites. They offer safe, secure platforms for UK players who wish to gamble online, and each site is protected by state-of-the-art encryption software which ensures the safety of players data and funds.

1. Griffin Casino
5.0 out of 5.0
770+ Games 250+ Games 200 Spins Full T&Cs Apply. 18+. Welcome bonus: new UK depositing players only. 200 spins require 3 deposits of min. ‎£20 each and are issued as follows: 50 on 1st deposit, 50 on 2nd deposit and 100 on 3rd deposit. Spins are issued on selected games. Winnings from spins are bonus with wagering requirements 35x. Spins expire after 24 hours. Bonus expires after 21 days. Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly, www.gambleaware.org.
2. Karamba
5.0 out of 5.0
250+ Games  80+ Games 100% up to £50 + 100 Bonus Spins Full T&Cs Apply. 18+. Welcome bonus: New players only. Min first deposit: ‎€10. Max bonus €200. 100 spins require 3 deposits. 100% bonus and 20 spins on 1st deposit. 40 spins on 2nd deposit (min €20), and 40 spins on 3rd deposit (min €20). Spins issued on selected games. Spins and bonus wagering requirement: 35x, spins expire after 24 hours. Gambling can be addictive. Play responsibly, www.gambleaware.org.
3. Videoslots
4.9 out of 5.0
1,000+ Games 3,600+ Games  Up to £200 Full T&Cs Apply. 18+. New Customers only. £10 minimum deposit required, 35 x wagering in order to receive the maximum of £ 200 bonus. Contributions to wagering vary by game. Bonus within thirty (30) calendar days under the 'My Bonuses’ section of your account (found under 'My Profile'). The 100% bonus up to £ 200 will be paid out in 10% increments to your Main Account balance. Max bet per spin is 50% of your deposit up to £20.
4. Playzee
4.9 out of 5.0
250+ Games 800+ Games Up to £300 + 100 Spins Full T&Cs Apply. 18+ New players only. Min Dep £20. Max Bonus Bet £5. Offer: 100% of 1st deposit up to £300 + 100 Zee Spins on Starburst (first 10 credited on 1st deposit; rest credited at 07:00GMT at 10/day) + 500 Zee Points. Spins expire after 23:59GMT on day they’re credited. Winnings from each 10 spins capped at £50 & credited as bonus. Bonus funds expire after 30 days, are separate to Cash funds, & subject to 35x wagering of bonus + deposit amounts. Affordability checks apply. GambleAware.org
5. PlayOJO
4.8 out of 5.0
1000+ Games 2,500+ Games 80 Spins Full T&Cs Apply. First deposit only. This offer is only available for first time depositors. Min deposit is £10. 80 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza. Spin Value: £0.10. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. This offer is only available for specific players that have been selected by PlayOJO. If you have arrived on this page not via the designated offer via PlayOJO you will not be eligible for the offer. OJO’s Rewards and Game Play policy applies.
6. Casimba
4.8 out of 5.0
150+ Games 500+ Games Up to £200 + 50 Spins Full T&Cs Apply. 18+. New players only. Min. deposit £20. Max. bonus bet is £5. Bonus spins on selected games only and must be used within 72 hours. Winnings from Bonus spins credited as bonus funds and capped at £100. Bonus funds expire in 30 days, unused bonus funds will be removed. Welcome Offer is 100% match up to £200 plus 50 bonus spins on your 1st deposit, 50% match up to £50 on your 2nd deposit. Bonus funds are separate to Cash funds, and are subject to 35x wagering the total bonus & cash. Only bonus funds count towards wagering contribution. Affordability checks apply. GambleAware.org.
7. 888casino
4.7 out of 5.0
100+ Games 300+ Games 200% up to £200 Full T&Cs Apply. 18+ First-time depositors • Min deposit £10 • Claim within 48 hours • Expires in 90 days • 30x wagering • Valid on selected slots • UK and Ireland only •
8. MrMega
4.6 out of 5.0
70+ Games 650+ Games  Up to £80 Full T&Cs Apply. 18+, Welcome bonus: New players only, 1st deposit, min deposit: £10, max £80. Wagering requirements apply 35x.
9. Casumo
4.6 out of 5.0
250+ Games 750+ Games £100 + 50 spins Full T&Cs Apply. 18+ New customers. Opt-in required. 50 Bonus Spins on “Big Bass Bonanza” at 10p per spin and 100% Deposit Bonus up to £100 on first deposit (payment method and play restrictions apply). Min. deposit £20. 30x wagering for Bonus Spins 30x wagering on Deposit + Bonus (game weighting applies). Max. £5/spin or £0.50/line.Offer ends in 7 days. Please gamble responsibly • GambleAware.org
10. NetBet
4.5 out of 5.0
350+ Games 1,000+ Games Up to 500 Free Spins on First Deposit Full T&Cs Apply. 18+ New players, £10+ deposit, no e-wallets/prepaid cards, up to 500 Free Spins, 40x wagering on Free Spins winnings, £5 max bonus stake. GambleAware

Of course, this list is by no means exhaustive, high variance slot games are an incredibly popular product and can be found at pretty much every casino site in the UK. There are even entire casinos with high variance slots such as mFortune. For a comprehensive list of the top operators, we recommend checking out our safe casinos in the UK page.

We only recommend the safest and most reputable casino sites to our readers. Any operator that we list here has been fully researched by our experts and has been submitted to extensive judging criteria. In our opinion, the easiest way to gamble safely online is to only visit sites recommended by gambling experts like ourselves.

Can You Play High Volatility Slots with a Bonus?

Welcome bonuses can be a great boon to new players when they first start out at an online casino. They offer additional funds and/or spins, which allows players to either play for longer, for more than they have budgeted with or let them try out a new casino game without having to use their own money.

Of course, welcome bonuses come with certain conditions attached, but these only really come into play if you are planning on withdrawing any winnings you may have received when using your bonus funds or spins. These conditions are called wagering requirements and they are an important aspect of any casino bonus.

Rating 5.0 / 5.0
🎁 Welcome Bonus Up to £300 + 100 Spins
🔄 High Volatility Slots 250+
⏱️ Software Provider Microgaming
⚖️Regulation
🏆 Play Here!
Full T&Cs Apply. 18+ New players only. Min Dep £20. Max Bonus Bet £5. Offer: 100% of 1st deposit up to £300 + 100 Zee Spins on Starburst (first 10 credited on 1st deposit; rest credited at 07:00GMT at 10/day) + 500 Zee Points. Spins expire after 23:59GMT on day they’re credited. Winnings from each 10 spins capped at £50 & credited as bonus. Bonus funds expire after 30 days, are separate to Cash funds, & subject to 35x wagering of bonus + deposit amounts. Affordability checks apply. GambleAware.org

Wagering requirements are the certain number of times the value of the welcome bonus which you need to wager before you can withdraw any winnings you received using those funds. These are usually between 30x to 70x the bonus amount depending on which casino you visit online.

Considering the lower frequency of wins that players receive from high variance slots, players may decide that it is not worth their time trying to meet the wagering requirements on a casino bonus and will instead use the welcome bonus to play without having to put forward their own money. Check out our casino bonuses for more options.

Can You Play High Variance Slots on Mobile?

Mobile gambling is fast become the most popular means by which people gamble in the UK. The best high variance slots games casinos in the UK all offer mobile optimized sites so that players can play on the go, whenever and wherever they feel like it. Check out our top option below.

Rating 5.0 / 5.0
Welcome Bonus Up to £50 + 100 Spins
Mobile Slots 200+
Mobile Devices Android & iOS
⚖️Regulation
🏆 Play Here!
Full T&Cs Apply. 18+. Welcome bonus: New players only. Min first deposit: ‎€10. Max bonus €200. 100 spins require 3 deposits. 100% bonus and 20 spins on 1st deposit. 40 spins on 2nd deposit (min €20), and 40 spins on 3rd deposit (min €20). Spins issued on selected games. Spins and bonus wagering requirement: 35x, spins expire after 24 hours. Gambling can be addictive. Play responsibly, www.gambleaware.org.

The obvious difference between gambling on desktop and mobile is portability. Almost every high variance slots casino in the UK has optimised its site for both Android and iOS compatibility so that no player is left out. Players will find that there is very little difference between the desktop and mobile version of an online casino.

Players don’t need to download any apps (though some operators offer them) and can instead access their chosen operator through the web browser on their mobile device. For a full rundown of the best mobile operators, we recommend that players read our guide to the top mobile casinos in the UK.

Available Payment Methods at High Variance Slot Online Casinos

Now that you know more about high variance slot games and the top casinos to play them at, it’s time to talk about the payment method options available to you. The manner in which you perform deposits and withdrawals at your chosen venue is always something to keep an eye on. Transaction fees and times, limits and security all play a role regardless of where you play.

The first thing to note for UK players is that government legislation has removed any withdrawal limits at online casinos. That means you are free to withdraw as much as you desire from your chosen UK operator – but you should check with your preferred payment provider whether there are any limits in place, as they are still legally allowed to set limits on withdrawals.

At the time of writing there are numerous ways in which players in the UK manage their casino accounts and funds while enjoying their favourite high volatility slot games. However, each one comes with its own strengths and weaknesses, and, depending on your needs, there is a method to suit you. Below we have created a list of payment methods to give you a better idea about your options:

The above list of payment options is by no means exhaustive, but it should provide you with a better understanding of what your options are. Ultimately, your choice of payment method comes down to what your needs are, but you can set yourself up for success with a little research before you make your final choice.

Differences Between High Volatility Slot Games and Medium Variance Slots

High volatility slot games aren’t the only kind you will find at online casinos. Perhaps you have also heard of medium variance slots and are not sure of the difference between the two, if any? The best place to start is to realise that the terms volatility and variance mean the same thing at the end of the day.

Next, high variance slot games can best be described as high risk, high reward – meaning players win less frequently than with other kinds of slots, but when they do win, they tend to win big. Medium variance games, on the other hand, offer a medium level of risk in return for average payouts, which occur more frequently than they do with high variance titles.

The variant you choose will depend on several factors that are all to do with you, such as your budget, playing style, and what you are looking for from the games you play. The most important aspect, however, is fairness, which you can check by seeing whether your chosen casino is audited by independent agencies such as eCOGRA and iTech Labs.

Conclusion

It’s time to wrap up our guide to high variance slot games with a quick summary of the most important points we have raised on this page. It’s fair to say that players of high volatility slot games tend to be high rollers. This is because more money is required to play for long enough to reach a payout. That said, those payouts, though less infrequent, will be higher than with any other slot game.

That’s why the highest volatility slots will also be jackpot titles, where sometimes life changing sums of money can be won. But if you have a smaller budget then you may want to give even the best high variance slots a wide berth, as you could quickly empty your player account with little to show for it.

In that case, we’d recommend opting for a medium or low variance title, as it will be much better suited to your budget and playing style. You can stay on the safe side by only signing up to secure and fair UK gambling sites that have been approved by the Scams.info team.

FAQs

Thank you for reading our guide to high variance slots. We hope the information and advice we have shared proves helpful for you in the future – if you would like a rundown of the most essential points of our guide, just head to the FAQ section below for a quick summary.

1️⃣ Which are the best high variance slots to play from the UK?

There will be lots of opinions about this question! Essentially, the best high variance slots are available at safe casinos – after that, choosing an exact title all depends on your taste. To help you pick the right game, we have listed the current best options for you in our guide, complete with RTP details and recommended casinos.

2️⃣ Where can I play high volatility slots online?

Virtually everywhere! There are thousands of options for playing high volatility slots online but if you want to find the best venues, you really must ensure that the operator is licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. A great place to start is our up-to-date list of the best casinos for high volatility slots right now.

3️⃣ Which is the best high variance slot real money bonus in the UK?

There are many bonus options available to you, and to help you decide, our team of casino experts has identified the top offer for you in our mini guide to high volatility slots bonus offers for UK players. Simply click through to see the full promotion.

4️⃣ What are the top high variance slots in the UK?

Our recommendations for the top high variance slots games in the UK are a great place to start when it comes to looking for awesome titles to play. If you prefer to do your own research, then here is our main advice in bite-size form: always make sure to only play at licensed and regulated casinos, then your choice of game will always result in a safe playing experience.

5️⃣ What is a high variance slot game with a high RTP?

With a return to player rate of 96.80%, Dead or Alive 2 by software studio powerhouse NetEnt is one of the best high variance slots to also offer a high RTP. With a top bet limit of £125 and a maximum win of 2,500x your stake, this slot game has plenty to offer besides massive possible payouts.

6️⃣️ Can I play high variance slot games on my mobile device?

You bet you can! As with the majority of casino games out there these days, you can also enjoy your favourite high variance slots on your mobile or tablet device. All you have to do is ensure that you have a stable internet connection and you’re all set to spin. Looking for a great site to play at? Check out our recommended mobile slot casino sites for some inspiration!️

7️⃣ What payment methods are good for playing high variance slot games in the UK?

There are plenty of payment options that are suitable for UK players to use when it comes to playing high variance slots at online venues. Our mini guide to online casino payment methods has more in-depth information on the subject that can help you find the banking solution for your needs.

8️⃣ What is the difference between high variance slot games and medium variance titles?

Great question! We go through all of the differences between high variance slot games and medium variance titles here in our slot guide, but for a short answer, try this: high variance slots can be described as high risk, high reward, while medium variance games are less risky but also come with lower payouts. Also, the former offers wins at a less frequent rate than the latter.

9️⃣ Are high variance slot games worth playing?

In our opinion – yes! But it all depends on your playing style, budget and what you’re looking to get out of your slots playing experience. If you have a larger budget, are comfortable with taking risks, and live for the big wins, then yes, high variance slots are probably a good choice for you. You can read our complete thoughts in our slots guide conclusion here.

🔟 Are Megaways slots also high variance slot games?

That’s a keen eye for detail you have! Yes, Megaways slots are considered high variance slots, offering players the possibility of large payouts even for relatively small stakes. Interested in learning more about this excellent series of slot games from Big Time Gaming? Simply click through to our guide to Megaways slots right here.

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