Best UK High Variance Slot Games in 2024

Are you looking for a thrilling online gambling experience and potentially big wins? Any high variance slot we’ve outlined in this review could provide that for you. These games are not for the faint of heart. However, if you enjoy the thrill of the chase, try the best high variance slots below:

  • 🥇 Dead or Alive (at PlayOJO) ✪ #1 High Variance Slot for 2024
  • 🥈 Twin Spin (at BetVictor) ✪ Great High Variance Slot with Autoplay

  • 🥉 Jack and the Beanstalk (at NetBet) ✪ Top High Variance Slot with High Bets

  • ⭐️ Family Guy (at BetVictor) ✪ Best High Variance Branded Slot

  • ⭐️ Book of Ra (at 888casino) ✪ Best Novomatic High Variance Slot

We’ve reviewed numerous slots, and these have met all our criteria – from payout frequency and volatility to jackpots, betting range, RTP and more.

The preferences of players can differ. Some players prefer relaxed gameplay, while others like to be kept on the edge of their seats and have a chance to win big. If that’s the case for you, check out the list of the best high variance slot sites and games for British players.

Top High Variance Slots for UK Players

High Volatility Slot UK Online Casino RTP Variance Slot Provider Rating Official Link
96.82% High NetEnt 5.00/5 Play Here
96.55% High NetEnt 4.95/5 Play Here
96.28% High NetEnt 4.90/5 Play Here
96.05% High IGT 4.90/5 Play Here
96.01% High Novomatic 4.85/5 Play Here
96% High IGT 4.85/5 Play Here
95.97% High NetEnt 4.80/5 Play Here
95.25% High Playtech 4.75/5 Play Here
94.91% High IGT 4.75/5 Play Here
94.21% High IGT 4.70/5 Play Here

Deciding which high variance slot you would like to play is only one part of this journey. Staying safe while gambling online is another key concern many UK players rightfully have. So, in this review, we’ve only included high volatility slots that can be played on one of the best UK slot sites.

All these casinos are licensed and regulated by the UKGC, so no matter which one you choose, you don’t have to worry about safety. Furthermore, we’ve matched each online operator with one high variance slot present on our list, so it’s easier to make the best choice for you.

UK’s 10 Best High Volatility Slots Reviewed

  1. 🥇 Dead or Alive (Best High Variance Slot for 2024)
  2. 🥈 Twin Spin (Great Autoplay Feature)
  3. 🥉 Jack and the Beanstalk (High Bet Limit Per Spin)
  4. 🏅 Family Guy (Top Branded Slot with High Variance)
  5. 🏅 Book of Ra (Free Spins Bonus Feature)
  6. 🏅 Siberian Storm (Great Multiplay Line Game)
  7. 🏅 Gonzo’s Quest (Advanced Graphics & Animation)
  8. 🏅 Great Blue (Unique Underwater Theme & Symbols)
  9. 🏅 Day of the Dead (Exciting Scatter Symbols & Wild Re-spins)
  10. 🏅 Kitty Glitter (Perfect for Animal Lovers)

Dead or Alive Slot by NetEnt

Dead or Alive is a slot by NetEnt, which has a western theme, thrilling bonus features and an impressive RTP.

Dead or Alive is an online slot game released in 2009. It has an RTP rate of 96.82%. The game has a standard 3×5 reel layout with 9 paylines. The variance of the slot is high, which means that wins don’t come around too often. However, when they do, the potential of getting a bigger payout is significant.

This is because the Dead or Alive slot by NetEnt features Free Spins, Wilds, Sticky Wilds and Multiplier Wins. It can be played with bets between £0.9 and £18. The biggest potential win you could hit is 12,000x your stake, which is impressive. With such a theoretical maximum prize, this game is certainly meant for the toughest cowboys.

The deciding moment of the game is the free spins bonus, round, which is triggered by getting 3 gun symbols or 3 of the wanted poster wild symbols. Free spins and a 2x win multiplier are granted during the bonus rounds. In addition, you can get up to 24 free spins, while all wilds during these spins become sticky wilds to further increase your chances of winning.

Twin Spin Slot by NetEnt

Twin Spin is another classic by NetEnt. This game takes the traditional fruity theme and gives it an innovative spin.

The Twin Spin slot was released in 2014, and even though it has a classic layout of 5 reels on 3 reels and follows the well-known fruit theme, the game feels modern. The graphics hold up, and the simplicity of the symbols and the gameplay give it some sort of immortality, which will probably allow the game to remain a favourite of British players for many years to come.

Furthermore, the unusual 243 fixed paylines and the exclusive twin reel feature bring players the chance of winning some impressive jackpots. The twin reel feature is what makes the Twin Spin slot so innovative, so let’s examine how it works. As the name suggests, during every spin the symbols on at least two reels become identical.

In addition, these two reels, which have become twins can also expand further. You could get all 5 reels to look the same. However, this is not done only to satisfy perfectionists that like symmetry. This scenario can also lead to impressive payouts depending on your bet. The bet limit is between £0.25 and £125, and with a good RTP of 96,60%, this slot is certainly worth a try at the best payout casino online for UK players.

Jack and the Beanstalk Slot by NetEnt

The Jack and Beanstalk slot by NetEnt transports players into a fairy tale of prizes worth a few golden eggs.

Based on a popular fairy tale, the Jack and the Beanstalk slot, released in 2011, is one of the best ones in this genre. With stunning graphics that transport you to a different world and bonus rounds full of potential treasures, this slot game is hard to surpass.

The RTP of Jack and the Beanstalk is 96.30%, with a betting range of £0.20 – £100. However, the true potential of the game is hidden within the two special bonus features – the free spins and walking wilds. The appearance of the Jack and the Beanstalk Logo Walking Wild can triple your winnings and provide multiple re-spins.

Furthermore, you can win more free spins if you land three or more of the Treasure Chest scatter symbols. If that happens, you get 10 free spins, during which some more special symbols could appear and increase your chances of winning the max win of 3000x your bet per spin. So, if you enjoy fairy tales, magical gameplay, and big treasures, this is one of the best volatility slots you can choose.

Family Guy Slot by IGT

If you enjoy adult comedy cartoons, the Family Guy slot by IGT will keep you entertained with potentially big jackpots.

Forget everything you know about slots and the traditional symbols because the Family Guy slot by IGT sticks to its iconic comedy style and provides a unique experience. This branded slot released in 2015 replaces typical symbols with characters from the show and is capable of engaging players like no other slot game out there.

In addition, this game has a maximum betting limit of £2500, which is high even for the best high-volatility slots on this list. However, the minimum bet sits rather low at £0.50. Therefore, with such a wide betting range, this game is accessible to any type of player or budget. The max possible winning is whopping £150,000, which is enough to make Quagmire and everyone else giggity.

The way you could get that impressive win is by landing 3 or more high-value symbols such as the Family Guy Logo or the Peter symbol. In addition, throughout the game, you could get the chance to pick up 10 free spins and land some special scatters or wilds. The game has a good RTP of 96.05%, and overall, it’s great for fans of the show or anyone looking for a high variance slot by a good provider.

Book of Ra Slot by Novomatic

The Book of Ra slot by Novomatic offers simple gameplay and a large max win, which UK players appreciate.

Released in 2004, this Novomatic slot inspired the design of many modern slots that came after. The Book of Ra slot has a classic 3×5 reel layout and 9 paylines. Its gameplay and bonus features are also quite simple but the addition of a gamble feature and four jackpots sets it apart.

British players who decide to play this top slot can bet between £0.50 and £90 and win a max of 5000x their bet per spin. Furthermore, players can be granted up to 10 free spins during the bonus round, triggered by landing 3 scatter symbols. In addition, any winnings during these rounds can be gambled and thus doubled or lost.

Therefore, this slot is not for players who prefer low-risk games. However, for those daring enough to follow up on this adventure, the jackpot mode is the moment to look forward to. Once you trigger it, you are guaranteed to win something. You just won’t know which jackpot you’ve hit until you scratch off the 16 gold coins to reveal the symbols hiding behind them.

Siberian Storm Slot by IGT

Siberian Storm by IGT is another high volatility slot with great graphics that stays relevant to this day.

IGT is popular for providing high-quality slots, but when it released the Siberian Storm slot in 2010, it proved it can also be innovative. The game has a unique MultiWay Xtra mechanic, which creates 720 paylines that pay both ways. Featuring both scatters and wilds, the slot offers a good opportunity to get a big payout.

Furthermore, these symbols can also trigger numerous free spins. Unlike many other slots, which only allow 10 or a few more spins, this slot caps at 240 free spins. This free spin bonus can also be retriggered, so with one bet between £0.50 and £500, you could potentially win significant amounts. The game also has a unique arctic theme, which features different animals.

However, it doesn’t resemble the typical animal slot games, as the atmosphere it creates is way more serious and majestic. With symbols such as the beautiful Siberian Tiger and ice dripping from the edges of the reels, Siberian Storm dares you to venture into its cold world to see if you can come out victorious despite the risk.

Gonzo’s Quest Slot by NetEnt

NetEnt’s Gonzo’s Quest is a hugely popular slot with advanced graphics and rewarding gameplay, which leaves little to be desired.

This famous slot impressed us with its amazing graphics, animation, and storytelling. Furthermore, the adventure theme and exciting bonus features keep players constantly engaged. So, it’s not just a pretty game with no wins. The seven different Mayan symbols can lead to significant payouts if you can land 3 to 5 on one of the 5 reels.

The highest-paying symbol is the blue and gold face, which pays 2500x for landing 5. This is a significantly bigger multiplier than the ones we’ve previously reviewed on this list, so that alone speaks of Gonzo’s Quest slot potential. However, that’s not all because this high variance slot also has a special avalanche feature.

This bonus feature strays away from the norm and takes this NetEnt slot to a whole new level. Instead of using the traditional spinning slots, this game allows symbols to drop from above. The most exciting part is that as you get a win the symbol explodes and disappears, so it can be replaced with a new one. This way, you can stack up several payouts with just one spin.

Great Blue Slot by Playtech

Great Blue by Playtech allows players to submerge themselves underwater and explore the rich life and high payouts hiding there.

Aquatic themes focused on fishing are not that rare in the world of slots. However, Playtech has created something different with the Great Blue slot, which allows players to become one with the ocean. The game was released in 2013, so the graphics are high-quality and combined with the deep blue colours of the sea, they create a sense of tranquillity.

The 95.25% RTP of the slot is average, but that’s normal with a high variance slot like this. The classic layout consisting of 5 reels and 3 rows is once again present, but the unusual part is that you can select 1 to 25 paylines to be active. The bet limits on this game are also a bit more appropriate for low-stake players as they range from £0.01 to £50.

The exciting moment in the game comes when you trigger the Sea Shell bonus round by landing at least 3 of the Oyster Shell scatter symbols. During this special round, you can win up to 33 free spins and a 15x multiplier. Furthermore, during this and all other rounds, you should look out for the Killer Whale wild, which could earn you up to $50,000 in one spin.

Day of the Dead Slot by IGT

This top slot by IGT transports players to a Mexican Day of the Dead festival and tests their courage.

In many cases, high risk could lead to high rewards, and this terrifyingly good slot can attest to that. The Day of the Dead slot has one of the highest bet limits we’ve ever seen. British players, who understand that this is a high-risk slot, can bet up to £10,000. The minimum bet is £50, which is also quite high, so altogether, this is not a game for the faint of heart.

The game has 5 reels and 720 paylines which pay both ways. Based on the famous Day of the Dead celebrated in Mexico, the slot features various skeleton symbols, with the highest-paying one being the Yellow Skeleton. Overall, you could win up to 4,500x your bet and between 8 and 96 free spins.

The Day of the Dead slot also features colourful coffins as wilds and a skull symbol for the scatters. So, the overall theme is quite dark. However, the game is not meant to be scary. It just pays homage to this popular Mexican tradition in the right way. Just make sure you don’t confuse this slot with the Dead of Dead slot by Pragmatic Play, as the names are similar.

Kitty Glitter Slot by IGT

If you love cats Kitty Glitter by IGT is for you. The game has rewarding bonus features and fun graphics.

The Kitty Glitter slot has an adorable feline theme which can make anyone melt. After all, being a tough player willing to take a risk doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the cuteness of the various cat symbols. Especially when they also bring big potential wins. All you need is 3 or more matching symbols to line up on one of the 5 reels to see the wins roll in.

In addition, IGT sweetens the gameplay by featuring free spins, wilds and some nice gameplay options like autoplay. The betting range is from £1 to £500, and the highest paying symbol is the white cat paying up to 1000x your bet per spin. However, if you want to trigger the bonus round and get free spins, you should hope for 3 of the Bowl of Diamonds scatter symbols.

It’s important to note that, during this bonus round, an additional cat symbol can appear on reel 5. Every time this happens, a separate counter on the screen recognises that, and when it reaches 3 one of the cat symbols becomes a wild. This way, you can get up to 4 extra wild symbols and up to 255 free spins.

Types of Slot Volatility

There are 3 main types of slot variances. As we previously hinted, these are low, medium and high variance slots. Naturally, some slots fall in between categories. In these cases, they are considered to fall under a subtype, such as medium-high and low-medium volatility. Read on to further learn about the differences between the 3 types.

Variance Wins Win Frequency Risk Factor
Low Small High Low
Medium Small/Medium Medium Medium
High Large Low High

Sometimes the size of the wins versus the win frequency and the risk factor of each variance type can get mixed up. Therefore, we’ve prepared the table above, which can serve as a rough guideline to explain the meaning of each variance level and to illustrate your chances of winning.

Just remember that before you decide which slot to play, you should also consider other factors like the RTP, the graphics and so on. Knowing whether you would enjoy a slot takes more than knowing the variance, but in this guide, we focus on it, so let’s explore the different types in more detail below:

  • High Variance Slots

    As you can see from the table above, high variance slots, which are also the focus of this guide, offer substantial rewards and bigger risk. However, they don’t pay out often. Another way to understand this is to think about the concept of higher risk – higher reward and remember that high variance slots should fit with that idea.

    If you are willing to take on the risk and wait longer, the payout should be higher, which as a result, can still lead to an experience that is worth it. Therefore, high volatility slots don’t allow players to get winning combinations very frequently, but the value of the winning combinations can impress you.

  • Medium Variance Slots

    Medium variance slots combine the best of both worlds. They offer relatively high winnings that come around more frequently than you would expect with high variance slots. The risk is also more balanced, so they can appeal to both high rollers and newer players who want to try out different games.

    Medium variance slots are some of the most popular types of online casino games, as they satisfy the needs of such a wide audience. In the UK, there are many casinos that offer medium volatility slot games, so just browse their collections or keep an eye out for another guide to be posted from us.

  • Low Variance Slots

    Low variance slots are the last type we’ll be discussing, and it offers small frequent payouts. Therefore, this type of slot is low-risk and perfect for beginners. However, low volatility slots are also low-reward, so getting a significant jackpot is far less likely. The betting limits here are also lower, and the range is not as significant.

    A lot of low variance slots with very low minimum bets are also known as penny slots, as you can play them with real money but with very small amounts. They also seem to have more relaxed gameplay and themes. However, even with low variance games, you should play responsibly.

Online Slot Variance Calculation

As we mentioned previously, the variance of a slot is not measured and provided by the software developer. Therefore, it’s up to the player or casino experts, like the ones who developed this guide to determine the variance of a slot game. Typically, what is required to make the necessary calculation is to play 500 to 1000 spins.

Based on these spins, you can see how often you get a payout. Of course, that’s not enough to make the final judgement, but it’s a good starting point. Therefore, a rough estimate of the hit rate can be made, and the games can be positioned in one of the following categories:

0%
Low Variance Hit Rate
0%
Medium Variance Hit Rate
0%
High Variance Hit Rate

Why Play High Volatile Slots?

Pros
  • Massive Payouts
  • Very Exciting
  • Great for High Rollers
  • Widely Available
Cons
  • Fewer Wins
  • Significant Bankroll Needed
  • Higher Risk

Whether a high variance slot is better than medium or low variance slots depends entirely on your preferences. Just like any type of game, high variance slots have theoretical pros and cons. However, if the higher risk is a disadvantage for low rollers, it could be an advantage for high rollers willing to take the risk to win bigger jackpots.

Therefore, the pros and cons we’ve presented in the table above are subjective. Nonetheless, we understand British players, and overall, it could be said that they find the potentially large payouts to be very exciting. High variance slot games are also widely available at UK casinos, so this is another key aspect to consider.

Naturally, you get fewer wins, and some significant personal investment is required, but whether that’s a con is up to you. In any case, remember that no matter your preferences or which high stakes casinos in the UK you’ve chosen, you should always play responsibly and set a budget you can stick to.

UK Bonuses for High Variance Slot Games

Playing high variance slot games can sometimes be expensive since they could require more spins before you hit a winning combination. Therefore, you need to be aware of what your budget is and whether it’s suitable for this type of slot. Luckily, you could take advantage of bonuses offered by online casinos, such as cash bonuses and free spins.

Of course, these bonuses almost always have wagering requirements, so make sure you read through the full terms and conditions before playing. Once you’ve done your research, just as we have, you can enjoy the best bonus for high variance slots in the UK:

Slot bonuses offered by online operators are often suitable for high variance slots, as they typically have higher risk but also large potential payout. Using bonuses can help players increase their chances of hitting a big win. However, some casinos may have a cap on the winning you can collect using a bonus or on the types of games that are eligible.

Therefore, it’s a good idea first to read a review of the top online casino bonuses in the UK. This is an easy way to get an overview of the best offers, the types of games they apply to and the wagering requirements they have. Nonetheless, once you’ve chosen a casino bonus, you should still read through the full terms and conditions.

High Variance Slots Apps

Nowadays, most slots are available on casino apps. However, not every slot game available on online casino sites will be available on mobile, especially if it’s a bit older. Therefore, if you are someone who prefers to play on their phone, you should first determine whether the game is mobile-optimised. We’ve listed the highest volatility slots available at mobile UK casinos below:

Slot for Mobile Compatibility Slot Software Best Casino Secure Link
Book of Ra Novomatic iOS, Android 888casino Play on Mobile
Dead or Alive NetEnt iOS, Android PlayOJO Play on Mobile
Family Guy IGT iOS, Android BetVictor Play on Mobile
Gonzo’s Quest NetEnt iOS, Android Karamba Play on Mobile
Jurassic Park Slot Microgaming iOS, Android PlayOJO Play on Mobile
White King Playtech iOS, Android NetBet Play on Mobile

The mobile casinos and apps we’ve included in the table are all licensed and regulated by the UKGC. Furthermore, they offer excellent mobile customer service and have optimised mobile platforms with large game collections. Therefore, if you choose one of these operators, you shouldn’t feel like you are missing out in comparison with desktop players.

As you can see, many of them offer high variance slots listed in this guide, such as Dead or Alive, Family Guy and Gonzo’s Quest. Therefore, the best mobile casinos in the UK have a lot to offer players who are looking for a thrilling gameplay experience.

Online Casino Deposit & Withdrawal Methods

When you are playing high variance slots online, you have the chance of potentially winning large sums of money. Therefore, it’s fundamental to check the cashier safety of the online operator. If the safety measures in place are not up to par, the risk of not being able to withdraw your winnings is significant.

Furthermore, some payment methods may limit the amount you can withdraw at once, so this is also an aspect you need to consider. Overall, you should only play at licensed casinos that offer the withdrawal method you would prefer.

When it comes to the withdrawal process itself, you should also keep in mind that there is always some sort of verification process. This may seem like a bother, but it’s a great sign that the casino has good safety measures in place. Furthermore, the different withdrawal methods have varying withdrawal times.

So, your decision on which method to choose could also be influenced by how fast you can receive your funds. Lastly, remember that UK real money casinos online can’t impose any withdrawal limits, so if you see one, you should examine the terms and conditions further to make sure everything is in order.

You’ve reached the end of this high variance slots guide for the UK. We hope we were able to provide some useful information that you can use to choose the best high volatility slot and casino for you. However, if you’re still exploring the available options, check out the rest of our guides.

Most Popular Questions

Slot metrics, such as RTP, variance, risk level and so on, can be difficult to differentiate and understand. We hope that this guide helped you get a better idea of what high variance slots entail. However, if you still have questions, don’t worry – below, we’ve provided some short answers to the most frequent inquiries online.

1️⃣ What are the best high variance slots in the UK?

There are many great high variance slots in the UK. However, which ones are the best depends on your personal preferences. In this list, we've highlighted some great options available on the best licensed UK casinos online, such as Dead or Alive, Gonzo's Quest, Book of Ra and more.

2️⃣ How do you find high volatility slot games?

Unfortunately, software developers don't measure the volatility of their slots. So, to find the best high variance slots for British players, you must do your own research online or refer to guides like this one. Our casino experts have examined the hit frequency, risk level and payout potential of many games to find top high volatility slots for you.

3️⃣ What does volatility mean in slots?

Volatility and variance are terms that can be used interchangeably. The meaning of the term slot volatility is how often a slot is likely to hit a winning combination. However, some other aspects also determine the variance or volatility of a slot, such as risk level and prize distribution.

4️⃣ Does the slot variance affect the RTP?

A slot game can have 96% RTP and be low, mid, or high variance, and this won't affect the RTP. If you compare RTP and slot variance, you'll see that the RTP rate measures how much of your wagered cash you could expect to win in theory, while the variance measures how often you could expect to win.

5️⃣ Is a higher or lower variance better?

There are three types of slot variancelow, medium, or high. Of course, some games fall between two types. In this case, we say that the game is a sub-type, and the options in this situation are low-medium and high-medium variance. Which one is better would depend on your personal preferences.

6️⃣ How is slots volatility calculated?

As we previously mentioned, software providers don't have to measure or disclose the volatility of the slots they release. Therefore, the slot variance calculation is left to casino experts and players whoplay the slot to measure aspects, such as the hit frequency, the risk level and the size of the payouts.

7️⃣ Is high volatility good in slots?

Whether high volatility is good on slots depends on your personal preferences. In general, some advantages of high variance slots include potentially massive payouts, exciting gameplay, and wide availability. However, these are pros for high rollers. If you prefer to wager smaller amounts, high volatility may seem like a bad thing when it comes to slots.

8️⃣ What are the best UK bonuses for high volatile slots?

There are many great UK casino bonuses for high variance slots. From free spins to cash bonuses, highly volatile slots often qualify for these bonuses. However, to be sure whether you can use the bonus on this type of game and whether there is a winning cap, check the full terms and conditions.

9️⃣ What are the best casino apps for high volatility slots?

If you prefer to play high volatility slots on mobile, you would be happy to learn that there are a few UK casino apps that offer games from this list. Most importantly, they are all licensed and regulated by the UKGC. However, they also excel because they offer high-quality mobile support and large app game collections.

🔟 What payment methods can I use at UK high variance slot sites?

The online casinos on this list offer various payment methods for UK players. However, before you even choose the payment method, you must check the withdrawal policy and security of the operator. High variance slots can lead to some big wins, so make sure you can safely withdraw your winnings first.

Useful Resources Used for This Guide

The information provided in this guide is based on a wide array of international resources. Our experts have collected data from respectable information centres in the field of online gambling. This way, we’ve been able to provide recent data confirmed by multiple sources. You may notice that several responsible gambling organisations are also listed.

We have done this to make sure that we have the most recent and relevant information on how players should protect themselves while gambling online. Therefore, no matter what type of game you are looking for, you should always put your safety first.