How To Tell If A Casino Slot Machine Is Volatile

While Return to Player (RTP) is important, another metric called 'volatility' dictates exactly how your gaming session will feel.


Understanding a game's volatility is the absolute key to choosing a machine that matches your budget and your expectations.

The Difference Between High and Low Variance

Low variance games are perfect for players who want to relax and play for hours without losing their money quickly.


Conversely, a high volatility slot might not pay out anything for fifty spins, but then suddenly award a massive 1000x multiplier.

High volatility slots often feature incredibly complex bonus rounds that are very difficult to triggerLow volatility games are the absolute best choice if you are trying to clear a casino bonus wagering requirementMegaways slots are notoriously high variance, offering thousands of ways to win but long periods of 'dead spins'
How to Identify a Slot's Volatility

You can become an expert at spotting high-risk games simply by looking at the payout structure before you spin.


If a game advertises a maximum win of 10,000x or 50,000x your stake, it is undeniably a high volatility slot.

IndicatorLow Variance GameHigh Variance GameMaximum Win PotentialUsually under 1000x stakeCan exceed 20,000x stakeBonus Round FrequencyTriggers relatively oftenExtremely hard to trigger

Matching the game's mathematical profile to your personal bankroll is the secret to a successful casino session.