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.


Volatility, or variance, determines the risk level of the game, indicating how often and how much the machine pays out.

The Difference Between High and Low Variance

If a machine constantly gives you back half your bet or small profits every few spins, it is a low volatility game.


These extremely volatile machines are designed for thrill-seekers who have a large bankroll and endless patience.

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'
Reading the Paytable to Determine Risk

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


Furthermore, if the lowest-paying symbols don't even cover the cost of your spin, the machine is highly volatile.

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.