How To Tell If A Casino Slot Machine Is Volatile

The biggest mistake casual gamblers make is ignoring the underlying mathematical engine that drives the slot machine.


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

High Volatility vs. Low Volatility Explained

A low volatility slot is designed to pay out small, frequent wins, keeping your bankroll relatively stable over time.


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'
Reading the Paytable to Determine Risk

The fastest way to determine a machine's behavior is to look at the maximum possible win multiplier.


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

Target AudienceLow VolatilityHigh VolatilityCasual PlayersPerfect choice for long entertainmentDangerous; will drain small budgetsHigh Rollers / Risk TakersBoring; lacks big thrillsIdeal choice; offers massive rewards

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