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

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


High variance games are incredibly risky; they will drain your budget rapidly, but offer the chance for life-changing payouts.

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'
Spotting the Signs of High Variance

If the game provider does not explicitly state the volatility, you can figure it out by studying the game's paytable.


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

Volatility LevelPayout FrequencyWin SizeLowVery Frequent (Almost every few spins)Very Small (Keeps you playing)HighVery Rare (Long dry spells)Massive (Huge multipliers)

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