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.


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

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


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

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


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.