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.

The Difference Between High and Low Variance

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

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 trigger
• Low volatility games are the absolute best choice if you are trying to clear a casino bonus wagering requirement
• Megaways 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.

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