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.

Decoding High Risk vs. Low Risk Slots

Low variance games are perfect for players who want to relax and play for hours without losing their money quickly.

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 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

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.

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