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

A machine’s variance tells you whether you are in for a smooth, steady ride or a wild, highly unpredictable rollercoaster.

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.

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’

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.

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.