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.

These extremely volatile machines are designed for thrill-seekers who have a large bankroll and endless patience.

• 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 the top prize is only 500x your bet, the game is almost certainly a low-to-medium volatility machine.

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