Volatility (also called variance) describes the risk and reward profile of a casino game. Low volatility games pay out frequently but in smaller amounts. High volatility games pay less often but offer much larger individual wins. It determines how your results are distributed around the expected RTP.
Volatility is separate from RTP — two slots can both have 96% RTP but play completely differently. A low-volatility slot might pay out every 3-5 spins with small wins, making your bankroll last longer. A high-volatility slot might go 50+ spins without a win, then deliver a massive payout worth 1,000x+ your bet. Medium volatility sits in between. Your choice should depend on your bankroll size and play style: low volatility for entertainment and longer sessions, high volatility for the chance at big wins (with the understanding that you will lose more often). Most online slots display their volatility rating in the game info. For experienced players, matching volatility to bankroll size is a key strategy for managing risk.
Two slots both have 96% RTP. The low-volatility slot pays out 70% of spins with an average win of 1.4x your bet. The high-volatility slot pays out 20% of spins with an average win of 4.8x, including rare hits above 500x.
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