Volatility
How widely a game's results swing: high volatility means rare large wins, low volatility means frequent small ones.
Volatility (or variance) describes how results are spread around the average. Two games can share the same RTP but behave very differently.
Why it matters
Volatility affects how long a bankroll lasts and how a session feels. High volatility games can go hundreds of rounds without a meaningful win and then pay a large multiple. Low volatility games return smaller wins more often. Neither is better; they suit different budgets.
Worked example
In limbo, betting on a 1.1x target wins about 90% of the time with small profits. Betting on a 100x target wins about 1% of the time. Both carry the same house edge, but the 100x player will see far bigger swings and is more likely to lose a fixed budget before a win arrives.
Practical use
- Lower volatility suits longer sessions and bonus wagering.
- Higher volatility needs a bigger bankroll relative to bet size.
- Many slots display a volatility rating; provably fair games let you set it directly through the target or risk level.