Volatility is a description, not a forecast

The Gambling Commission describes volatility using statistical variation such as standard deviation. A high-volatility game can have larger but rarer prizes; a low-volatility game can have smaller, more frequent prizes. These descriptions do not remove randomness or change the risk of losing money.

Common labelGeneral descriptionDoes not mean
Lower volatilityOutcomes may cluster more closely around smaller resultsRegular profit or guaranteed returns
Higher volatilityResults may be more spread out, with larger rare prizesA large win is due soon
RTPLong-run designed returnSession outcome

Game information can vary by provider and version. Use the exact rules shown for the release. If gambling is affecting money needed for essentials or causing distress, pause and use the support route on our safer gambling page.

FAQ

Is high volatility better?

It depends on what the player means by better; it is not a prediction or recommendation. Both volatility and RTP describe game characteristics, not outcomes for a person.

Does volatility change RTP?

They are different measures. A game's volatility describes spread; RTP describes a long-run average.