Guide
What is Volatility (Variance) in Slots?
Volatility (also called variance) describes the risk profile of a slot — how often it pays and how big those wins are. It is separate from RTP, which is the long-run return percentage.
Low vs high
Low volatility slots pay small wins frequently, so your balance drains slowly and sessions last longer — good for stretching a budget. High volatility slots pay rarely but can hit huge; long dry spells are normal, so you need a bankroll that can survive the swings. Medium sits in between.
Why it matters for bonuses
If you are clearing a wagering requirement, low volatility is usually safer because it keeps your balance alive longer. Every game page on Skorsky shows the provider-published volatility so you can choose deliberately.
Skorsky puts this honesty into its bonuses: your first withdrawal is doubled, 30% of losses come back as cash, and every offer is graded on the Bonus Honesty Index. Check any bonus with the wagering calculator first.