Volatility
Volatility describes the spread of outcomes around expectation. High-volatility games concentrate more return in less frequent larger prizes.
Low-volatility games generally return smaller awards more often, but labels are not standardized across every supplier.
Hit frequency
Hit frequency is the share of spins producing an award under the stated definition. Some reported hits return less than the wager and are still counted as wins.
A high hit rate can coexist with a substantial edge.
Dead spins and features
Feature frequency is separate from overall hit frequency. A bonus can trigger regularly yet have a low average value, or rarely while carrying much of RTP.
Near misses are losing outcomes and should not be counted as evidence of an approaching feature.
Bankroll implications
Larger wagers and higher variance increase the chance of exhausting a finite bankroll before long-run averages appear.
No bankroll guarantees survival. Set a loss limit that is affordable even when reached.
Practical checklist
- Compare RTP separately
- Ask what counts as a hit
- Identify feature frequency if published
- Expect supplier labels to differ
- Scale wager to volatility
Rules, probabilities, and payouts apply only to the model stated on this page. Posted casino rules control when they differ. Last reviewed September 20, 2026.