What you will learn
- Similar RTP values do not imply similar payout patterns.
- A payout ceiling does not describe its probability.
- Different studios may not use the same scale for “medium”.
Average and distribution are different
Picture two sets of numbers with the same total. One contains many small values; the other is mostly zeroes with a few large values. Their averages can match even though their distributions look very different. Slot volatility helps describe that difference alongside RTP.
A volatility label is not a schedule
PG’s Fortune Tiger sheet labels session volatility Medium. That provides context for the game model, but does not schedule paying rounds. Cross-studio rankings should not assume identical measurement methods.
An editorial volatility rating should explain its method, sample size and evidence.
| Measure | Useful for | Does not tell you |
|---|---|---|
| RTP | Theoretical average | The next outcome |
| Volatility | Distribution pattern | When a bonus will occur |
| Maximum win | Rule-based ceiling | Frequency of that payout |
Keep payout ceilings in context
Maximum-win figures describe a rule limit or ceiling, not its hit rate. A useful risk comparison begins with payout rules and feature conditions rather than simply sorting the largest advertised numbers.
- Separate provider ratings from editorial opinion.
- Do not infer the whole model from a handful of rounds.
- Read how the base game and bonus rules differ.
Frequently asked questions
Does switching after a dry run improve the odds?
Past outcomes alone do not establish better odds in the next game. An entertainment choice is different from predicting randomness.
Sources
Last checked 10 October 2026
