Two slots can both display 96% RTP and still produce very different swings in balance. RTP describes theoretical average return; volatility describes the spread of possible results. Neither predicts what your next session will pay.
A worked example: identical RTP, different payout patterns
Consider two simplified mathematical models, not real games. In model A, 40% of spins pay 2.4 times the stake and the rest pay zero: 0.40 × 2.4 = 0.96, or 96% RTP. In model B, 8% pay 12 times the stake and the rest pay zero: 0.08 × 12 = 0.96. Payouts include the returned stake.
Both models have the same expected return, but model B has more zero-paying spins and larger individual payouts. Its results vary more. These figures illustrate the distinction; real slots have many payout sizes and sometimes separate game states.
Why a 5,000x maximum does not answer the question
A maximum prize is not an average payout. Knowing only an 8% hit rate and a 5,000x maximum is insufficient to calculate RTP or variance. The probabilities and sizes of all outcomes matter. A displayed win can also be smaller than the stake, so hit frequency is not necessarily the chance of making a profit.
Where to find reliable information
Check the rules for the exact game version, its published RTP and any provider volatility rating. Ratings are not standardized across studios. A few hundred demo spins, or an unusually large win, cannot establish the underlying volatility.
What this means for your limits
There is no universal bankroll or number of spins that makes a session representative or safe. Longer play does not make you due a win. Set an affordable loss limit and a time limit in advance; stop at either limit rather than increasing stakes to recover losses. Gambling is not a source of income.
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