The term "potential payoff" refers to the possible positive outcome or benefit that can be gained from an action or investment. It represents the potential for achieving a desirable result or receiving a reward in the future. Full definition
The point is that you have to balance the risk level and potential payoff of whatever decision you're pondering with your need for enough information to make that decision. (inc.com)
There is a big potential payoff for a lot of industries, but too early and risky for me. (millennialmoney.com)
On the other hand, popular devices may be more likely hacking targets simply because more of them are around, and thus they have a greater potential payoff for would - be attackers. (thewirecutter.com)