The term slot refers to a vertical section that spins when a button is pressed or, in older machines, a lever is pulled. When the symbols on these reels line up in a winning combination, they can award a jackpot payout or trigger other special features such as free spins or bonus levels. There are a variety of slot games, each with its own unique rules and game mechanics.
Understanding key terms will make it easier to play and maximize your wins. These include: pay tables, which explain how different combinations of symbols and icons payout; scatters, which can trigger specific bonus games; and wilds, which can substitute for other symbols to form winning combinations.
A pay table is a helpful tool that explains how each type of winning combination on a slot machine awards a prize and the amount of coins needed to activate them. Traditionally, they were displayed on the machine’s exterior but now most feature on-screen versions that can be accessed via a menu or information button.
Slot machine pay tables typically display a number of columns and rows, with the highest possible combinations located at the top and lower combinations toward the bottom. Players should also note that a single symbol may be found on multiple rows or reels. For example, classic slot machines often feature cherries and bars in single, double, and triple variations; landing three aligned cherry symbols will award the highest payout.