A slot is a narrow opening for receiving or admitting something, such as a coin or letter. See also groove, notch, slit, and aperture.

Pay tables

A pay table is an important part of every slot game, and knowing how to read it can help you understand how a particular machine works. It will give you an idea of what symbols should land to trigger a winning combination and how much you can win depending on your bet size. It will also tell you which bet sizes are eligible to earn the top prize on a machine and how many times you can hit those combinations in order to maximize your chances of winning.

In addition to paying out different amounts for certain combinations, pay tables will also let you know how often a machine has paid out in the past, so you can judge its volatility. You can usually find a machine’s full payouts by checking the ’Help’ or ‘i’ button on the touchscreen, or asking a slot attendant.

While you’re playing, you should keep an eye on the amount of money left in your bankroll to avoid going broke before your luck turns around. The best way to do this is by keeping your bets small – 1% of your bankroll is a good rule of thumb. Then, if you hit a lucky streak, you can increase your stakes to make the most of your winnings.