A slot is a place in which something can be inserted. The word can refer to an opening in a door or wall, a specific part of a machine (such as the coin tray or a key hole), or an area in a computer program where data is stored.
Online slots use digital technology to recreate the appearance of a mechanical slot machine. A player inserts cash or, in “ticket-in, ticket-out” machines, a paper ticket with a barcode and activates a machine by pressing a lever or button (physical or virtual). The digital reels then spin and stop to display symbols. When a winning combination is found, the player earns credits according to the paytable. Symbols vary by game, but classic symbols include fruits and stylized lucky sevens. Most slot games have a theme, and their symbols and bonus features are aligned with that theme.
The pay table displays jackpot amounts and other information related to the game theme. It may be permanently displayed on the machine, or (as in electromechanical slot machines) may be a separate panel attached to or above the game display. In electronic slot machines, the pay table may be presented as an interactive series of images available through a touchscreen. Whether permanent or interactive, the pay table must be clear and understandable to the player. For example, it must not conceal the probability of hitting certain combinations or indicate that skill plays a role in the outcome.