When players play a slot, they must choose how much risk they are comfortable taking. This is known as the variance of the game, and it determines how often you are likely to win or lose. Higher variance slots will pay out smaller amounts more frequently, but when you do win the amount is greater.
A microprocessor inside a modern machine allows the manufacturer to assign different probability to individual symbols on a reel. This can make it appear that a specific symbol is disproportionately likely to appear on a given payline, when in reality, it has the same chance of appearing as any other symbol.
In older electromechanical machines, the chance that a particular symbol will land on a payline was determined by a complex series of interlocking mechanical switches. These were called “tilt” switches, and they would break or make a circuit when the machine was tilted. While modern machines no longer have tilt switches, any kind of technical fault (door switch in the wrong state, reel motor not spinning, paper out) is still referred to as a “tilt”.
A slot’s pay table is a chart that displays the game rules and payouts, including details on how to trigger bonus rounds. Some pay tables also include information on the game’s symbols, jackpots and other special features. These charts are available on the help screens of many online slot games. They are also found in some physical casinos.