A slot (noun) is a narrow opening, especially one for receiving something, as a coin or a letter. A slit, a narrow aperture, or a groove is also a slot.
There are several types of slots, including progressive, video, and classic machines. Each has different payouts and features. Some have multiple pay lines and bonus levels. Others have wilds that substitute for other symbols and can unlock jackpot levels or free spins. A pay table is a tool that displays all the important details for each slot, such as paylines, jackpots, and winning combinations.
In addition to displaying information about the game, pay tables will list the minimum and maximum bet sizes. This is an important feature for bankroll management, as it can help players stay within their limits and avoid losing money. The table will also display the RTP (return to player) percentage, which indicates how much of a wager will be returned to the player in winnings over time.
Another useful tool for bankroll management is spotting a hot machine. This is easiest in brick-and-mortar casinos, where the cashout amount and number of credits are displayed next to each slot. When you see a high cashout number, it’s a good indication that the last person to play that slot won, which means the machine is due for a payout. However, this theory is flawed because slot results are based on random numbers and cannot be predicted. Only spins that hit a winning combination will receive a payout.