There was a time when slot machines were so simple you could just read the instructions above them. Now things are so hi-tech they require screens full of information to explain what’s happening. These screens deliver a wealth of instruction, including how much you can win, special features, paylines, betting requirements and any jackpots. Fortunately, these instructions are all neatly wrapped up in a handy guide called the pay table.

Often referred to as the “rule book” for a slot machine, the pay table will be located on or near the reels. The table will show the number of credits you can win for matching symbols on the pay line, and how much you can win if you land a bonus feature. Depending on the game, it may also include the rules for other types of symbols, such as wilds or scatters.

It’s important to read the pay table before you play a slot, as it will explain how everything works. You’ll also find out how many paylines the slot has, and what each one does. Some slots have fewer paylines than others, and this can make the difference between winning and losing. Other slots have multiple paylines, and these can give you a lot more opportunities to form a winning combination.

The pay table will also tell you how much you can bet per spin, and the minimum and maximum amounts you can bet on a slot. This is important as it will help you determine how much you want to risk, and how quickly you can build up a balance. Some slots will even allow you to bet more than the max amount, and you’ll want to check this out before you begin playing.

If you’re not careful, it can be easy to miss out on some of the most exciting features in a slot. The bonus features of a slot can range from free spins to mystery pick games, and they’re often designed to keep you engaged while you’re spinning the reels. Depending on the type of slot, you can also find bonus features such as sticky wilds, expanding wilds and re-spins.