Slots are games that operate by converting cash or, in “ticket-in, ticket-out” machines, paper tickets with barcodes into credits which can then be redeemed for prizes. Players can spin the reels to arrange symbols in a winning pattern, earning credit values based on the paytable. A single symbol may be worth one, several or dozens of credits depending on the machine’s denomination (value per spin). The amount of money that is converted from player to casino credit is dictated by the value of the denomination of the slot, which ranges from pennies to $100.
A payout on a slot machine occurs when symbols line up on a payline, which can be vertical, horizontal, diagonal or zigzag and vary in number and appearance according to the game’s theme. A spin can also award a bonus game, scatter or wild symbol that triggers additional payouts, or multipliers that add to wins over time.
Casino managers strive to maximize their slots’ return to player, but they also do not want to be perceived as high-priced. For that reason, they use microprocessors to assign different probabilities of hitting each prize value on the paytable.
Modern video slot games offer a wide variety of themes, pay lines and game features. Players can select from five-reel, multiple-payline slots with bonus features and HD graphics. They can choose classic fruit slots, ancient Egyptian temples, popular TV show icons or other themed themes. Some of the latest games offer progressive jackpots, free spins and multipliers.