Online slots are fun, exciting and easy to play for players of all ages. But it’s important to know the basics before you start playing! In this article, we’ll break down how slot machines work so you can enjoy your gambling experience to the fullest.

The Paytable

A paytable is a screen that reveals the value of each symbol in an online slot so gamblers can make better decisions about which symbols to choose and how much to bet. Some paytables will also reveal other information about the slot, including its win potential and bonus features. Often, the paytable is accessible through the game’s menu or help screen.

The Paylines

The paylines of an online slot determine whether a player has landed on a winning combination of symbols. Physical slots traditionally had a single payline that cut through the centre of the reels; if a player matched three symbols along this line, they would be a winner. Online slots, on the other hand, can have multiple paylines running horizontally, vertically or diagonally, or in a zig-zag pattern, and players can win by matching symbols on any of these lines.

Some online slots will feature a progressive jackpot, which grows every time a player places a wager on the game. This large sum of money is then awarded to a lucky player who hits the jackpot through a special mini-game or bonus round. The largest progressive jackpots are run by the likes of Microgaming, Playtech and NetEnt, which develop branded slots based on popular movies, TV series, sports celebrities and rock bands.