There is a wide variety of slot games to choose from, and each game has its own rules, payouts and special features. Having some basic knowledge about these aspects can help players understand and have more fun with the games they play. Many slots also have side bets which can add a whole new dimension to the game. Reading the pay table is an essential part of any slot experience and can provide valuable information such as RTPs and volatility.
Historically, slot machines were mechanical, with reels spinning on a shaft. A lever or button (either physical or on a touchscreen) activates the machine, which then spins and rearranges symbols to form combinations. The machine then pays out credits according to the paytable. Some machines have multiple paylines, while others offer a single fixed prize. Classic symbols include fruits, bells and stylized lucky sevens. Most slot games have a theme, and bonus features align with the theme.
A casino progressive jackpot grows larger every time a player plays a slot. This is different from a traditional lottery, in which the prize stops growing when it reaches a certain amount. The casino may set this prize to stop at a predetermined amount, or it may have an auto-stop feature that will trigger once the prize reaches a certain threshold. When this happens, the jackpot will automatically stop growing and return to its original value. This method is used by a number of online casinos.