The term ‘slot’ is used a lot in the casino world, and it can have different meanings depending on context. Sometimes, it’s used to describe a position in a team, for example when you hear a coach talking about his Z-receiver – this guy is the one who will stand off the line a couple feet, so quicker guys can’t get grabbed instantly and he’s usually one of the first to the ball.
In modern land-based slot machines, players insert cash or, in “ticket-in, ticket-out” machines, a paper ticket with a barcode and activate a reel spin with the push of a button. The reels contain symbols that vary depending on the machine theme. When the spin is complete, a computer checks the symbols in the payline and determines if and how much the player wins.
When it comes to online slots, the process is somewhat similar but the rules and payouts are often more complex. In order to make it easier for punters to keep track of all the details, many online slot games include information tables known as “slot rules.” These displays provide a list of possible payouts based on different combinations of symbols and will also display how much each symbol pays.
Some of these slots will also include a table that describes any bonus features available in the game. This will often be displayed with different icons or a question mark and can be useful for finding out more about any additional prizes that the slot game may offer.