When you’re playing a slot, it can be difficult to keep track of all the symbols and paylines that might be active. That’s why many slots feature information tables, or “paytables,” that display the regular symbols and their payout values. Some also include information on any bonus features that a slot may have.
It’s a good idea to read a pay table before you start spinning the reels. Whether you’re playing online or in a brick-and-mortar casino, these tables will help you understand the odds of hitting a jackpot. They’ll also give you an idea of what to expect from the game in terms of variance (how much you win or lose on average).
Unlike the dice roll that produces an equal chance for any side to appear, each symbol in a slot machine has a different probability of appearing. The reason is that microprocessors within the machines record each spin as a sequence of numbers, and a computer uses internal sequence tables to map those numbers to specific positions on each reel.
This means that if you see someone else win a jackpot, don’t get discouraged — it was just a matter of split-second timing. And if you’re lucky enough to hit a high-volatility machine, be prepared for slow wins and big losses, as well as a long wait before the next large win.