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What Is a Slot Machine?

A slot machine is a gambling machine that spins reels, pays out winning combinations and may also include bonus features like Free Spins, multi-level jackpots or interactive mini games. The game was invented in the 19th century and is now found throughout casino floors around the world.

A key feature of slot machines is their paytable area, which displays information on the jackpot amounts for specific reel combinations as well as some or all game theme rules. The paytable may be permanently displayed on the machine or, more commonly in modern casinos, a series of images that can be switched between by the player through a touchscreen display. In some cases, all possible win combinations are listed, but in other instances this list is highly abbreviated due to space constraints or the need to avoid distracting the player from their gameplay.

Another important aspect of a slot machine is its volatility, which is the likelihood that it will pay out at least some of its bets over time. This is influenced by the amount of money that a player chooses to bet on each spin and can be calculated by dividing the total number of spins by the average bet per spin.

Lastly, it is helpful to know whether a slot has a progressive jackpot. Progressive jackpot slots increase in size until a random combination of symbols triggers the prize pool. The payout for the triggering combination could be a small amount, a significant amount or even a life-changing sum of money.