When it comes to playing slots, it never ceases to amaze us how many players dive right in without even taking the time to look at the pay table. This is a key aspect of any slot game, as it will tell you how much you could win depending on which symbols land on the pay lines. It’s also where you will find information on any bonus features, which can add extra ways to win.

The slots reels are the vertical columns of symbols that display after you place your bet and hit the spin button. Each reel can have three to five rows of symbols, though some older machines only have one. The pay table, which can be accessed from the help menu on a video machine or on the screen of an older mechanical one, will list how much you will earn if the symbols listed line up on the pay lines.

You will also see how many paylines the slot has, which are the patterns on the reels where matching symbols need to land in order for you to trigger a winning combination. You will also learn about any Scatter or Bonus symbols, which can unlock mini bonus games with different sets of reels and paylines.

While the probability of winning at slots is lower than at games like blackjack and roulette, it’s still possible to have positive EV. To do this, you’ll need to understand how the game works, find the best casinos to play slots, and know how to manage your bankroll.