Slots – How to Enjoy the Exhilaration Without Overspending

A narrow notch, groove, or opening, such as a keyway in a piece of machinery or a slot for coins in a vending machine. Also: a position in a group, series, or sequence. From Middle English esclot, from Old French escollet and from Latin slitus (a narrow groove in a door).

Casino floors are dotted with towering slots with flashy video screens and quirky themes. While these machines are a big draw, experts warn that they can quickly empty your wallet. The best way to enjoy the excitement of slots without overspending is to play responsibly by setting limits on time and money and seeking help if you think you have a gambling problem.

Each slot machine has a pay table, which lists the number of credits you can win if certain symbols line up on the pay line of the machine. Usually, these symbols are related to the machine’s theme and include objects such as fruit, bells, and stylized lucky sevens. You can find the pay table on the machine’s front panel or, in ticket-in, ticket-out machines, on the bottom of the screen.

Once you’ve found a slot with the denomination you want to play, insert cash or, in ticket-in, ticket-out games, a paper ticket with a barcode and follow the machine’s instructions to activate the reels. In most casinos, high-limit machines are located in separate rooms or’salons’ with their own attendants. The lights on the top of each slot machine, called a candle, flash in specific patterns to indicate service needs, jackpots, and other functions.