A slot is a thin opening or groove in something. You can put letters and postcards through a mail slot at the post office. You can also use a slot to insert a screw or bolt into a piece of equipment, such as a table or machine tool.

A pay table is a guide to how different combinations of symbols payout on a slot machine game. It illuminates how the game works and helps players decode winning spins and the most valuable symbols to look for. It can be found on a machine’s exterior or on the screen for video and online slots.

Whether you’re playing for real money or just for fun, learning about the pay table can help you make more informed decisions about which slot machine to play and what kind of wagers are appropriate. You can also better understand bonus games and how scatters and wilds can affect your chances of triggering a jackpot or a special feature.

While many people think that slots are a simple way to win a lot of money, they can actually be quite complicated in terms of determining which symbols and combinations result in a winning spin. The pay table can help you understand the rules of a particular slot machine game, which can be confusing when you’re just getting started. This is especially true when it comes to understanding how side bets are awarded and what types of symbols can trigger bonus features.