A slot is a thin opening or groove in something, such as a door, a wall or a piece of furniture. The word ‘slot’ is also used to refer to a place on a game board where you can put in a coin or card. You can even use the word to refer to a line on a chart that shows where you should be placing your bets.

A pay table is an essential guide to how a slot machine pays out winning combinations. It also explains other symbols like scatters and wilds that can trigger bonus games or boost your overall winnings. Whether you play for real money or just for fun, learning about these features can help you become a more aware and knowledgeable player.

The pay table is usually displayed prominently on a machine’s exterior or incorporated into the screen for video and online slots. You can also find them by pressing an information button on the machine or using a menu option in a video game.

While some of the information on a pay table may seem obvious, it can be confusing for new players. For instance, a lot of machines have multiple pay lines that outline which symbols must line up for a payout. In addition, some machines have special symbols called ‘wild’ that can substitute for other symbols to form winning combinations. Knowing these terms can help you become a more knowledgeable and successful slot player.