A slot is a thin opening or groove in something. You can put letters and postcards through a mail slot at the post office. A slot is also a mechanism in which money is placed to spin the reels of a casino game.

When you play a slot machine, your money is converted into credits that are worth anywhere from pennies to $100. This value is called the denomination, and it determines how much your spin will cost. It’s important to know the denomination of a machine before placing your bet, as different machines may have different minimum bet sizes. You can find this information in the pay table, which is located on the machine’s body or screen. You can also look for a ‘help’ or ‘i’ button on the touch screens or ask a slot attendant to help you locate this information.

Whether you’re playing classic, video or progressive slots, the pay tables are an important tool to understand before spinning the reels. A pay table explains how the slot works, including how many symbols must line up and which bet sizes are accepted for payouts. It can also provide a list of bonus features that can be triggered during a spin.

The pay tables of different types of slot games differ, but all provide a unique gaming experience and opportunities to win. To maximize your winnings, understanding these differences is crucial. The following tips can help you make the most of your time spent on a slot machine.