The bright lights, flashing colors and whirring sounds of slot machines have made them one of the most popular casino games. They’re also the source of some of the biggest, lifestyle-changing jackpots. But it’s important to understand how slots work before you play them.

Whether you’re a fan of the classic three-reel mechanical versions or prefer the video screens and high-tech features of newer games, there are some basic tips that can help you make the most of your time and money at the slot machine. First, decide how much you want to spend before you play. Set a budget in advance and stick to it. It’s easy to get distracted by the bright lights and big screen graphics of a slot machine, but you should always be aware of how much you’re spending and how many credits are left on the machine.

It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the payout structure and bonus features of each slot game you play. This information can be found on the game’s pay table, which is usually accessible through a trophy or what looks like a chart or grid icon in the corner of the screen. Some slot games also have a “Help” or “Paytable” button that will take you to the same page.

One of the most important slot tips is to remember that winning at a slot machine is totally random. Often, players will leave a machine and see someone else hit a large sum immediately afterward. While it’s tempting to think that the previous player was due a payout, this is not true. A slot machine’s results are determined by a computer chip that randomly assigns numbers to each possible combination of symbols on the reels.