When a slot machine wins, the player receives a payout. The payouts are based on a paytable which may include vital statistics and betting tactics. The game starts when the player presses a button or lever to start spinning. The reels will then reveal a winning combination of symbols and the player earns credits based on the paytable. In addition to payouts, slot games may also feature bonus games that enhance the level of entertainment.

Slot machines have evolved over the years from their traditional mechanical counterparts to computer-controlled versions. Despite their differences, the basic idea of the game remains the same. The player pulls a handle to turn a series of spinning reels with pictures printed on them. A pay line runs down the middle of the viewing window, and winning combinations will appear if the symbols line up with the pay line.

The goal of slot machines is to have a high payback percentage. The payback percentage is the percentage of money a player puts into the slot machine that is returned to the player. In an ideal scenario, the machine would pay out ninety percent of the money played, while a payout of ten percent would mean a profit for the casino. However, the average payback percentage for a slot machine is below a hundred percent, which is a positive for the player.

In the early days of slot machines, the mechanical design was used to control the payout. The reels were held in place by a metal shaft, connected to a handle mechanism. There was a braking system that would stop the spinning. It also contained a sensor that would communicate the position of the reels to the payout system. Eventually, a coin was inserted and the brake would be unlocked.