Slot – A type of gambling machine that pays out based on combinations of symbols appearing on a payline. Historically, slot machines used revolving mechanical reels to determine the outcomes of their games; today’s devices use computers and video graphics.

Pay table – A table on a slot machine that lists the number of credits and denominations that a player can win for matching a certain set of symbols. The pay table also indicates what the odds are of winning a particular combination.

Wild symbol – A so-called “Joker” in slots that substitutes for other symbols to complete a winning line, but doesn’t need to appear on an active payline. Scatter symbol – A scatter symbol doesn’t have to appear on an active payline to trigger a win, but it can activate a bonus round or increase the amount of money that you win.

Theme – A theme on a slot machine is a design element that can help the game appear more realistic and fun to play. In modern machines, for example, the reels can be framed by video screens that feature animations of characters and scenes.

Taste – A small amount paid to players during a session to keep them playing continuously. This is usually paid in the form of coins, although some machines can be rewarded with tokens or free spins.

Tilt – A term derived from electromechanical slot machines’ “tilt switches”, which would make or break a circuit when they were tilted or otherwise tampered with that triggered an alarm.