When playing slots, it’s important to have a set of rules to follow. This includes determining how much you’re willing to spend on your gaming experience and making sure to protect your bankroll or budget by never spending more than you can afford to lose. It also means knowing how to manage your time, as slots can be addictive, so setting a time limit (minutes or hours) is a great way to ensure you play responsibly.

Another important rule is to know how to read a slot’s pay table. This is a list of the symbols in the game and their payout values, as well as any bonus features. Typically, the pay table is displayed in a small box or as coloured tables, which can make it easier for you to understand.

In addition to displaying the regular symbols and their payout values, the pay table will usually also include information on any bonus features in the slot, such as free spins or sticky wilds. Some of these bonus features are designed to add more excitement to your gaming experience, while others are designed to enhance your winning potential.

Historically, these pay tables appeared directly on the machine, but as technology progressed and games became more complex with more reels and symbols, they were moved to the help screens. However, they still serve the same purpose as a quick reference guide and help players understand what each symbol does and how it fits into the overall design of the slot’s gameplay.