What is a Slot?

Slot is a casino game where players insert coins into a machine and hope that symbols will line up to win. The paytable lists the winning combinations and their payout amounts, and usually also includes information on how to trigger a bonus round or win additional free spins.

Credit meter

A credit meter is a display that shows the player how much they have won or how many credits are left on the machine. The meter can show up in many different forms, including a seven-segment display or stylized text that matches the game’s theme and user interface.

Candle

A candle is a light on top of the machine that flashes when change is needed, hand pay is requested or a problem is occurring with the machine. It can also be used to indicate the operator’s availability to help the player.

Carousel

A carousel is a grouping of several slot machines, usually in a circle or oval formation. They are usually located at the entrances to a casino or hotel.

Cheats

Some people tried to cheat slot machines by using slugs, or fake coins. Some were simple rounded metal coins, but others were more elaborate, with stamped images of New Jersey slot tokens.

Coin recognition software grew more sophisticated to prevent cheaters from using these devices. Manufacturers also developed more secure coin acceptance devices, and some had a slot head that could be removed only when the reels were lined up in a winning combination.