If you’re a casino fan, you’ll have probably come across a wide range of slot games. The different types of slots differ in their appearance, how they work and what bonus features they offer. There’s also the issue of how much you can win on a given spin and the odds of hitting that amount.

While the concept of a slot machine is simple, the mechanics are actually quite complicated. Inside each machine is a complex piece of software called an RNG (random number generator) that determines what happens on every spin. This is why one person might play a slot for hours without winning anything, while another person can walk away with a jackpot on their first go.

Online slots can vary in their look and feel, but many of them use a standard 5 x 3 reel format. They often have fixed pay scales that give valuable line hits or they might use a scatter symbol as the key to unlock special features. Unlike the physical versions of these machines, online slots can allow game designers to let their imaginations run wild and create unique bonus events like the mystery chase through the Crime Zone in NetEnt’s Cash Noir or outer space cluster payoffs in ReelPlay’s Cosmic Convoy.

Modern video slots have a huge range of different theme options, from animals to mythology to sports and movies. They can have multiple pay lines, varying coin values and a host of different bonus features including hold and spins, wheel spins, sticky wilds, free games and progressive jackpots. These can be a great way to make the gameplay more entertaining and increase your chances of winning.