Online slot are among the most popular games at online casinos, and there’s no doubt that they are also some of the most fun. In theory, they’re simple: place your bets, spin the reels and see if you get a winning combination. But there’s a lot more science to slots than meets the eye. Every aspect of a slot is generated and controlled by software, which guarantees a fair outcome for each spin using an algorithm known as a Random Number Generator (RNG).

Unlike the fruit machines of old, modern online slots can feature multiple paylines, which you can activate or deactivate depending on your preferences. These can be horizontal, vertical or diagonal and can run anywhere from three to 20 paylines at once. They can also offer multiple ways to win, with features such as Scatters, Free Spins game rounds, pick-and-click bonus games and randomly triggered prizes.

You can also find information about a slot’s payout percentage and volatility in its pay table. This is basically how often the slot pays out and how big these wins are. Higher payout percentages mean bigger wins more frequently, while lower ones mean smaller wins less frequently.

The RTP is another important piece of info to keep in mind when choosing an online slot. This is the average expected return to a player over time, calculated from the data of thousands of real-money spins. It doesn’t guarantee specific results, but it can help you understand the odds of the game and how to manage your bankroll.