When people think about slot, they may imagine the towering machines that line casino floors and feature loud sounds and quirky themes. While these eye-catching contraptions can be fun to play, experts warn that they could end up costing you more than they’re worth. Here are a few tips to help you avoid losing more than you come in with.

It’s never a good idea to jump straight into playing an online slot without reading the pay table first. These handy tables typically display a list of symbols and their payouts alongside any bonus features and jackpots. They also explain rules – for example, how to trigger free spins, scatter symbols and sticky wilds – in an easy to understand way.

Another reason to read the pay table is that it may help you decide how much you’re willing to wager. This will give you a clearer picture of what you stand to win and how you can manage your bankroll. This is especially important if you’re looking to make a deposit and meet some casino’s playthrough requirements.

Finally, it’s important to remember that slots are random. A computer chip inside each machine makes thousands of mathematical calculations every second, which means that any combination will have a random chance of appearing. It’s important to know this going in because it will prevent you from wasting your money trying to chase a hit that’s “due”. Instead, set a loss limit and walk away once you reach it.