In the United States, they’re called slot machines. In the UK, they’re known as fruit machines or pokies. Whatever you call them, they’re among the most popular pieces of casino equipment, attracting huge interest and paying out enormous jackpots. Despite the overriding element of chance, there are some strategies that can help you maximize your chances of winning.

The earliest slot machines were mechanical devices that spun reels and allowed players to win by lining up poker cards or other symbols. The first electrical machines came in the seventies, and they offered more sophisticated changes to gameplay. They could offer more paylines, offer progressive jackpots, and include creative bonus events like the crime scene in NetEnt’s Cash Noir or outer-space cluster payouts in ReelPlay’s Cosmic Convoy.

Until recently, players dropped coins into slots to activate games for each spin. This changed when bill validators and credit meters were added to live casinos. Online slot games use advance deposits or credits instead of physical currency, making it easier to think of them as a game of chance rather than a wager.

A key to winning is selecting a machine with a good track record. In brick-and-mortar casinos, look for machines that show recent wins. If you’re not comfortable choosing your own machine, ask a friendly casino employee for a recommendation. They can also help you stay within your budget by recommending the best machine for your play style and bet amount.