A slot machine (American English), fruit machine (British English), or poker machine (Australian English) is a certain type of casino game. Traditional slot machines are coin-operated machines with three or more reels, which spin when a lever on the side of the machine is pulled. The machines include a currency detector that validates the coin or money inserted to play. (The slot machine is also known informally as a one-armed bandit because of its traditional appearance and its ability to leave the gamer penniless.) The machine typically pays off based on patterns of symbols visible on the front of the machine when it stops. Modern computer technology has resulted in many variations on the slot machine concept. Today, slot machines are the most popular gambling method in casinos and constitute about 70% of the average casino's income.
A person playing a slot machine purchases the right to play by inserting
coins, cash, or in newer machines, a bar-coded
paper ticket (known as "ticket in/ticket out"
machines), into a designated slot on the
machine. The machine is then activated by means
of a lever or button, or on newer machines, by
pressing a touch screen on its face. The
casino games
itself may or may not involve skill on the
player's part — or it may create the illusion of
involving skill while only being a game of
chance.
The object of the game is to win money from the
machine. The game usually involves matching
symbols, either on mechanical reels that spin
and stop to reveal one or several symbols, or on
a video screen. The symbols are usually brightly
colored and easily recognizable, such as images
of fruits, and simple shapes such as bells,
diamonds, or hearts.
Most games have a variety of winning
combinations of symbols, often posted on the
face of the machine. If a player matches a
combination according to the rules of the game,
the slot machine pays the player cash or some
other sort of value, such as extra games.