For more than a century, slot machines have required little more than cash and the faith that a handle or button will yield a winning spin. But as the industry struggles to keep up with younger players who grew up on video games, many manufacturers are pushing the limits on what they can do to make slots more appealing.

Unlike traditional mechanical slot machines, which used mechanical slides and levers to spin the reels, modern slots use electromechanical sensors to activate them. When a spin is initiated, the random number generator within each machine determines whether a spin is a win or loss. The computer also decides where each “reel” will stop, which symbols will be displayed and what the payout amount will be. This has allowed designers to add a variety of new features, including diagonal and diagonal-line matchups.

In addition, the computer-driven system allows for multiple jackpot levels and an increase in maximum payouts compared to traditional mechanical machines. As a result, there are now more ways to win a big jackpot than ever before.

Understanding how slots pay out and how to choose a game that matches your playstyle can help you maximize your chances for success. To do that, you’ll want to consider the volatility, or risk/reward ratio, of each title. High-volatility games offer large potential payouts but can deplete your bankroll quickly, whereas low-volatility games provide more frequent (albeit smaller) wins.