Online slots are the most popular type of casino game but many players don’t understand how they work under the hood. They may believe that they can identify the “hot” slot by looking at the frequency of wins and losses, but that’s not the case. The results of each spin are determined by a random number generator, which is independent of previous outcomes. The RNG is independently tested by expert agencies to ensure that it’s unbiased.

The best way to find a reliable online slot is by checking the payout percentage. This is usually posted somewhere on the rules or information page for the game. The pay table also lists how much each symbol pays out, and it often indicates any limits that a casino may place on a jackpot. You can also look for the RTP on the game developer’s website or on a comparison site that specializes in online slots.

Another thing to keep in mind when playing slot online is the variance. This is how often a game pays out winnings, and it’s different for every player. Low-variance games tend to pay out small amounts more frequently, while high-variance slots might go a long time without paying out a prize. Then, when they do pay out, the winnings can be very large. You can test a game’s variance by playing it for free and then increasing the coin size to see how much the jackpot increases.