Examining the workings of slot machines and player tactics is necessary to comprehend how a jackpot is won. The majority of jackpots are awarded when particular symbol combinations—which can differ from machinechristmas slots to machine—land on the reels. In certain machines, for example, players must hit three or more scatter symbols in order to trigger a bonus round or jackpot feature. In other machines, winning combinations may be determined by fixed paylines. As players spin the reels in anticipation of that spectacular moment when the symbols line up precisely to reveal a payout that could change their lives, the excitement grows.