Slot machine pay tables are charts detailing payouts for symbol combinations in a game. They specify potential winnings based on matching symbols on paylines and highlight the values of different symbols, with higher-value ones offering more significant payouts. The pay table also includes game rules, including details about wild and scatter symbols and bonus features. Players can use pay tables to assess potential returns and understand game mechanics, which can guide their playing strategies. Overall, pay tables are essential for helping players evaluate their winning chances.