A narrow notch, groove or opening. For example, a slot in a door or the slit in a vending machine that holds coins. Also, a period of time reserved for an activity or event: I booked a meeting for that afternoon slot. In computer programming, a named slot is an element with the slot> tag.

A slot machine is a gambling device with three or more reels that spin and stop to display symbols. When a winning combination of symbols is lined up, the player receives credits according to the pay table displayed on the machine. The pay table may differ from one machine to the next, but classic symbols include fruits, bells, and stylized lucky sevens. Most slot games have a theme and offer different bonus features aligned with that theme.

Before a slot game can be played, players must insert cash or, in “ticket-in, ticket-out” machines, a paper ticket with a barcode into a designated slot on the machine. Then they activate the machine by pushing a lever or button (physical or on a touchscreen). The reels then spin and stop to display symbols. If the symbols match, the player wins credits based on the amount wagered. A slot machine’s RTP (return to player rate) and variance (how much it pays out and how often) are usually posted on its face or help screen. The developers of a slot game try to create games that will appeal to players and keep them coming back for more.