A narrow opening, usually in the form of a hole or gap, into which something can be inserted. A slot can be found on the face of a coin or in the mechanism of a machine, for example. The word can also refer to a position within a group, series or sequence. For instance, a slot in the wing of an airplane can be used to attach a control device or to provide airflow over a specific part of the wings.

A space in a schedule or program where an activity can take place. A visitor can book a time slot to visit the museum.

In a computer, a slot is an expansion connector that holds memory cards or other devices. It can also be used to connect a hard drive or disk drive. A slot on a motherboard may also be used to install an additional graphics card. The slots on a computer are usually lined up in rows across the length of the motherboard, but they can be positioned in different ways depending on the manufacturer.

When a person plays a slot machine, they will insert cash or, in “ticket-in, ticket-out” machines, a paper ticket with a barcode into a slot. The machine then activates, spinning digital reels with symbols that line up to create winning combinations. The symbols vary, but classics include objects such as fruit and bells. Many slot games have a theme, and the symbols and bonus features are aligned with that theme.

Some slots have a progressive jackpot that increases over time, while others feature Wilds, which can substitute for other symbols and increase the chances of winning. Most of the time, the slot will display a list of possible payouts on the pay table, which can be found on the screen or in the help menu.

One of the most important things to understand about a slot is its pay tables. These tables contain information on a slot’s symbols, their payouts, and special features. Often, they are listed above and below the digital reels, but they can be found in other places as well, such as in the help menu on video slots.

A slot corner is a defensive back in American football who specializes in covering the slot receiver, which is the third receiver on offense. The position requires good press coverage and athletic ability to keep up with fast slot receivers. The slot corner is usually the team’s second- or third-round pick.

Inventor William Redd is often credited with helping to transform the modern slot machine from a sleepy, ignored afterthought in casino gaming into a major source of revenue for casinos. His work in improving slot machines is described in this interview with the UNLV Oral History Research Center. In particular, he envisioned ways to use emerging technology to make slot machines more efficient and lucrative. This led to improvements that, in the end, outperformed Hirsch’s original design. His inventions are the reason why slot machines remain a vital source of revenue for casino owners today.