A narrow depression, perforation, or opening; especially, one into which a piece fits or slides. He slotted the CD into the player.

In the gaming world, a slot is a position within a game’s paytable that yields a particular value or combination of values, and often triggers a bonus level or jackpot. There are many different types of slots, including progressive slots that increase their jackpot with each bet. Others allow players to choose a specific number of coins to play with, and their odds of winning are determined by the number of symbols they line up across the reels.

Modern electronic slot machines use random number generators to determine the order of symbols that appear on the reels, and the amount of the payout if they land in a winning combination. A winning combination can also unlock a bonus game or other features that add to the overall enjoyment of playing the slot machine.

Unlike mechanical slot machines, which use tangible levers and spring mechanisms to spin the reels, video slots operate with large screen displays and unique sound effects that enhance gameplay. In addition, some video slots offer the ability to bet multiple coins or tokens simultaneously.

In the scheduling (calendar) sense, a slot is a time period or position within a schedule or sequence. For example, I booked your haircut for the 2 p.m. slot. A slot can also be a time in which a task is scheduled to be completed, such as the arrival of an airplane at a busy airport.