What is a Slot?

A slot is a narrow opening into which something can be fitted, especially a coin or letter. A slit or other narrow opening in the head of a piece of wood to make it easier to fit a screwdriver blade or other tool into it. In computer hardware, a slot is a socket into which a processor can be installed. The term is also used to refer to a position in a list or timetable, as in “The chief copy editor has the slot.”

In football, a wide receiver who lines up between and slightly behind the other wide receivers and the offensive linemen, in contrast to more traditional outside wide receivers who line up nearer to the line of scrimmage. Slot receivers are often smaller than traditional wide receivers and must be faster in order to avoid being tackled and to run complex routes.

In slot machines, a player inserts cash or, in “ticket-in, ticket-out” (TITO) machines, a paper ticket with a barcode, then activates the machine by means of a lever or button (either physical or on a touchscreen). The reels then spin and, if a winning combination is achieved, the player receives credits according to the paytable. Bonus features and other game rules may vary between different types of slots.