A slit or narrow opening, especially one for receiving something, such as coins or a letter. Also, the position or role of someone in a schedule or program: We booked our tickets in the slot for the 7 pm show.
In computing, a slot is an area on a motherboard for expansion cards such as ISA, PCI, or AGP slots. Earlier computers had special “slot” processors, designed to make it easier to upgrade the computer by simply sliding in a new processor rather than having to remove everything and start from scratch. These are now obsolete, replaced by sockets.
On a physical slot machine, a reel spins and sensors detect the positions of the symbols, which communicate with the payout system. Traditionally, only one symbol can pay per reel, but more advanced video slots allow symbols to pay left-to-right and in adjacent columns, which can greatly increase the maximum win potential.
The quarterback throws the ball to the slot receiver pre-snap, and his blocking is usually more critical to the success of running plays than that of outside wide receivers. Slot receivers often need to block safeties and outside linebackers, as well as chipping defensive ends.
In addition to standard payout symbols, online slot games can feature additional bonus events such as a mystery chase through the Crime Zone in NetEnt’s Cash Noire or outer-space cluster payoffs that replace traditional paylines in ReelPlay’s Cosmic Convoy. Reading reviews of slot games can help you choose which titles to play and avoid those that aren’t worth your time.