A narrow notch, groove, or opening, as in a keyway in a piece of machinery or a slit for a coin in a vending machine. Also, a position in a group, series, or sequence; a slot on a schedule.
In digital slot machines, symbols that match on a pay line win credits. These credits can then be used to play other games and earn more winning combinations. The number of possible pay lines varies by game, but most slots have multiple lines that zigzag across the reels. Some slots allow players to choose the number of paylines they want to activate, while others have a fixed amount that must be played on each spin.
In football, the term slot refers to a specific position on the field, usually at the wide receiver or tight end positions. These receivers are closer to the middle of the field than the other receiving positions, and they must be able to run routes that allow them to avoid tackles. To do this, they need to be quick and agile. They also need to be able to block for the ball carrier on running plays. In general, teams prioritize speed and agility in selecting slot receivers. The value of an airport slot, which gives a specific airline the right to land at a congested airport at a certain time, can be high – one such slot was sold in 2016 for $75 million. See also timetable slot, air traffic management slot.