What Is a Slot?

A slot is a position or area on a computer motherboard where an expansion card can be inserted. Historically, a slot was used to house expansion cards like an ISA (industry standard architecture), PCI, or AGP card, but it can also refer to other types of hardware such as memory slots.

When people think of slot they typically imagine a spinning reel of symbols that pay out credits according to the game’s paytable. The symbols vary depending on the theme of the game and may include classic fruits, bells, and stylized lucky sevens. Most slot games also feature a bonus feature that aligns with the theme of the game. While the premise of slot is simple, it has evolved over time to offer players more complex experiences. Some slots even have a storyline that runs alongside the reels. As such, it is important to understand the basics of how slots work before playing them.