A slot is an opening or position in a group, series, or sequence. A slot in football refers to a receiver who lines up close to the ball carrier, running routes that require a significant amount of evasion and agility. Slot receivers are typically shorter and quicker than traditional wide receivers, making them a prime target for defenses seeking to limit passing opportunities.

In the context of air traffic control, a “slot” is an authorization for a specific time to take off or land at an airport. Slots are assigned based on a number of factors, including demand at the airport, congestion in European airspace, and weather conditions.

On video slot machines, a “slot” may also refer to the number of paylines available for a given spin. While many older mechanical machines have only one or two paylines, modern machines often feature dozens or even hundreds of possible combinations with multiple symbols on each reel. These paylines can run vertically, horizontally, diagonally, or in any other pattern specified by the manufacturer.

A slot on a machine may also refer to the space where coins are inserted, or to a display that shows the player’s current credit balance. In many modern games, a slot is also the name of a bonus round. These rounds can be triggered by hitting certain combinations of symbols on the reels, and can award credits or other prizes, such as free spins. These bonuses are designed to keep players interacting with the game, and may have additional terms or requirements associated with them.