A thin opening or groove, especially one in which something may pass, as in a door or window. Also: a place or position, as in a time slot for an event.
In a slot machine, a player inserts cash or, in “ticket-in, ticket-out” machines, a paper ticket with a barcode, into a designated slot. The reels then spin and stop to rearrange the symbols. If the symbols match a winning combination, the player earns credits based on the paytable. Typical symbols include fruit, bells, and stylized lucky sevens. Most slot games have a theme, and the symbols and bonus features are aligned with that theme.
The amount of money a slot machine pays out over time, as measured by its return-to-player percentage. This figure is not a guarantee of winnings, as the odds of hitting particular symbols on a given payline vary from game to game.
A specialized type of receiver in football who is placed close to the line of scrimmage, and runs shorter routes such as slants. Slot receivers can stretch defenses vertically and can be very effective in the passing game if their route combinations are properly executed.
