A slot is a narrow opening or groove in something, for example, a hole that you might use to put coins into a machine. You can also think of a slot as a place where you might fit something, like a piece of equipment or a person. To slot something means to place it in such a position that it fits. For example, if you slot a CD into a player, it means that you put the disc in where it can easily slide in. You might also talk about a slot as a time that you are scheduled to do something, such as an event at work or a meeting in school.
In casino games, a slot is the name of an individual reel in a mechanical or video machine that accepts cash or, in ticket-in, ticket-out machines, paper tickets with barcodes. A player can activate the slot by inserting a coin or, on some machines, using a lever or button. Activation triggers the spinning reels, which then rearrange symbols according to a paytable. The symbols vary depending on the game, but classics include fruit and stylized lucky sevens. Most slot games have a theme and bonus features that align with it.
Some people play slots for a living by winning bonuses from casinos and gambling websites. These bonuses are typically subject to wagering requirements that a player must meet before they can withdraw the money. Others are professional gamblers who have learned how to maximize their odds of winning.