What is a Slot?

A slot is a space or gap in a surface, especially an aircraft wing or tail, designed to carry a control device or high-lift airfoil. It is also used as a name for the various openings in an airplane that are associated with high-lift devices, such as flaps or aileron.

A gambling machine that accepts paper tickets with barcodes (ticket-in, ticket-out machines) or cash. It activates when a lever or button is pulled, or in electromechanical machines, when the reels stop turning. The machine pays out credits according to the pay table if symbols matching those on the pay line appear. Symbols vary, but classics include fruits, bells, and stylized lucky sevens. Most slot games have a theme, such as a fictional location or character. The symbols and bonus features are usually aligned with that theme.

Modern slot machines do not use mechanical reels and instead rely on digital technology to display multiple symbols on a screen. They can accept coins or paper tickets with barcodes, and can be operated by a person or an automatic attendant. They may be connected to a network and allow players to interact with other machines, which creates a social experience for gamblers.

In football, the slot is a position on the offense that shares some characteristics of both a wide receiver and running back. The position is situated close to, but behind, the offensive line of scrimmage and is often filled by a tight end or fullback.