A narrow opening in something, such as a keyway or the hole in which you drop coins in a machine. Also, the time or space in which something happens or is planned. You can often book a slot a week or more in advance.

In football, the slot receiver is a wide receiver who lines up in the middle of the field between and slightly behind the outer wide receivers and the offensive linemen. They are usually shorter and faster than traditional wide receivers, and they need to be able to run quick routes that involve a lot of evasion and elusion. Because of this, they are often targeted on almost 40 percent of passing attempts.

The slot receiver is also known as the “slotback,” and in many cases, the slotback takes a similar role on the defensive team. The slotback often backs up the outside linebackers and defensive end, and he helps to fill gaps in the defense. He needs to be able to run quick routes and block, but he also needs to be a good receiver and have speed to beat out opponents for open passes.

In casinos, a slot is a gambling machine that accepts paper tickets or cash and pays out winning combinations on the reels. Some slots keep a percentage of every wager and add it to a progressive jackpot, which can sometimes reach millions of dollars. Some slot machines are themed after TV shows or music stars and have special bonus features that add to the excitement of playing them.

Before you play a slot game, it is important to understand how the paytable and other information work. This will help you make better decisions and have a more enjoyable time playing. For example, if a slot has not paid out for several spins, it may be best to walk away instead of risking more money. You can also try reducing your bet size on max lines to see if you have more luck.

A slot is a narrow opening in something, such as a gap in the floor or the slit where you put coins in a vending machine. It is also the name of the part of a computer that holds the expansion cards, which give it additional capabilities. A slot can also refer to the time period in which you can take off or land at an airport, a tool used to reduce the repeated delays that occur when too many flights try to take off and land at the same time. Also, a slot can be a time or position in a game, such as a tennis match. The player who wins the most points in that slot is declared the winner of the match.