A narrow opening or groove, such as the one on a door or the notch on a board. In computers, a slot is the space on a motherboard in which an expansion card can be installed. The slots on a computer can be configured as either ISA, PCI, or AGP. The slots on a computer can also be configured as internal (direct memory access, or DMA) or external (ATA) devices.
In gambling, a position or place in a casino where a player can gamble. It’s not uncommon for someone to have several different “slots.”
(computing) A space on a disk or other storage medium in which data can be stored. In some operating systems, files can be placed in multiple “slots.” The game offers four save slots.
Originally, slot was an open area in the front of a plowed field that gave a vantage point for a sniper to shoot at targets or spies. The term has also been applied to the position in field hockey and ice hockey that is between the last offensive lineman on each side of the center and the wide receiver on that side.
Playing a slot machine can be fun, but it’s important to determine how much time and money you are willing to invest in chasing payouts. You can quickly spend more than you can afford to lose, so it’s vital to set limits before starting a game. It’s also helpful to understand the odds of winning and losing, and to be aware of the limitations of your own skill level.