A slot is a narrow opening in a machine or container. A car seat belt fits into its slot easily.

In a casino, slots are the machines where you place your bet and spin the reels to try to win. Typically, they’re in groups, with low limit machines in one area and high limit ones in another. If you’re not sure where to find the right machine, ask a casino employee for assistance.

Modern slot machines are operated by random number generators, which generate thousands of numbers per second and determine whether you win or lose. When you activate a slot, these random numbers are associated with symbols on the reels. If the symbols line up along a pay line, you win credits. Some slot machines also have Wild symbols that can substitute for other symbols and open bonus levels or jackpot levels.

When you arrive at an airport, you check in for your flight, pass through security and get to the gate, but then you’re told that your plane can’t take off until it reaches its assigned “slot.” This is because air-traffic control uses central flow management to avoid major delays and excess fuel burn.