A narrow notch or groove, especially in a machine for accepting coins or (in “ticket-in, ticket-out” machines) a paper ticket with a barcode. Also: a reserved time or place for an airplane to take off or land, assigned by air traffic control:

A machine or device with reels that spin when a lever or button is pressed. Each spin yields symbols arranged according to a paytable, which determines how much the player wins. Most slot games have a theme, and classic symbols include fruits, bells, and stylized lucky sevens. Some have additional bonus features aligned with the theme.

To fit into a slot: The book slotted easily onto the shelf.

In sports: (Australian rules football or rugby) To pass the ball between the posts for a goal.

Slot is a fast-paced game with quick, exhilarating action. However, it can be easy to get caught up in the excitement of trying to hit that jackpot and end up spending more than you can afford to lose. To make the most of your gambling experience, set a budget before you begin playing and stick to it. Also, choose a casino with a generous welcome bonus and loyalty program. This will help you build up your winnings over time. You will also want to play responsibly and limit the amount of time you spend on slots. This will ensure you have a longer period of time to win, and you won’t be tempted to chase big payouts that can quickly disappear.