A slit or narrow opening for receiving something, as a coin or a letter. Also used: a position or assignment; a slot in a sequence or series.

A position or place in a machine or sequence of operations; the number of positions available on a device, such as a computer chip. Also used: a position on a chessboard, board or other piece of equipment; the area on a face-off circle in ice hockey.

An area of a playing card, such as the space between two of the four corners of the top left quadrant.

In a slot game, a player inserts cash or, in “ticket-in, ticket-out” machines, paper tickets with barcodes into a designated slot, then activates a lever or button (either physical or on a touchscreen) to spin the reels and arrange them in combinations of symbols. Each symbol has a specific meaning, and the player wins credits based on the combination that land on a pay line. Most slots have a theme, and the symbols and bonus features align with that theme.

While many players attempt to strategize, there is no way to predict the outcome of a slot spin. However, there are some tips to help increase the likelihood of winning: