A narrow notch, groove, or opening, such as one for a coin in a machine. Also:

A slot is a way to differentiate between different applications deployed in a single environment (such as production and staging). For example, the use of slots can help to reduce latency by prewarming app instances before deployment. It can also allow for easy fallbacks in the event of a failed application.

When a player wins at a slot machine, he or she gets paid a small amount. This is to encourage the player to continue betting, which increases the likelihood that the next spin will be a winner. It is important to remember that luck plays a big role in slot success, so players should pick machines they enjoy playing.

In a multi-line slot machine, the symbols may appear on several paylines, which are lines that run vertically, horizontally, or diagonally on a reel. To win a game, a certain number of matching symbols must appear on an active payline as defined in the game’s help screen. Some slots also have a Wild symbol that substitutes for other symbols and multiplies a winning combination by up to four.

In a game of hockey, the slot is a region of the ice where the center and wingers have the best opportunity to score without a deflection from opposing defenders. A skilled center or winger can place the puck in the slot and make a wrist shot with a high chance of success.