A narrow depression, groove, notch, slit, or opening, especially one for receiving something, as a coin in a machine or a letter in the mail. Also used for a position or place in a group, series, sequence, etc.: The program got a new slot on the broadcasting schedule.

A figurative sense of “narrow opening into which something can be fitted” is first recorded in 1820; that of “middle of the copy desk at a newspaper,” occupied by the chief copy editor, is from 1917. The sense of an allocated time and place for an aircraft to take off or land, as authorized by the airport or air-traffic control authority, is from 1942.

The best slots have a high payout percentage, which means you’ll get more winnings for the money you put in. They also offer bonus rounds that keep you engaged and increase your chances of winning. However, they are not without risk, so make sure to play responsibly and only with money that you can afford to lose.

Before you play a slot, always check the pay table for that machine to determine what symbols you need to hit to win. Some machines will only pay out if the correct symbols line up on the pay line, while others have a wild symbol that can substitute for other symbols to complete a winning combination. You can usually find the pay table on the machine’s face, or in its help menu.