A slot is a narrow notch, groove, or opening, especially one for receiving something, as a keyway in a piece of machinery or a slit for coins in a vending machine. It may also refer to a position in a group, series, or sequence.

A slot on a computer is an open area where an expansion card can be fitted. It is usually lined with pinholes that connect to corresponding connections on the motherboard and provide additional circuitry for specific functions, such as video acceleration or disk drive control. Almost all desktop computers have a number of expansion slots to allow for easy upgrade and addition of hardware components.

The term slot is also used in sports to refer to an area of the field that a particular player occupies. For example, a wide receiver might be assigned to cover a linebacker, while a running back is tasked with rushing against a defensive end. This assignment allows teams to use fast players in space and maximize the efficiency of their play-making abilities.

In business, a slot is an opportunity to get something done in a certain timeframe, and it can also be a reserved position for a particular activity or type of work. Many companies create different types of slots to organize their workflow and assign tasks to employees. Some of these are designed to help managers prioritize their workloads while others focus on specific activities that need to be completed within a given period of time.

Moreover, the word slot is also used to describe an airline’s priority status at an airport or in air traffic management. In Europe, airlines are allocated slot rights by EUROCONTROL as part of its centralized flow management system. These slots can be traded and have a high value; one such slot sold in 2016 for a record $75 million.

Before playing a slot, it is important to understand how the game works and what the payouts are. A good place to start is the pay table, which shows the possible combinations and their respective payouts. In addition, you should check the RTP rate, which is an estimate of how much a slot will pay out on average in relation to the bet amount. The higher the RTP, the better the odds of winning. In addition, it is wise to look for a slot with bonus features and rules that are favorable to your gaming style. However, it is important not to over-focus on comps and other rewards, as these can distract you from enjoying the actual slot experience.