A time or place at which an aircraft is authorized to take off or land, as allocated by the air traffic controller. In aviation, slots are typically reserved for larger passenger or cargo aircraft.

In computer hardware, a slot is an opening into which a printed circuit board can be inserted. A slot is different from a bay, which is a site within a motherboard where expansion boards are installed. A slot in a motherboard is also referred to as an ISA, PCI, or AGP slot.

The earliest mechanical slot machine was invented in 1899 by Charles Fey in San Francisco. A plaque now marks the site of the workshop in which it was built. In more recent times, digital technology has enabled slot designers to get even more creative with bonus rounds and immersive experiences.

Because of where they line up and their speedy skills, Slot receivers often act as running backs on pitch plays, reverses, and end-arounds. Their pre-snap alignment also allows them to run routes that some wide receivers can’t due to their physical limitations.

A slot is a pattern of winning or losing, with the likelihood of hitting a jackpot higher when the odds are in your favor. High volatility slots are riskier than low volatility slots but they usually pay out bigger prizes, especially if you hit a progressive jackpot. This is why they can be more exciting to play, but you should always be aware of the risks.