A slot (narrow aperture or hole) is a place where something can be placed.

Putting something into a slot is what’s known as “slotting it.” The phrase is often used in the context of sports or gaming: “He slammed the ball through that open window and slotted it into the goal,” or, “The crowd at Stamford Bridge erupted after Florent Malouda slotted in a cross from Drogba.”

In the past, mechanical slots had many complex inner workings to ensure as random a spin as possible, involving gears, levers, and notched discs. Now, however, most modern machines work a bit differently. They have a look that resembles the old mechanical models, but they use computers to predetermine the outcome of a spin before the player pulls the handle or presses the button.

When a person places a bet on a machine, the computer in the machine generates a number that corresponds with a particular spot on the virtual reel. When the physical reels stop spinning, that number tells the machine which symbol to display on the screen, and if the symbols line up on a payline, the player receives a payout. Modern slots also incorporate bonus features that can add to the amount of money a player can win. They might include multipliers, wild symbols, and free spins. There are even progressive jackpots that increase every time someone plays the game. To keep a machine running smoothly, operators should regularly clean the internal components and apply a light machine oil to reduce friction.