A slot is a narrow opening in something, for example a hole that you can put coins into to make it work. It can also refer to a position or time in which something can take place, like a time slot for an appointment.
The most popular slot games feature a theme and symbols that match it. Some have bonus features that can lead to high payouts. These features may appear randomly or during regular game play. Players insert cash or, in “ticket-in, ticket-out” machines, a paper ticket with a barcode into the machine to activate it. The reels then spin and stop to rearrange the symbols into winning combinations. If a player matches three or more matching symbols, they earn credits based on the paytable.
Compared to outside wide receivers, a slot receiver is shorter and stockier and usually has good route running skills. He must be able to run just about any route possible, since he lines up closer to the line of scrimmage than outside wide receivers. He’s often a great blocker, as well, on running plays where he isn’t the ball carrier.