A slot is an opening on a computer where you can insert a printed circuit board. These are also known as expansion slots. They are not to be confused with bays, which are sites within a computer where you can install disk drives. A computer’s slot size is a significant factor when selecting the right memory for your machine. For example, if you have a small budget but want to maximize the speed of your processor, then a slot that supports DDR3 RAM is the best option for you.

A casino slot is a gambling machine that uses reels to display symbols and pay out winnings based on the combination of those symbols. The symbols vary depending on the theme of the slot game, and can range from traditional objects like bells and stylized lucky sevens to fruits and other icons. Some modern slots even feature characters from popular movies. The payouts for these symbols are listed in the slot’s pay table.

The word “slot” also has a figurative meaning, referring to an allocated position in a sequence or series. For instance, a person may be slotted for an important meeting at work. A slot is also the name of an airport control tower position where an airline can apply for a specific time to land or takeoff at an airfield that is experiencing capacity issues. Airlines that operate at these control towers are usually subject to strict procedures and quotas for their operations, which can help reduce delays and fuel burn.

Slot is also a term in football, used to refer to the position on the field where a receiver will line up during a play. Slot receivers often play in more difficult positions than other receivers, since they are closer to the defense and have an increased risk of getting hit by opposing players. In order to minimize the risk of injury, slot receivers must run precise routes that match up with their teammates’ actions.

The most common way to win at a slot machine is by landing matching symbols on the payline. All the different symbols used in a slot game are listed on the pay table, along with how much you can win for hitting three, four, or five matching symbols on a single payline. In addition, the pay table will list any special symbols that are present on the slot machine, such as wild or scatter symbols. Generally, these special symbols will align with the slot’s theme and can be used to trigger bonus rounds and other special features. This information can be particularly useful for people who are new to the world of online slots, and may help them make informed decisions about which machines to play and how much to wager.