A slot is an opening in a machine, such as a video poker machine. It can be a narrow depression, notch, groove, or slit. Its name is derived from its shape and function. In slot machines, money is inserted into the machine and the reels spin. Winning combinations generate credits, and the machine rewards the player accordingly. The symbols on a slot machine vary, but classic examples include bells, fruits, and stylized lucky sevens. Most slot machines have a theme, and bonus features are aligned with that theme.

The technology behind slots has changed over the years. From mechanical designs to computer-controlled ones, they are now computerized. But the basic game remains the same: players insert money into the slot, pull a lever, and wait for the reels to stop spinning. The winning symbols must line up in a specific pattern to win a certain amount of money. In order to make a slot-based machine profitable, players must gamble responsibly and not spend more money than they have.

In computer games, a slot connects the processor to the motherboard. It was originally designed to make upgrading a processor easier. In 1997, Intel Corporation introduced the first slot. AMD followed suit in 1999 with Slot A (which is not compatible with Slot 1). In 1999, Intel released Slot 2 (bigger than the first one) and the Pentium II processor. Today, slot processors are rarely found in new computers. In fact, sockets are used instead.