You’ve checked in on time, cleared security, made it to the gate and queued to board. Then you hear the captain’s voice: “We’re waiting for a slot.” What exactly does that mean? And why can’t the plane take off right away?

A slot is a narrow opening, especially one that accepts coins. It can also refer to an assigned or scheduled time or place, such as a flight schedule or a parking space. You can also use the word to describe an opportunity or position: She was hoping to land a slot as a copy editor for a major newspaper.

In casino gaming, slots are the openings in a machine into which coins or paper tickets with barcodes are inserted to activate the machine and win prizes. These games often feature a variety of themes, paylines, and bonus features that can increase the player’s chances of winning big. They are often designed with bright colors and a lot of flashing lights to attract attention.

When you play a slot, be sure to read the pay table before starting the game. This will display the regular paying symbols and their payout values, as well as any special symbols and their associated jackpots. It will also show you how to trigger the game’s bonus features and what they entail. You should also look for the Bet Max and Spin buttons, which can be used to automatically bet the maximum number of credits. If you need change or assistance from a casino attendant, push the Service button; it will light the candle on the top of the machine and indicate to staff that you need help.