A slot is an opening in the surface of something. It can also refer to a place where a part fits. For example, a computer motherboard may have ISA, PCI and AGP slots. The term can also refer to a position on the playing field of a sports game, especially in hockey where the high slot is one of the best places for a defenseman to take a shot because it allows them to rip a blistering slap shot that is difficult for goalies to block.

In football, a slot receiver is a type of wide receiver that lines up close to the offensive line, usually just behind it. This position can create mismatches downfield for the quarterback, especially when other deep routes are well-covered by the defense. The slot receiver is also responsible for blocking defenders that have broken through the line of scrimmage.

When a player wins on a slot machine, the amount of money he receives depends on how many matching symbols are found on the pay line. The odds of winning are published on the machine’s pay table, which is usually located above and below the reels on a physical slot machine or within the help menu on a video slot. In the past, people dropped coins into slot machines to activate them for a spin; today, bill validators and credit meters allow players to make a bet without physically inserting cash. A slot can also refer to a specific area in a computer or mobile phone that stores programs and data, often referred to as an SD card. Psychologists have found that the use of electronic slot machines increases a person’s risk for gambling addiction significantly.