What Is a Slot?

A slot is a position within a group, sequence, or series. The word is derived from Middle Low German sleut, and may refer to a number of things:

In computers, the term ‘slot’ often refers to an expansion port in a motherboard. These slots allow for the attachment of various devices such as hard drives, memory cards, or video accelerators. Most modern desktop computers have a variety of slot types, including ISA, PCI, and AGP. They also have several unused slots which can be used for additional memory or other device expansion.

Many slot machines have a ‘candle’ or ‘tower light’ on top. This light is usually red and flashes to indicate that the machine needs change, requires hand pay, or has a problem. It can be lit by pressing the service or help button on a mechanical slot machine, or by selecting the service option on a video game.

One of the most important aspects of slot play is to know your limits. Decide how much you’re willing to lose and how long you want your bankroll to last before playing. It’s also crucial to understand how a slot’s pay table works, as this will determine how many credits you can win for matching symbols on the reels. You can find this information in the game’s rules or by reading online casino reviews and news. It’s also a good idea to consider the volatility of a slot, as high-volatility games will award wins less frequently but can be more substantial when they do.