A slot is a place to insert something. It may refer to a physical opening or a position in a game of chance. It can also mean a time or a period of opportunity. A person who is “in the slot” has a good chance of winning something.

In computers, a slot is an engineered technique for adding capability. It consists of a series of connection pinholes (typically 16 to 64 closely-spaced holes) and a place to fit an expansion card containing the circuitry that provides some specialized capability, such as video acceleration or disk drive control. Almost all desktop computers come with a set of slots to facilitate future hardware upgrades. A slot is sometimes called a socket or a bracket, although these terms are not interchangeable.

The term slot is also used to refer to a specific type of casino game, especially online versions of the game. Many people are familiar with the concept of slot machine games, but not everyone knows that this term also applies to online casinos.

Penny slots are the smallest and least expensive of all slot games. These machines are designed to draw players in with bright lights and jingling jangling noises, and they offer the potential for large wins. But it’s important to keep in mind that these machines are still games of chance, and it is possible to lose more than you win.

Quarter slots are another option for those who want to try their luck at a slot game. These machines have a higher payout ratio than nickel and penny slots, but they are also less expensive and require fewer coins to play. In addition, these slots often feature a wild symbol that can substitute for other symbols in a winning combination.

A’slot’ is also a term used in computer programming to describe a dynamic placeholder that either waits for content to be added to it (a passive slot) or calls out for it via a scenario action or targeter (an active slot). A’slot’ can hold any number of repository items, and scenarios and targeters control how the contents are presented on the Web page.

A slot receiver is a secondary wide receiver who lines up in the slot between the linemen and the wing-wideout, typically running precise routes with quick releases to stretch the defense vertically. Speedy slot receivers like Tyreek Hill or Brandin Cooks are extremely effective at this, but even a big, physical tight end can be a great slot player.