A slot is a narrow notch, groove, or opening, as in the slit that takes a coin in a vending machine. If you slot something into something else, you put it in a place where it fits. She slipped the disc into the dash.

In the United States and around the world, slots are used to limit the number of flights that can take off or land at a busy airport in a given time period. This helps prevent the repeated delays that can occur when too many planes try to fly at the same time.

Charles Fey improved on the Sittman and Pitt invention by allowing automatic payouts, adding a third reel, and changing the symbols from poker to spades, hearts, horseshoes, and liberty bells (three aligned liberty bells was the highest win). He also invented the spinning top, which added another element of chance.

Slots can be complicated, and it’s helpful to read the pay table before you play. It will tell you what combinations pay and may include information about the game’s RTP and volatility. Some games even have side bets, and it’s important to understand what these wagers are before you play them. It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with how to use the auto-spin feature. This way, you can avoid the pitfalls of overspending and losing money. You can also set a loss limit before you start playing, which will stop the auto-spin when you’ve reached that amount.