Slot is a gambling game where players spin a series of reels and receive rewards if symbols on those reels align correctly. Each machine has a specific pay table that lists the amount of credits the player will earn if certain combinations line up. Most slots have a theme and feature symbols that fit that theme. Many games also offer a jackpot and other bonus features.

A slot can also refer to an expansion slot on a computer motherboard, which allows PC Cards to be inserted and used for additional functions. It can also refer to a narrow opening or groove in something, such as a mail slot on a letter box or a bank of slots on a casino floor.

Slot machines first appeared in the US during Prohibition, but were slow to gain popularity compared with other forms of gambling. They were often criticized by moralists and clergymen, and their owners were frequently prosecuted for operating them. They were relegated to the periphery of casino floors, and were pejoratively associated with bored wives killing time while their husbands gambled away their winnings.

Modern slot machines have a variety of features to increase user engagement. For example, they can display the number of coins in the player’s account, and may also offer a variety of payment methods. In addition, some slots have a virtual reality component that can enhance the player’s experience by allowing them to play in a replica of a real casino.