A slot is a thin opening or groove in something, like a coin in a machine or a letter in the mail. It can also refer to a particular position on a team, such as the Z receiver, who is usually in the middle of the field between the X and the TE and has to stay in front of the RBs but must not get grabbed by the defenders immediately. This is why many quicker players or shifty guys play this role.
In slot machine games, a pay table lists all the symbols in the game along with how much you can win if you land three or more matching symbols on a pay line. It may also include special symbols, such as wilds and scatters, which can substitute for other symbols and increase payouts or trigger bonus features. The pay table can be found on the front of the machine or, in the case of modern video slots, it is listed within a help menu.
The slot rule is an important one to follow when playing slots, as it gives you a good idea of how often you can expect to win and the maximum amount you can win in a spin. It’s also worth looking at the payout percentage, which is a theoretical percentage that a slot will pay out over time, to see whether it has the potential to be profitable for you. Be aware, though, that the RTP of a slot does not necessarily indicate whether it has more or less chance of hitting a bonus round.