In computing, a slot is an area of the motherboard that accepts a socket. A slot is designed to be compatible with a specific type of processor, and it can be used to upgrade a computer’s performance by replacing the old processor with a new one. A slot is also the name of a connector on a PC, which allows various peripherals to be connected to the computer.

In professional football, a slot receiver is a wide receiver who lines up in the “slot” (between and slightly behind the outside wide receivers). Slot receivers are generally shorter and faster than traditional wide receivers, and they must have excellent awareness of the field to block defenders effectively.

The pay table of a slot machine lists the payouts for different combinations of symbols. In a physical slot machine, the pay tables are typically located above and below the reels; in video slot machines, they may be displayed on a screen along with other information about the game. Almost all slots have a theme, and the pay table usually includes some symbols that are classic and associated with the theme.

In addition to the pay table, many slot machines have a bonus round. These can involve a pick-and-win game, a spin on a second set of reels, or another interactive element that adds to the excitement of playing the slot machine. Bonus rounds can be triggered by hitting certain combinations of symbols on the reels, or by entering a code on the machine’s touchscreen. Psychologists have found that people who play video slot machines reach debilitating levels of gambling addiction three times as fast as those who play traditional casino games.