The term slot is associated with hockey, and it refers to a rectangular area in the crease that extends toward the blue line. It also refers to the fourth position of a flying display. In ice and field hockey, the slot is a relatively safe location to place a puck, because it offers a direct view of the net. The word “slot” is related to the Latin verb “sleutanus” and is cognate with the German Schloss.

Slot machines are based on a theme, and payout amounts are determined by the number of winning combinations that are made. The pay tables are usually listed on the machine’s face, above or below the area with the wheels, and they are a part of the game’s help menu. These pay tables also indicate the frequency of a payout, as well as the odds of winning a jackpot.

Today, there are many types of slots available, ranging from old-fashioned mechanical machines to high-tech electronic devices. Modern slot machines use computers rather than gears, and are similar to mechanical models in appearance but function differently. Unlike mechanical slots, electrical slot machines are controlled by a central computer, and their reels are not manipulated by physical movements.

The term slot is also used to refer to an expansion slot, which is a special connector that is used to add capacity to a computer. These slots typically contain 16 to 64 pinholes and fit expansion cards, which provide specialized capabilities. Virtually all new desktop computers have expansion slots so that users can add new hardware as they become available.