A narrow notch, groove, or opening; a slit for a coin in a vending machine, etc.; also, the position in a group, series, sequence, etc.; also, an air gap between the wing and an auxiliary airfoil in a plane used in connection with a high-lift or control device.

Modern slot machines look a lot like the old mechanical models, but they work on a totally different principle. When you pull the handle, a computer inside the machine selects random numbers within a massive spectrum that decide which symbols will line up on the pay line (a line in the middle of the viewing window) and how much money you win, or the payout. The reels themselves just spin as a way of showing what the computer already chose.

In some games, the symbols vary according to a theme. The most common are fruits and bells, but you can also find themes based on television shows, poker, horse racing, and even magic. The more coins you put in, the more likely you are to hit the jackpot.

Whether or not you win a payout depends on the number of matching symbols that appear along the pay line, as well as the size of your bet and the number of paylines you have activated. Most slots also have a wild symbol that can substitute for other symbols to complete winning lines. You can learn more about the rules of specific slots by checking their “info” section.