A slot is a slit or narrow opening, especially one for receiving something, such as coins or a letter. The word can also refer to a position or assignment. For example, someone may be slotted into an internship or a class. A slot can also mean a place or space on an ice hockey rink that affords a good vantage point for an attacking player.

Modern video slot machines often have more than one pay line, which allows the player to bet multiple combinations of symbols. This is an advantage over traditional reel machines, which only have one pay line. Each additional payline increases the chances of winning, but does not affect the overall return to the player.

Some modern video slot games have theme music and sound effects, which enhance the experience and appeal of playing them. Licensed themes may be inspired by movies, television shows (such as Wheel of Fortune, which was one of the most popular lines of slot machines), or other media such as celebrities and athletes.

The credit meter is a display on the front of a slot machine that shows the amount of money or credits available. In mechanical slot machines, it is usually a seven-segment display; in electronic machines, it is often a digital screen. Some slot machines also have a candle, which flashes to indicate that change is needed, a hand pay is requested, or there is a problem with the machine.