A slot is a narrow opening into which one inserts a coin to make a machine work. The word is also used as a verb to mean ‘to put something where it belongs’: He slotted the CD into the player. The term is also used in aviation to refer to the allocated time for an aircraft to take off or land, authorized by an airport or air-traffic control authority: Air traffic controllers try to keep planes from flying into each other’s slots, which helps to reduce congestion and save fuel.

A common feature of online slot games is a progressive jackpot that increases each time someone plays the game. These jackpots are sometimes tied to a specific theme and can be very large.

Another popular type of slot is a machine that pays out credits based on the symbols it displays. These symbols may be traditional, such as fruits or bells, or they can be themed around a certain character or location. The pay tables of these machines provide information about the symbols, payouts, prizes and jackpots for each symbol.

When playing slots, it’s important to manage your bankroll carefully. First, evaluate your financial situation and decide how much you are comfortable spending on gambling each week or month. It’s also helpful to set a session limit, which is the maximum amount you are willing to spend in a single gaming session. Setting this limit will help you avoid overspending and prevent financial stress.