A narrow opening, groove or position, such as a time slot on a schedule or the gap between face-off circles on an ice hockey rink. Also, in computers and other electronic devices, a position where a memory card or expansion module plugs into the motherboard.

Invented by Charles Fey, the first slot machines were mechanical, with reels spinning and symbols appearing in rows on the pay table, giving players the chance to win money based on their combination of luck and probability. While they were initially popular in saloons and other public places, forces of morality and law eventually led to their widespread prohibition.

Today’s slots are more advanced than their old-timey brethren, with features that allow you to adjust the number of spins, how much you want to bet and whether you want to trigger bonus rounds. Plus, there are more ways to win than ever, with paylines ranging from one to 50 and jackpot symbols that can give you big payouts in just a few spins.

Playing slots is fast and exciting, but it’s important to stay in control of your bankroll and set limits for yourself. You don’t want to get so caught up in the thrill of the game that you end up spending way more than you can afford to lose, which can easily happen if you’re not careful. That’s why it’s a good idea to cash out a little bit every time you make a big win.