A slot is a small opening in something, usually used to receive an object. It can also refer to a position or opportunity. For example, a job candidate might apply for a slot at a company, hoping to become a member of the team.
In a casino, slot machines generate upwards of three-quarters of revenue. They typically have video screens instead of mechanical reels, buttons instead of handles and accept player loyalty cards rather than coins. In addition to their profitability, slots are notorious for causing addiction three times faster than other gambling games such as blackjack and poker.
In electromechanical slot machines, a tilt switch would make or break the circuit and trigger an alarm. Modern machines no longer have these switches, but any kind of technical fault is still referred to as a tilt. In sports, the area in front of the goaltender and between the face-off circles on an ice hockey rink is called the slot. It is an advantageous zone for wingers and centers because it allows them to shoot straight on at the net without having to worry about deflections from opposing players.