A slot is a thin opening or groove in something. You can put letters or postcards through a mail slot at the post office. You can also use the term to refer to a position in a group or series, such as a time slot for an appointment. The word is also used in aviation to mean an authorization for take-off or landing at a busy airport.

A slot can also refer to a particular position in a machine, such as the space where you insert cash or paper tickets with barcodes. A slot can also refer to a particular place on a computer screen where you can click to play an online casino game. In general, online slots are fun and exciting to play but you should always be aware of how much money you can afford to lose before you begin playing.

When you are ready to start playing, select a casino site that offers the games you enjoy and make an initial deposit. Some casinos will even offer bonuses for new players. These bonuses can be small or larger, depending on the casino and the type of slot game you choose.

You check in on time, get through security and find your gate. You’ve even managed to avoid the worst of the crowds and queues. But still, you’re waiting for your slot to be called. Why is it taking so long? And what are those other flights doing in the meantime that can’t land or take off while you wait?