A narrow notch, groove or opening, as in a keyway in a piece of machinery, a slit for a coin in a vending machine, etc. A position in a group, series, or sequence. (Dictionary of American Heritage, Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 4th Edition)

In computer hardware, a slot is a place to insert expansion boards that add capabilities. Slots are different from bays, which are sites within a desktop computer that can hold disk drives.

When you play slots, it’s important to know what bonuses are available and how they work. Bonus features are often where the biggest wins in penny slots can be found. Many modern games have multiple ways to trigger these extra features, including picking a special symbol on the reels to earn a prize or activating a mini-game. These can range from simple pick-a-win style games to board game bonuses with a ton of unique mechanics.

A bonus feature can also offer a chance to win an additional jackpot. These can be progressive jackpots or randomly awarded prizes. If you’re playing a slot with a progressive jackpot, pay attention to how much you need to bet in order to qualify for a win. This is especially true if the game has a low bet minimum. If you’re not hitting your target bet, consider increasing the amount you’re betting or finding a different game.