A slot is a position within a group, series, or sequence. A computer operating system may use slots to define the relationship between operations issued by the processor and data paths that execute those operations. In very long instruction word (VLIW) computers, the term slot is more generally used to refer to a portion of machine memory that stores instructions, data, and other information related to the execution of those instructions.

In a slot game, players insert cash or, in “ticket-in, ticket-out” machines, a paper ticket with a barcode, and then activate the machine by pressing a lever or button. The reels then spin and stop to rearrange the symbols, awarding play credits if matching combinations line up on the pay lines. The symbols vary by machine, but classics include fruits, bells, and stylized lucky sevens. Many machines also offer a bonus round in which the player selects items to reveal prizes.

During the design stage of slot game development, artists create sketches and wireframes to demonstrate how the final game will look. They will also develop the story, characters, and background of the slot game. Once the game is finished, QA testing begins to ensure that all features work properly. This includes unit and integration testing, as well as user acceptance testing.