A Slot is a dynamic placeholder that either waits for content (a passive slot) or calls out for it (an active slot). Its content is dictated by a scenario that is using an Add Items to Slot action or a targeter that is feeding into the slot with a content repository. Slots are designed to hold a single type of content and are used in conjunction with renderers.

A slot machine is a gambling machine that accepts paper tickets with barcodes or cash. The player activates the machine by pushing a lever or button (either physical or on a touchscreen), which spins the reels and stops them at random. When a winning combination of symbols appears, the player earns credits based on the paytable. Symbols vary by game, but classic symbols include fruit, bells, and stylized lucky sevens. Most slot games have a theme, such as a specific style, location, or character, and the symbols and bonus features are typically aligned with the theme.

The popularity of slot machines is fueled by their simplicity and ease of use. Despite this, many people develop a psychological attachment to the machines, and some even develop an addiction. Research has shown that video slots, in particular, are able to make gambling addicts of people who have not previously experienced gambling problems. Psychologists have also found that players of these machines reach a debilitating level of involvement with gambling three times faster than those who play traditional casino games.