Generally, slot players are shorter, stockier, and tougher than your typical wide receiver. They often run routes that match those of the outside receivers to confuse the defense. On running plays, they can also be very important blockers — especially on sweeps and slants. They’re the initial blocker on these plays, and must be able to deal with nickelbacks, outside linebackers, and safeties.
Slot is one of the most versatile positions on a football team, and some NFL No. 1 receivers, like Julio Jones and DeAndre Hopkins, spend significant time in the slot. It’s a role that requires great route-running skills, quick hands, precision, and speed. It’s a role that is most effectively used on teams that employ a three-receiver/one-back formation.
The slot receiver is normally called into pre-snap motion by the quarterback, and on passing plays they’re expected to get open quickly. They must be able to get open on a variety of routes, including slants and out routes, and are sometimes asked to carry the ball on pitch plays or end-arounds.
The pay lines on a slot determine what type of prizes, bonuses, and features can be triggered as well as how much each spin wins. Some slots allow players to choose their own number of paylines, while others have a set amount of fixed lines. Usually, a casino’s website will display the payout percentage for a specific slot game. If not, try a Google search with the name of the slot and “payout percentage.”