A narrow notch, groove, or opening, as in a door, window, or machine. Also: a position or assignment in a series, sequence, or program. The term slots is also used to describe the time allowed for an activity, as when an airline passenger is told that he or she will have to wait to board because the flight is running late and the crew hasn’t been given “a slot.”
A slit or narrow opening, as in a machine or container, into which something can be placed. Also: a position or position of employment in an organization or company. The slots in a keyboard or typewriter are the holes into which letters or characters fit, allowing them to be moved from one position to another by pressing a button. (See also key hole, slit, and key bed.)
In a slot machine, the coin or paper ticket with a barcode is inserted into a slot and activates a set of reels that spin to arrange symbols according to a pay table. Some slot machines have Wild symbols that can substitute for other symbols to complete a winning line and even open bonus levels or jackpots.
The most popular slot machines are progressive, linked with other machines to accumulate a shared jackpot, and often offer multiple ways to win. Other types of slot games include a single coin per payline, varying amounts of paylines, and second screen bonus games. In all cases, it is important to read the rules carefully before playing any game.