A slot is a space or location that can be used to hold circuitry, an expansion card, or a plug-in device. It may also refer to the place on a computer that can be used for this purpose, although the term is most often reserved for an extension slot that provides additional capability by connecting pinholes (in a range of 16 to 64 closely-spaced holes) that can accept expansion cards.

Payouts

The payout table is an important reference for any player of slot. It shows what symbols are in play, their symbols value and how much is paid for landing three, four or five of them on a payline. It will also highlight any special symbols, such as Wild symbols or Scatter and Bonus symbols. In addition, the pay table will usually provide information about the slot’s betting requirements and a return to player percentage (RTP) figure.

In addition to delivering the potential winning combinations and payouts, pay tables also deliver instructions on how to activate bonus features such as free spins, sticky wilds, re-spins or jackpots. While this information was once printed directly above the reels, it is now more commonly embedded into a help screen but serves the same purpose.

The term “slot” is also sometimes used to describe the time allocation system used by air traffic controllers at airports to keep takeoffs and landings evenly spaced, reducing delays and unnecessary fuel burn. This is the reason we hear pilots say they’re waiting for their slot, after checking in on time, getting through security, finding the gate, lining up to board, struggling with overhead lockers and finally settling into their seat.