A slot is a dynamic placeholder that either waits passively for content (a passive slot) or can be actively called by a scenario using an Add Items to Slot action or by a renderer specifying to it what to display on the page (an active slot). The content displayed in the slot is dictated by the contents of its parent repository item or a targeter. Slots work in conjunction with scenarios and renderers to deliver the content that ends up on a Web page.
Slot (slang) An unused or unallocated position in a group, series, sequence, etc. (also used as an adjective) I could see that the e-mail was meant for someone else but I managed to snag it anyway because I got a slot in the queue.
In the earliest machines, the slot was a physical opening where cash or, in “ticket-in, ticket-out” machines, a paper ticket with a barcode could be inserted. A lever or button (physical or virtual, on a touchscreen) then activated reels that spun and arranged symbols in combinations. When a winning combination appeared, the machine paid out credits based on its pay table. Modern slot machines use programming instead of spinning reels and can have many more symbols on a single reel. Some have special features, like wilds that can substitute for other symbols and trigger bonus levels.
The pay table for a particular slot game is usually displayed above and below the area where the wheels are located on older mechanical machines, but on video slots it may be contained within a help menu along with other information on the mechanics of the machine and any jackpots or other special features. It is worth a quick glance at the pay table to familiarize yourself with how the slot you are playing works and how it compares to others of a similar type.
Playing slots can be fast and exhilarating, but it’s important to set limits before you start spinning. Decide how much time and money you are willing to spend on each spin, and stick with those limits. If you find that you’re losing more than you’re winning, then you need to reduce your stakes or stop playing. It’s also a good idea to seek help if you suspect that you have a gambling problem.