A narrow opening, notch, or groove, especially one for receiving something, as a keyway in a machine or a slot for a coin in a vending machine. Also, a position in a group or series; a berth, seat, job, etc.: He had to wait for an available time slot on the schedule.
An assigned time and place for an aircraft to take off or land, as authorized by an airport or air-traffic control authority: We’re hoping to get a flight in the next slot.
The space or position occupied by a player in an ice hockey game, as indicated on the face-off circle: He slotted in between the players at centre ice.
In a video game, the area in front of the reels where a player may hit a jackpot or other prize: She spun and landed in the slots, winning a lot of money.
Historically, slot machines have been fairly simple, with a limited number of paylines and symbols. But as game developers have added more complex features and bonuses, it has become harder for punters to keep track of the rules and payouts of each machine. That’s why most slot games include information tables that give players the details they need to understand how to play the game and maximize their chances of winning. These information tables are known as ‘pay tables’. A typical slot pay table will display a graphical representation of the game’s symbols and their locations, as well as a table of payouts for different combinations.