slot, noun
A slot is a narrow opening or gap in a wall, door, window, or other surface. A slot is also a device in a computer for accepting and managing data from a disk drive. The term slot is also used for a position of an optical disc in a DVD player.
Casinos make a lot of money off of slots, but do they really pay out that much more than players put in? Well, technically they don’t because the vast majority of those machines are designed to payout less than the money that goes into them. That’s how casinos are able to pay out those giant jackpots that you sometimes hear about.
There are several different types of slot machines, but they all work on the same basic principle: a random number generator (RNG) that generates thousands of numbers every second. The machine then uses a program to figure out which of those numbers correspond with symbols on the reels. Once the program has determined the outcome of a spin, it either displays the symbol on a display or triggers a payout according to the machine’s pay table.
While many slots are fairly straightforward, some have numerous rules and features that can be confusing to keep track of. To help, many of these games include information tables that provide a visual representation of how the game’s symbols and payouts are structured. These tables, often called pay tables, can be accessed through the game’s ‘help’ or ‘i’ buttons on its touch screen, or by asking a slot attendant for assistance.