A narrow, elongated depression, groove, or notch, especially one for receiving or admitting something, such as a coin or letter. Also known as a time slot (in broadcasting) or a position, berth, billet, or niche. For example, the program was given a new time slot on the broadcasting schedule.

A unit of time in a calendar, or the time period during which a task must be completed. The term is also used to refer to the position of a printed circuit board within a computer, or to the area in which such a board can be inserted. A slot is distinct from a bay, which is a location for disk drives.

Randomness

Despite the ostensibly random nature of slots, manufacturers do their best to ensure that games return the proper payback. The PAR sheets that come with every machine explain how each symbol can land in which reels, and a player with halfway-decent math skills should be able to calculate the payback percentage of a simple slot without bonus rounds.

While most people who gamble do so recreationally and without harm to themselves or others, a small proportion experience serious gambling problems that can lead to debt, family discord, professional difficulties, and even addiction. Slots can be a particular draw for these problem gamblers, as they are often perceived as harmless and socially acceptable activities. In addition, there is often a perception that gambling is a skill and that a person can learn to win.