A narrow notch, groove, or opening in something, as a keyway in a machine or a slit for a coin in a vending machine. Also, a position in a group, series, sequence, etc.: A new slot opened up in the schedule.
A device that accepts cash or paper tickets with barcodes that are validated when a button is pressed. The symbols vary with the theme of each machine, but classic symbols include fruit and stylized lucky sevens. Many slot machines have a credit meter that displays the current balance and jackpot amount. Some have a carousel of different games, while others are grouped by denomination. A slot may have a candle that flashes in specific patterns to indicate service needs, hand pay is requested, or the machine is ready for a jackpot.
A “hot slot” is one that has paid out more often than average over a specified timeframe. The methodology is spelled out in the pay table, which is a good place to start if you are looking for a machine that is likely to give you the best odds of winning. However, it’s important to remember that there is no such thing as a “due” payout; every spin of any slot is random. There are, however, strategies that can help you play more consistently, including limiting your bet size and playing through losing streaks. See the article on How to win at slots for more tips.