A narrow notch or groove, as in a keyway in machinery or a slit for coins in a vending machine. Also: a position within a group, series, or sequence.
A slot is a dynamic placeholder that either waits for content (passive slot) or calls out for it (active slot). Content is dictated by a scenario using an Add Items to Slot action or a targeter to fill the slot. Slots work in tandem with renderers to deliver content on a page. Slots are designed for one type of content only; using multiple types of scenarios could yield unpredictable results.
In a casino, a slot is a place on a machine where you insert cash or a paper ticket with a barcode. The reels then spin, and if you land a winning combination of symbols, you earn credits based on the pay table. Most slots have a theme and bonus features aligned with it.
Some people believe that if a slot has gone a long time without paying off, it is due to hit soon. This is not true, as each spin has an independent outcome and every machine is programmed differently. However, some machines are more likely to hit than others, so casinos often position the “hot” slots at the ends of aisles. This does not guarantee that you will win, though. It is best to play responsibly and stop when you’ve reached your budget or your enjoyment level has dropped.