A narrow opening into which something can be fitted, such as a hole or slit. Also: a position in a series or sequence, as of jobs or berths on an airplane. Also: a place or time to take an appointment or flight.
A slot is a specific position in a telecommunications network in which a service can be offered. The number of slots is limited by the capacity and reliability of the underlying system. A slot is usually defined by an allocation policy that determines how much of a service can be provided at any one time and the maximum amount of bandwidth that can be used by each subscriber.
The pay table of a slot machine lists the amount that the player will win if certain symbols line up on the winning payline. The pay table is typically printed on the face of the machine, above and below the reels. On modern video slot machines, it is often contained within a help menu.
Casino operators fear raising the prices of their slot games too much, as players can detect price increases through their playing habits. They can also be influenced by the sensational stories about large wins that get picked up by the press. These factors lead many casinos to resist raising the prices of their all-important slot machines. Instead, they try to attract new players with generous bonuses and promotions. This approach works for some, but others may simply choose to leave and find a competitor with lower prices.
