A slot is a narrow opening or hole, especially one in a machine or container. Slots are usually used for inserting things into other items or machines. He dropped a coin into the slot and dialled. You can also use a slot to book a time or place. Visitors can often book a time slot a week or more in advance.
A slot in a computer is an expansion slot for ISA (industry standard architecture), PCI, or AGP cards, as well as memory slots. Some manufacturers, such as Dell, use the term to refer to all of these slots combined as a single module on the motherboard.
The first mechanical slot machines were invented in the 19th century. They were similar to a poker game, with reels holding symbols like spades, hearts, and horseshoes. Charles Fey’s improved version included an automatic payout system and replaced the poker symbols with more desirable icons such as liberty bells. His invention became wildly popular and led to a huge boom in casino gambling.
The pay table is a list of possible winning combinations on a slot machine and their payout amounts. It may be displayed permanently on the slot machine or, mainly with touchscreen displays, it may be an interactive series of images that can be switched between to show all the possible combinations. The pay table can also include information on the jackpot amounts, which are often very high and can be won with a minimum bet.