A slot is a position or spot for something:
A slot in a wall for a picture, for example. A slot is also a position for an airplane to take off or land, as determined by an air traffic controller:
In a casino, a slot machine is activated when a player inserts cash (or, in “ticket-in, ticket-out” machines, a paper ticket with a barcode) into the designated slot or presses a button on the machine’s screen. The reels then spin and stop to rearrange the symbols, and if the player matches a winning combination, they receive credits according to the machine’s paytable. The payouts vary by machine, but classic symbols include fruits, bells, and stylized lucky sevens. Most slots have a theme, and the symbols and bonus features are aligned with that theme.
Many people believe that casinos rig their slot machines, but this is not true. US law requires slot games to have the same odds as other casino table games like blackjack, poker, and roulette. The odds of a particular outcome are determined by an algorithm, known as a random number generator (RNG). When a slot is active, the computer generates an infinite sequence of numbers and finds the corresponding positions on the reels. The computer then causes the reels to stop at those locations.
The RNG doesn’t take into account the results of previous spins, so a slot does not get hot or cold. It’s impossible to know how often you will win on a given machine, so it is important to control what you can control (e.g., your wagering limits) and find a variance and RTP that align with your strategy.