A slot is a position within a group, series, or sequence. It can also refer to a specific time of day, as in ‘the evening slot’ or ‘the lunchtime slot’. In the context of online gaming, a slot can also be used to describe a type of bonus feature or pay-out.
While it may seem difficult to decipher some of the jargon that is often thrown around in slots circles, understanding the basic terms will help you make the most of your gaming experience. The following are some of the main words that should be on your slot vocabulary list:
Payline – A line that pays out winnings on a machine. Traditionally, these lines were displayed on the machine itself but nowadays they are typically listed in the information section of the game. Symbols – The symbols that are found on the reels of a slot machine. Today, they can be programmed to include wilds that can represent several other symbols to create winning combinations. Scatters – Symbols that can activate a bonus game or increase the value of a win.
Time slot – A period of time allocated for a particular activity, such as a TV program or an airplane flight. Originally, the term was used to refer to a physical space on the broadcasting schedule but now it is more commonly used to refer to the time slot that a particular program occupies.
It is important to remember that while it is possible for a machine to reach a ‘due’ payout, this cannot be guaranteed as each spin of a slot machine is completely random and determined by the random number generator (RNG). It is therefore pointless to chase a hit that you believe you are due. Instead, be patient and try your luck again.