A slit or narrow opening, especially one for receiving something, as a coin or a letter. Also called hole, slit, aperture, vent, or slot. In aviation, any of various openings in the wing or tail surface used for connection with a high-lift or control device. See also slot (aeronautics).
In a casino, a machine with winning symbols lined up along pay lines, which can be vertical, horizontal, diagonal, or zigzag. Slots can also have a large number of pay lines or offer bonus games. They can be mechanical or video, and some have a HELP or INFO button that lists all the different payouts and features.
It’s important to know when it’s time to quit playing a slot. It’s easy to get caught up in the fast-paced and exhilarating experience, but you can easily spend more money than you’re able or willing to lose. Make sure you set a budget before you start playing and stick to it.
If you’re playing a slot and see another player walk away with a big jackpot, don’t be discouraged. That player could have had a split-second advantage, but the odds are that you would have won the same amount if you’d stayed at the same machine. It’s just like rolling dice; after a few sixes in a row, you may think the next roll is likely to be a seven, but the odds are still the same. This article was originally published in the February 2012 issue of Casino Life Magazine.
