A slot is an opening or hole through which something may pass. For example, a slot in a wall can serve as a window or door. A slot can also be a position or job within an organization or hierarchy. The word slot comes from the Dutch word slit (meaning “small slit”) or sloot (meaning “small gap”). The meaning is related to the way in which something fits into a space.
Slots are used in many industries for a variety of purposes. In the United States, slots are regulated by state gaming control boards. In the United Kingdom, they are regulated by the Gambling Commission.
There have been a number of articles in recent months, and indeed over the last several years, about slot hold. These articles have at least partially attributed casino revenue problems to rising slot hold. Hold is the amount of money a slot machine is expected to produce for every $100 in wagers. For example, a slot with a hold of 5 percent is expected to generate $5 in revenue for every $100 spent on the machine.
A slot is a position or time in which something is to take place. For example, a person might schedule an appointment for next week. Alternatively, a person might be given a slot in an ice hockey game where they will face their opponent’s goalie. The term slots is also used for positions in computer programming or for specific roles within an organization or a hierarchy.
