The word “slot” has several meanings, from the literal translation of a slot machine (where you put coins in and pull a lever or button) to a more abstract concept related to casino games. In this article, we’ll explore the etymology of the word and how it has evolved since its emergence in the online gaming world.

A narrow depression, perforation, or aperture: I was able to slip the key into the slot on the door.

In a bot, a slot refers to an entity in an utterance that the robot identifies and maps to a specific Slot Type. For example, a customer may ask to book two executive rooms for three nights starting tomorrow. The bot identifies the slots in this request—rooms required, number of nights, and start date—and assigns them to a built-in Slot Type and a custom Slot Type.

When playing a slot machine, symbols on the reels are arranged in vertical columns called rows. Depending on the game, the reels can have 3, 4, or five rows of symbols. When a winning combination of symbols lines up on the reels, the player earns credits according to the paytable.

Modern slot machines use random number generators (RNGs) to generate thousands of potential results each second. These results are then mapped to symbols on the reels, and the reels are activated by a spin button or lever. Some slots also offer special symbols that act as substitutes for other symbols and can unlock bonus levels or jackpots.