A slot is a narrow notch, groove or opening, such as a keyway in machinery or a slit for a coin in a vending machine. It can also refer to a position in a group, series or sequence: She has the slot as chief copy editor.

A slot can be a time-limited space, as in the case of a television or radio programme’s “time slot” when it is broadcast. Alternatively, it can be a physical space, such as a seat on an airplane or train. The term is also used for an authorization granted to a plane or helicopter to take off or land at a specific airport on a particular day and during a specified period of time: The airline has been allocated 40 slots this year.

Despite what some people may claim, a previous win on a specific slot machine does not affect the outcome of subsequent spins. The reason for this is that the odds of a winning combination are independent of any previous results, and are entirely based on chance. Even asking a slot host to point out a “hot” machine is unlikely to provide reliable information because these employees are typically responsible for customer service and assisting players, not giving advice about machines that are more likely to pay out. However, making a predetermined number of bets and then walking away if no wins are achieved can provide structure to gambling and help manage losses.