What Are the Terms Used in Slots?

A position within a group, series or sequence.

A slot is also a place on the aircraft’s wings where an air gap can be created between the wing and an auxiliary airfoil (such as an ailerons or flaps) to aid in lift or control.

Whether you’re a seasoned casino player or a newcomer to the world of slots, it’s important to know the terminology. This way, you’ll be able to communicate with the staff and other players, and understand what is being discussed. Here are some of the most common terms used in slot:

Candle (aka Tower Light)

A candle is a color that indicates a machine’s denomination. It will also flash in specific patterns to indicate a service need, jackpot, entry made into the machine, etc. Candles are often located on the top of a machine and can be easily identified by their color.

Random Number Generator

A random-number generator is the brain of a slot machine. It runs a set of numbers every second, and each possible combination is assigned a number. When the machine receives a signal — anything from a button being pressed to the handle being pulled — it sets the reels to stop on that particular combination. The computer then shows that symbol to the player and pays out accordingly.

Getting greedy or betting more than you can afford to lose are two of the biggest pitfalls when it comes to slot machines. Remember that the machine isn’t playing a trick on you and other players are not laughing at you when you walk away with a lighter wallet. Just be patient and keep in mind that gambling should be fun, not stressful.

Pay Table

The pay table of a slot is a list of the game’s symbols, payouts, jackpots and other information. It can be found on the screen of a video slot machine and is usually accessible by clicking an icon near the bottom of the game. It’s a good idea to read the pay table before you play, as it will help you understand the rules and how the slot works.

High Volatility

A machine’s volatility is the amount of times it wins and loses during a given timeframe. It’s a key piece of information for any serious slot player and can be used to determine which games are worth playing and which ones to avoid. A machine with a higher variance will likely pay out small amounts more often but when it does, the winnings will be significant. A machine with a lower volatility will likely win less frequently but when it does, the winnings will also be smaller. The volatility of a slot can be determined by looking at its historical data or by checking out online statistics. A website called Hot Slot will display the most recent stats and give an indication of which machines are paying out the most money. This is an excellent way to find a machine that will suit your budget and play style.