A thin opening or groove in something; a notch. (in computer science) An unused position in a database or operating system that can be allocated to an application.
A slot can be a very small or large amount of time that is set aside to run a query. BigQuery dynamically allocates and pauses slots as it needs to so that any number of queries can be run concurrently.
In brick-and-mortar casinos, a slot is a place where you can insert cash to activate a machine and play. This was a common way to gamble before bill validators and credit meters came along, and it still occurs in some live casinos today.
Many myths surround slot machines, and believing them can lead to poor decision-making. Some common myths include thinking that a machine is “due” to pay out, or that playing at certain times increases your chances of winning. These myths are false, and they can lead to a lot of frustration.
The chance of winning a slot game is based on the combination that appears on the pay line. This information is often displayed on the machine itself, or — with touchscreen displays — in an interactive series of images that can be switched between to see all possible combinations. Some jackpot amounts are highly abbreviated to fit on the display, and others — particularly for smaller denominations — may not be displayed at all. In either case, knowing the chance of winning is important for choosing the best machine to match your style and risk tolerance.