A slot is an opening in a machine or container that can be used to hold something. The term can also be applied to the space in a computer where a printed circuit board is inserted. This is different from a bay, which is a site within a computer that can accommodate one or more disk drives.
In modern slot machines the reels are just there to give you a visual representation of what’s happening inside the computer. They don’t actually make any difference in the outcome of a spin. The computer selects the stops beforehand, and then spins the reels only as a courtesy to the player.
The
Slot: How casinos make their machines addictive
The Slot podcast explores the ways in which casino games are designed to be as addictive as possible. From the algorithms beneath the hood to the positioning of the armrests, casino designers have employed a wide range of psychological insights in order to maximise the chances of players spending their money.
