The word “slot” is derived from late 14c., when it was first used to refer to a hollow in the throat above the breastbone. It is related to the Old French word esclot, which is itself of uncertain origin, and the Old Norse word slod. The word first appears in print as a noun in the 1520s, and its meaning as “hole” in hockey was first recorded in 1888. The word “slot” also has a Germanic origin, which is related to schloss.
The pay tables in slot machines are lists of the credits a player can win if three or more symbols line up. Although some symbols can represent several others, most machines have a pay table listed on the machine’s face. Older machines have pay tables that can be accessed below the wheels, while video slot machines will list them in the help menu. Once you have consulted the pay table, you can start spinning the reels. But before you can begin spinning the reels, you need to know some basics about slots.
First, slots can be divided into time blocks. For example, an airline can have one slot for a particular day, while the other cannot operate there during that time period. A slot can range from five minutes before to ten minutes before or after the CTOT, depending on the needs of the airlines. If you’re unable to use a certain time block, you can apply for another one. This way, the plane can take off on the scheduled day.