A slot is a dynamic placeholder that either waits for content (passive) or actively calls out to be filled in (active). It’s important to understand the role of slots and scenarios when using offer management.

A hole, groove, slit, or opening, as in a machine or door; a position in a series or sequence; an assignment, berth, or job opening: He slotted in at the last minute.

In a slot machine, the reels are vertical sections that spin when you play. The goal is to line up matching symbols along a pay line, which is determined by the amount of money you wager. Each symbol has a specific value, and some are wild, meaning they can substitute for other symbols to create winning lines. The payouts for each combination are listed on the pay table, which is usually posted above or below the area containing the reels. In addition, some slot machines have a service light that indicates whether or not the machine is ready to accept coins.

The first electromechanical slot machine was invented in 1887 by Charles Fey and called Money Honey. It allowed for automatic payouts and had three reels instead of two, making it easier to win. The Fey machine was also the first to feature a service light. The name stuck, and the machines are now known as slots. In sports, a “slot” is the unmarked area between the face-off circles on an ice hockey rink.