A narrow aperture or groove; a slot in a door or wall. Also, an area in a newspaper where editorial decisions are made.
When playing slots, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it is important to establish a budget for the session. This should only be done with disposable income and not money that you would need for something else (like rent or groceries). Then, stick to that budget. Getting greedy or betting more than you can afford to lose are two of the biggest pitfalls in this game and can quickly turn what could be a fun and relaxing experience into something stressful.
Another thing to keep in mind is that it is important to follow slots etiquette. This includes not taking a machine that someone has left any indication they will return to. This is important because it shows that you respect the rights and privacy of others and it is also good karma to avoid overtaking a machine that has been occupied for a long time.
Finally, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the pay table for each machine you play. Most machines will have this spelled out on the glass above the spinner or in the help section of the screen for video games. This will provide the player with the payouts for various symbols and combinations and the odds of hitting the jackpot. Also, this will inform the player about bonus features that may be available.