A slot is a hollow, or perforation, in a surface where a piece is received or slides in. The word slot derives from the Old French esclot, but its exact origins are uncertain. It may also be related to the Old Norse word slod, meaning hollow. Its modern meaning, of a slot in a machine, first appears in the 1880s. In the past, the term slot referred to a slotted device, like a casino slot machine.

Video slot machines are operated by operators in uniforms. These operators are often different from those in a restaurant or casino. They are trained to look at the pay table and make adjustments to the slot machine’s payout odds. The slot represents the area where a shot has the best chance of scoring without a deflection. Typically, the slot is located low on the screen, allowing wrist shots to be taken without blocking the view of the net. However, this is not always the case. The game’s defenders will establish the slot as no man’s land in order to prevent this.

The future of flow management and slots is bright, especially given the global congestion problem. With many parts of the world experiencing increased traffic levels, congestion is increasing. Many regions have already used central flow management systems, such as slots, and have enjoyed significant savings in delays, fuel burn and other aspects. A single airport slot sold for $75 million in 2016, for instance. Flow and capacity management systems also rely on slots to control traffic. In addition to airport slots, there are also air traffic management slots issued by EUROCONTROL as part of their role as Network Manager.