When people think of casino games, they usually envision high-stakes bouts of chance where fortunes are won and lost in a split second. But that image is fading fast. Today, modern slot machines – which feature video screens instead of mechanical reels, buttons instead of handles, and player loyalty cards instead of coins – are the driving force behind casinos, bringing in more than three-quarters of gambling profits.
In computer science, a slot (also called an expansion slot) is a series of pinholes on a motherboard that can fit an expansion card with circuitry that provides some specialized capability, such as video acceleration or disk drive control. Almost all desktop computers come with a set of expansion slots.
In business, a slot is an area of time where important tasks can be prioritized and deadlines monitored. For example, a financial consultant may use a slot-based scheduling method to prioritize meetings and track project timelines. When used effectively, this scheduling technique can improve productivity and ensure team members are aware of critical events and meetings.