text: The slot is a rectangular area in ice hockey that extends toward the blue line. The slot offers the best chances of scoring without deflection, and the low position offers a good opportunity for wrist shots. This area also serves as a no-man’s land for defenders, as many lay big hits on small wingers in this area.
  The word slot is derived from the Greek word for “narrow opening.” It refers to an opening that admits or receives something. In bird science, a slot is a narrow opening between the bird’s primaries that maintains a steady flow of air over the wings. In English, the word “slot” refers to a specific grammatical function in a construction. It is usually a noun, but it can also be a verb.
  Slots are also used by airlines to allow them to operate in a particular airport at a specific time. This is often used when parking and runway throughput is at a premium. These slots are traded and can be highly valuable. In 2016, one airport slot was sold for $75 million. Another type of slot is an air traffic management slot. These are issued by EUROCONTROL as part of its flow and capacity management role.
  The payback percentage of a slot machine is usually around 90 percent. This percentage is set by law in most gambling jurisdictions, and is typically higher than the minimum. In fact, a slot machine’s payback percentage is programmed into its computer chip, so the casino can’t change the odds without replacing the computer chip.