A slot is a narrow opening in a machine or container. It can also refer to a position in a schedule or program. For example, a visitor might book a time slot a week in advance. A slot is also a place where something fits into a larger item. For example, a car seat belt slots into the buckle easily.

A candle is a light on top of a slot machine that flashes to indicate change is needed, hand pay is requested or a problem with the machine. It is similar to a service or help button on many video games.

Carousel refers to a grouping of slot machines, usually in a circle or oval formation. In the past, these groups were often located in casino vestibules. Today, they are more commonly found in the main gaming area.

Near-miss research has gained popularity in recent years, with numerous studies examining measures other than gambling persistence. However, the idea that near-miss events reinforce persistent gambling behavior has remained strong despite inconsistencies in experimental results.

The pay table is the list of symbols that a player can win on a slot machine. It is displayed on the face of the machine or, on video slot machines, in a help menu. The probability of winning each symbol is different, and can be influenced by the number of other coins in play. The pay table also shows the total value of a winning combination.