The word “slot” is derived from the late 14c. and refers to a hollow in the throat above the breastbone. Its origin is uncertain, but likely stems from the Old French esclot, or “window.” Another source of slot is the Old Norse slod, meaning “hole.” Its earliest recorded usage is in the 1520s. The term “slot machine” comes from 1888.

The modern-day slot machine has incorporated microprocessors to assign different probabilities to different symbols. Symbols that are not aligned on the main horizontal can be considered winning combinations. A winning combination may consist of any visible symbols, even if they are not aligned with the payline’s main horizontal. The paylines of a traditional three-reel slot machine are one, three, or five. However, a video slot may have nine, fifteen, or even 1024 paylines. Multi-line slot machines also accept variable credits. A player may stake from one to fifteen credits, with a higher bet resulting in a larger payout.

The high slot is a prime spot for a shot by a defenseman. Some defenders can take blistering slap shots into the net. Sometimes, a winger or center can use his stick to place the puck in front of the goalie and redirect it back to him. Some players take slap shots with 100+ mph. This requires a quick reaction time on the part of the goalie, which is why a well-placed one-timer from the high slot is one of the best shots in hockey.