A slot is an allocation of resources in a computer, including execution pipelines and operation issue queues. A slot is commonly used in very long instruction word (VLIW) computers to represent the relationship between an operation and the pipeline that executes it.
The sixties saw the birth of the first electromechanical slot machines. Although they did not have the mechanical action of pulling a lever or the jangle of coins cascading down, this new type of machine was a hit with gamblers. By the late seventies it was common to find slot machines in casino venues.
Many gamblers like to play slots for the simplicity of the game and the potential for huge prizes. While these advantages are significant, other factors must be considered before deciding whether or not slot machines are the right choice for your gambling habits.
The history of the slot machine began in the nineteenth century with a company called Sittman and Pitt, which created a contraption that used five drums to display a total of 50 playing cards. This machine allowed the user to win by lining up poker hands, and was popular throughout the country. However, forces of morality and religion soon led to the banning of the machines in most areas.
Charles Fey invented a machine that resembled the Sittman and Pitt contraption, but allowed for automatic payouts and had three reels. His machine also replaced the poker symbols with diamonds, spades, horseshoes, hearts and liberty bells, and three aligned liberty bells would give the gambler a large jackpot. Fey’s machine became very popular and eventually spawned many imitators.
