I’ve Booked You in For a Four O’Clock Slot

A narrow depression, aperture, or slit; especially: one that is used to receive something. Also: a gap in a schedule or sequence; a position or berth.

(Ornithology) a notch or opening between the primaries of certain birds that during flight helps to maintain a steady flow of air over the wings. (Computing) a space in memory or on disk that can be allocated to hold a particular type of object. I’ve booked you in for a four o’clock slot.

Although most gamblers enjoy a harmless form of entertainment, a small but significant subset experience severe gambling-related problems. These problems range from mounting financial debt to issues with interpersonal relationships and professional difficulties. While a substantial number of these problems have been linked to problem gambling, it is not clear what aspects of the gambling experience may be particularly problematic.

Previous research suggests that the allure of slot machines can be explained by their varying levels of sensory and monetary feedback. When players lose, they receive no auditory or visual feedback; while when they win, the machine produces high-fidelity attention-grabbing music and animated symbols. Consequently, the machines induce an usual state for players that Dixon and colleagues call dark flow, which is marked by an exogenous reining in of attention and a sense of control. These features are likely to explain why slots are so popular and difficult to quit. Moreover, the allure of slot games can be countered by strategies for self-control and problem-solving.