slot machine

noun

|Updated on: 17 Jun 2018

Definition of slot machine

1 : a machine whose operation is begun by dropping a coin into a slot

2 : an originally coin-operated gambling machine that pays off according to the matching of symbols on wheels spun by a handle; also : an electronic version of this machine

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Recent Examples of slot machine from the Web

But there’s plenty of fun to be had beyond the slot machines, too: history, tasty food and outdoor adventure included.

— jody schmal, San Antonio Express-News, "Where to stay and play in Lake Charles," 11 June 2018
So far, so gambling: these essential features are found in roulette, slot machines, betting on horses, raffles, and lotteries.

— peter bright, Ars Technica, "Op-ed: Game companies need to cut the crap—loot boxes are obviously gambling," 28 May 2018
More than half of that was lost gambling at poker machines (slot machines) at pubs, clubs and casinos across the country.

— dennis passa, Fox News, "Gambling expert calls for WADA-style monitoring of athletes," 23 May 2018
States have been regulating that kind of activity, including state lotteries and slot machines, for decades, said Sara Slane, senior vice president for public affairs at the American Gaming Association, an industry group.

— james glanz, New York Times, "States Are Pushing to Keep Federal Regulation Out of Sports Gambling," 23 May 2018
Before that bill passed, all gambling had to be on games taking place inside casinos, like blackjack and slot machines.

— a.j. perez, USA TODAY, "States where sports betting may be ready in time for NFL season," 14 May 2018
Gambling addicts may, for example, learn to confront irrational beliefs, namely the notion that a string of losses or a near miss—such as two out of three cherries on a slot machine—signals an imminent win.

— ferris jabr, Scientific American, "How the Brain Gets Addicted to Gambling," 14 May 2018
Generally, points are accrued at both card tables and slot machines.

— michele parente, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Casino players clubs: loyalty has its perks," 29 Apr. 2018
The mini-casinos can have 300 to 750 slot machines, and proprietors also can petition for a $2.5 million license to operate up to 30 table games in the first year and 40 in the second.

— justine mcdaniel, Philly.com, "Bids fall, but Pa. mini casino licenses worth $119.5 million so far," 23 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'slot machine.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.