Slot machines are programmed to create the potent illusion of being “almost there,” and it is this that keeps gamblers going on, making smart choices about their experience of gaming. You have probably seen that heart-stopping moment when two jackpot symbols show up and the third almost falls into place, but then does not.
Here, in this article, we will discuss the reasons slots use near misses, how your mind works, and how you can maintain your play in balance.
What Is a Near Miss in Slots?
A near miss is when the symbols that show on the slot machine nearly seem to be the winning combination, i.e., two jackpot symbols and the third one a space above or below the payline. You don’t win, but it looks like you nearly did.
These are intentionally staged by game makers since they know that completing the “almost win” hooks players. Experiments have discovered that near misses make your brain go wild almost as much as real wins.
The Psychology of the “Almost Win”
Why are you so sensitive to a near miss? It is dopamine, the reward and motivation neurotransmitter. If you are shown two identical signs and the third nearly falls, your brain is already activating dopamine as if preparing to be successful.
Although you made a mistake, that “reward anticipation” triggers you to want to play again.
This creates what psychologists call the “illusion of control,” where you believe your chances are larger than they actually are. It is the same cognitive process that makes individuals keep chasing jackpots.
How Game Designers Leverage Near Misses?
Slot machines are powered by advanced Random Number Generators (RNGs). They ensure that the outcomes are random. Though symbol alignment is random, the manner in which most customers view it is.
Designers can skew reels to produce losing symbols more frequently. They can have near-miss results come frequently enough to maintain players in play. The result is that players spin longer, padding the casino’s bottom line.
Casinos know that near misses cause players to spin again more strongly than losses. It is a very subtle yet potent move.
What You Need to Remember as a Player?
If you play slots, it’s useful to recognize near misses as what they are: psychological manipulatives and not signs of good fortune. These are the basics:
- A near miss is still a loss. The symbols may appear close, but the odds don’t shift on the next spin.
- Recognize the function of RNGs. The spin is an isolated event. The previous result has no effect upon the next.
- Set strict limits. Decide in advance how much time or money you’re willing to spend, and stick to it.
- Play for entertainment, not income. Slots are designed for fun, not profit.
It’s the same thought process that aids in other games of chance. For instance, playing blackjack online involves skill and strategy affecting what happens, as opposed to slots, where luck has the upper hand.
Wrapping Up
The next time you catch yourself stuck in the thrill of a near miss, pause. Ask yourself: Am I playing for the fun of it, or do I anticipate hitting a jackpot? Near miss mystery is no mystery; they are illusion created. The instant you grasp this, you can play slot machines your way, unencumbered by being stuck in the trap of “almost winning.”
