Psychology
Historically, near misses have been considered to encourage players to continue their slots gaming.
Unless you have sticky symbols that stay around for the next spin, it will be fully randomized.
The notion of randomness is quite difficult to grasp and rationalize.
In card games, roulette or craps, we can calculate the probability based on the number of outcomes.
However, slots are in a class of their own where probability is concerned.
Assume that the 3-reel 5 payline game has 5 different symbols.
That simple game already has over 1.9 million different outcomes (5 to the power of 9).
The probability of any of these 1.9 million outcomes is affected by the paytable.
And then we haven’t factored in RTP yet.
These values are never 100% as then the casino will not make a profit.
Instead, they are usually around 93% up to 99% (for the highest RTP slots).
Mechanics such as ways pays, Megaways, cascading reels, and multidirectional paylines complicate the system.
Sometimes, near misses can pay off, but not in the way that we would like.
These are good, but they may also be enforcing the false sense that the tide is turning.
But look closely at the partial payline payout.
In many cases, it is usually less than you staked, or just about cuts your losses.
Rationally, it is still considered a loss.
The casino operator leases the games from a software developer.
Or partners with them.
These bespoke gaming products are not simply launched on the site after the tweaks have been made.
The casino operators must prove that these games are probably fair to play.
They do that by hiring approved game testors to try out the games for themselves.
The operators need the auditors to give their seal of approval, and then the games can go live.
The games are not rigged to make you lose, or to give you near misses.
They are using intricate formulas to generate completely random outcomes each time.
Secondary decision (secondary gamble) is a feature in which players are given a choice following a spin.
Most gambling authorities agree that these games can be offered, so long asthe outcome is not predetermined.
If you flip heads, you will double up your $25 to $50.
But tails would mean you lose the $25 you won.
The outcome of that coin flip cannot be predetermined.
The feeling that the next big win is close and thesunk cost fallacycan be blinding.
Unfortunately, that is not the case.
Some gamblers have serious problems with calling it a day and ceasing play.
Therefore, setting upreality checks and limiting game timeis the perfect way to ensure this does not happen.
It is easy to get carried away playing slots, just confirm you don’t get stuck in them.
Managing Your Bankroll
Treat your slots gaming as you would any other expense.
This can be controlled by setting deposit limits and loss tracking notifications.
Setting how much you will stake for each spin is another key part of managing your money.
Some games have the option to change your stake across more paylines.
If you reduce the number of paylines, you don’t need to spend as much on each round.
However, you are sacrificing your possibility of winning by doing so.
You should always use all available paylines, and never cut back to meet your allocated budget.
These emotional responses can be misleading, making you want to keep playing despite continuously losing.
Only play until you have used $20 more, and then quit.
And never be afraid to stop and accept your losses.
Gamers who show addictive traits are in more danger of following such false illusions.
It is just that one last game just to win the jackpot.
Slots, like any other casino game, are intended for entertainment purposes.
The thrill of risking and winning is extremely satisfying and the only reason why you should play.
If you were not risking your money, it would not be gambling.
So next time you get a near miss, take a second to remember.
It has no bearing on the next round.
You may hit a 1,000x payout, or the reels may spin out nothing.
Daniel has been writing about casinos and sports betting since 2021.
