I have noticed that some casino games feel much stickier than others, even when you go in knowing the odds and planning to play casually.
A lot of it seems to come down to psychology rather than math. Near misses are a big one. Being one card short of 21, getting two jackpot symbols instead of three, or watching the roulette ball land right next to your number does not feel like a normal loss. It feels like progress, even though it is not.
There is also the illusion of control. Repeating the same timing, bet size, or move can feel logical even though it has no real impact. On top of that, after a long run of losses it is easy to feel like a win must be coming next. Logically you know each outcome is random, but in the moment it is surprisingly convincing.
Casinos are not rigging games, but the experience around the games feels very intentional. Sounds, visuals, bonus triggers, progress bars, and table energy that are designed to keep players engaged a little longer than they planned.
I am curious what others notice affects them the most when they play. Near misses. Bonus chasing. Table atmosphere. Something else?
Because casinos have spent all their profits and time to make sure games are psychologically made to keep you around
The bright colors, big noises, almost misses on a bonus is all about keeping you engaged and playing
I feel like I am immune to those feelings because I keep all that in the front of my mind and gamble purely for fun (unless doing AP, and then it’s serious time)
The inconsistency keeps you chasing “one more round,” even when you know better.
Near misses are the worst. They make it feel like you were so close even though nothing really changed.
It’s all set up and contrived to be inviting and open and an illusion of choice and ability to ‘walk away’
The House edge with these game IS the casino rigging games. They hire the best of the best to keep users engaged. You’ve just explained casinos. Not sure what you’re getting at. They’re good at what they do.
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This doesn’t affect me anymore because I know better now, but “perceived persistence”…. Those pigs that are getting fatter. The firecrackers that are almost ready to explode. The pot of coins filling up. None of that matters, but almost all slot players believe if they keep at it, that pig will pop. Or the firecracker will explode. Truth is and is stated in the rules, they go off at random.