Slot players will get this, sometimes that big bomb symbol drops, and you’re already thinking “this is it,” but nope… no tumble, nothing connects. Then you sit there thinking, “Damn, that was close,” and next thing you know, you’re still spinning, chasing that moment again.
So what do you think, just coincidence, or a little design magic to keep us hooked? I know they’ll say it’s all fair and random, but you can’t tell me the devs didn’t factor this in when making the game. After all, nothing keeps a gambler glued to the screen like almost winning.
Oh yes, Casinos definitely use psychology to keep us playing. But they are not the only business that does this, I mean just look at supermarkets. Ever wonder why the apples look so much better in the store than they do at home? Or why they use mirrors in the produce aisle? Or the music? It is all carefully thought out to maximize profits.
And do not even get me started on all the marketing and advertising tactics...
The most important thing is to keep a certain degree of self-discipline and sticking to your own rules. Then you will not have to worry about taken advantage of.
It really depends on the person, if they let something influence them or not.