As you've said, you need to get hooked your customers and keep them spending money on your platform.
I can admit that I’m already hooked on gambling, but to have lasted this many years in it, I’d say I’m a successful gambler in my own way as I have fun, I’m responsible, and even if I’m not profitable yet, I’m still in control. With slots though, there’s no way I’ll be profitable unless I hit a huge multiplier that could change my life.
As for those near misses, the thing is, we’re just overthinking it. Near miss or not, it’s still a loss. We just have to see it that way (only win or loss)... and forget about the rest, because dwelling on it can lead to emotional gambling.