Because the modern machines are all controlled by computers, and are programmed with much detail, it is entirely plausible to program a game to “almost win.” For example, for slot games whose winning combinations are 7-7-7, a game can be instructed at regular intervals to display a 7-7-(non-7), as an incentive to the player that they almost won. This is called Near-Miss Programming, and is illegal in New Jersey and Nevada. Because it is not truly random, the gaming commissions have ruled the practice unacceptable. Nevada has caught casino slots games programmed in this matter and refused to allow them available for play.

There is another phenomenon that is sometimes referred to as a near-miss. When a winning combination, 7-7-7, occurs not on the main (center) payline but rather on above or below, not resulting in a jackpot. The Nevada Gaming Commission also investigated this event but determined that it was legal, as long as the computers were not specially programmed to give those combos in those locations. Meaning, when it happens, it happens, but it cannot happen any more often than it would naturally when truly random programming occurs. Even if all the paylines are being played, gamblers aren’t necessarily entitled to a full progressive slots jackpot on the lines above and below.

History

Description

Terms

Technology

Payout

Linked Machines

Near-Misses

Fraud

Variations

Misconceptions