Part I: Games & Gaming · Slot Machines & Electronic Gaming

Near Miss

General TermsREPORTED

A reel display in which jackpot or high-value symbols appear in positions that are visually close to a winning combination but do not actually complete a paying line. Near misses are a natural statistical occurrence in slot machines (given the symbol distribution on virtual reels), but they can also be programmed through reel strip ordering to create the illusion that a big win was “almost” achieved. The psychological impact of near misses encourages continued play. Gaming regulators in most jurisdictions now prohibit the programming of intentional near-miss scenarios above or below the payline, though natural near misses from random outcomes are unavoidable.

In practice

The “near miss above and below the payline” was a controversial design technique in the 1980s-90s that regulators subsequently restricted. Modern surveillance should distinguish between natural near misses and any potential manipulation.

One entry from the Casino Industry Glossary, 1,090 terms written for surveillance, compliance and operations professionals rather than for players. Definitions describe industry usage; where a term carries a regulatory meaning, verify against the instrument that governs your jurisdiction.