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. Rules differ by jurisdiction: Ontario’s 2007 technical standards allowed jackpot symbols to appear just above or below the payline up to 12 times as often as on it, and research has documented similar programming in Nevada. Either way, a near miss carries no information about the next spin.

In practice

Near-miss programming remains controversial, and some jurisdictions restrict it. 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.