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

Near Miss

General Terms

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 — 1,157 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.