The reel displays of virtually all modern slots machines are now controlled with the use of computer software. What this means is that it is now possible for slots machines to display symbol combinations that are surprisingly close to the winning combinations more frequently. For example, if the winning or jackpot combination in a particular slots machine is “7-7-7″, this machine can be programmed to display “7-7-(non-7)” on a frequent basis. This can–and often does–fool slots machine players by giving them the impression that they have “almost won”, which may encourage them into playing the same slots machine more often or for much longer.

This increasing trend of showing non-winning combinations that are quite close to the actual winning combinations more frequently than it would otherwise occur is known as “near-miss” programming, and has been deemed illegal in gambling states such as Nevada and New Jersey. The Nevada Gaming Commission has reviewed several slots machines that have this type of programming and they have subsequently been refused authorization.