Why is it so much fun to hit a button and try to match up symbols? Today, slot machines look more like video games  and are quite different to the old one-armed bandits. All the bonus rounds, themes, and graphics have made slots even more popular but why are they so enticing? If you wanted to play a video game you could do it for much cheaper. The answer is the intermittent reward system.

We all know what a reward system is. You are given something desirable for a certain action, but what does intermittent mean? This term holds the power of the slot machine. The definition is, occurring at irregular patterns, not consistent.The possibility of a reward, but we don’t know when. This is by far the most powerful reward system there is.

The best thing that could happen to a first-time player in the mind of the casino is that person wins. Once a person wins it reinforces the notion that the reward is possible. The worst thing that could happen to a new player in the mind of the casino is that person loses a lot of money. If this happens, the desirable behavior (playing slots) may become extinct. If that person doesn’€™t feel like they have a realistic chance of winning they will no longer continue to play.

Once a player has experienced a win and as long as it is periodically reinforced, the behavior will continue. When casino employees tell you they want you to win, they’re not lying because if you never win you’€™re not going to come back. Just as long as you don’t win more than you lose and the casino is happy.

Next time you play a slot machine think about the psychology behind the machine and why it is so alluring to people.