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How the illusion of control affects decisions
The illusion of control is the tendency to believe that our actions, choices, or "correct" rituals are capable of influencing an outcome that is actually determined by chance. In the game, this distortion pushes you to increase rates, extend sessions and break your own rules. Below is exactly how this trap works, where it hides in the interface and head, and what to do so as not to get caught.
1) Where the illusion of control is born
The choice creates a sense of influence. The brain mistakenly interprets the ability to choose a slot, line, bet size or back moment as a result lever.
Series and templates. We see patterns even where there are none: "three empty ones will definitely give now."
Hot hand effect. After a couple of successful spins, it seems that "there is a streak" and it needs to be "squeezed."
"Almost a win." The symbols stopped next to the jackpot - and it seems that "a little more effort" is enough.
Rituals and superstitions. Special buttons, multiple bets, "happy time" create false confidence.
Key point: in games with a random number generator, each spin is statistically independent of the previous one, and "timing" and "rituals" do not change probabilities.
2) How the illusion of control hits money and time
Overpricing. "I feel the moment" → the growth of beta without reason.
Session extension. The "slot warmed up" → avoiding the timer and plan.
Dogon and escalation. "Now I will beat off" → a series of impulsive replenishments.
Rule blurring. "Today the exception" → erosion limits and bankroll.
Alarms: you change the plan in the moment "because I feel," raise the bet after winning/losing without a pre-prescribed condition.
3) Where the interface pushes to illusion
Stop button. It seems that you can "catch" the best outcome. In fact, stopping is just animation.
Sounds and visual flashes. Reinforce the feeling of "correct action."
Almost-wins and clues. They support the belief in the proximity of a large payment.
Statistics in session. "Series" graphs without correct context reinforce the idea of regularity.
4) Self-test "Am I hooked?" (Yeah, no)
1. I sometimes up the ante because I "feel the moment."
2. I extend the session after "almost winning."
3. I believe that a certain slot/time "gives better."
4. I change the strategy during the game without a plan.
5. Violated stop-loss "just one time."
2 + "yes" - the illusion of control is already influencing decisions.
5) Antidote: five principles of the "cold head"
1. Foregone conclusion. All financial and time rules are fixed before the start of the session.
2. No "if I feel." The basis for changing the rate is only a pre-recorded condition (for example, + X% to bankroll).
3. The timer is stronger than intuition. The signal rang - stop, without the "last back."
4. Distance from interface. Disable extra animations/sounds if possible.
5. Reality check. Any thought of "I influence" is tested by the question: "Does it increase the mathematical probability?"
6) Practices that work right away
A) "Blind Rate Protocol"
Before the start, write out 10-15 steps: the size of the bet and the number of spins at each step.
In a session, simply execute items from left to right without changing the order.
Reached stop-loss/timer - stop, even if it itches.
B) "Double Envelope"
Divide the bankroll into two virtual parts: the game (on the backs) and the block (not available in the session).
Use only gaming; replenishment from the "block" is possible only at the next session.
C) "Cold survey 60 seconds"
At the end: "plan/actual rates," duration, compliance with limits.
One result: "what I will change in the rules outside the session." Report - photo/note to yourself.
D) "implementation intentions"
"If I caught myself thinking "about to give," then I get up, take 10 breaths and pause for 2 minutes."
"If the losing streak ≥ N, then close the session and turn on 24h time-out."
7) Micro-experiments to make the brain believe
Coin and "timing." Flip the coin 50 times. Try to "guess the moment" - the proportion of eagles will not change from your attempts.
Two sessions: with and without choice. In the first, you "feel the moment," in the second, you strictly follow the protocol. Compare deviation from the plan and emotions after - discipline wins.
8) "Red card" for dangerous thoughts
"Slot must give" → Independent events. Nothing "should."
"Now a good stream/series" → Regression to average. Series happen, but not predictable.
"A little more - and I'll reach the jackpot" → The jackpot is random. Proximity on screen is not equal to proximity in probability.
"I know how to press in time →" Animation ≠ probability. The result is calculated before pressing "stop."
9) Wall rule checklist
BR_mesyatsa ≤ 2% of free income; session _ limit = 5-10% of BR.
Stop-loss = 1 × session _ limit, Take-profit = 1-2 ×.
Timer 30-60 minutes. Without "five more minutes."
No change in rates "by feeling." Pre-recorded conditions only.
"Almost winning" doesn't change behavior.
For two violations in a row - 72h pause + tightening of limits.
10) "after disruption" plan
1. Immediately get out and put time-out for 72 hours.
2. Write a short analysis: what thought failed ("I control the result," "the series went").
3. Cut limits for the next month by 25-50%.
4. Make one change to the minutes (e.g. no intra-session rate increase).
5. Inform the "reporting partner" and send him your report.
The illusion of control makes decisions impulsive and expensive. Antidote - predetermined rules, "blind" adherence to the protocol, timer and honest report. Stop fighting chance - you can't beat it. Manage what is really in your power: time, rate, session frequency and quality of your own decisions.