The Illusion of Control: Rainbows, Free Spins, and Player Perception in Games...
— ### The Psychology of Rainbows and Perceived Control in Digital Gambling Rainbows, those luminous arcs born from rain and light, carry deep psychological resonance—symbols of hope, renewal, and the unpredictability of fate. In digital gambling, their vibrant colors contrast sharply with the cold mechanics of randomness, creating a powerful illusion of control. When players land free spins or bonus rounds—especially on reels labeled 1, 3, and 5—cultural associations with odd numbers as lucky or sacred amplify this effect. Yet, despite the dazzling visuals, outcomes remain purely random. This dissonance between vivid symbolism and true chance shapes how players interpret their wins, or losses. The rainbow motif, often woven into promotional themes, reinforces the belief that choosing specific paths—like selecting spins on lucky reels—can influence results. But behind the spectacle lies a carefully engineered design: a visual cue that masks pure randomness with layered...