Online gambling has grown partly because of widespread use of smartphones, tablets and computers, but also so-called multi-line machines in arcades and casinos. German researchers suggest the design of these devices cause gamblers to form erroneous expectations regarding their chances of winning. The study, published in the journal Trends in Cognitive Sciences, found losses are often disguised as wins or near wins, but losses nonetheless. These losses are presented in such a way to suggest to gamblers that the next win is just around the corner, tricking the brain’s reward system. Professor Dr. Jan Peters, at the University of Cologne, says such beliefs and expectations make people continue to gamble despite high losses.