Numerous recurring themes and patterns that shed light on the psychology of winning become apparent when analyzing different testimonies from slot machine winners. The element of surprise is one recurrrammuying theme; many winners characterize their triumphs as unanticipated events that took them by surprise. This element of uncertainty heightens the excitement of playing slots and supports the idea that anybody can win at any time. Also, a number of testimonies emphasize the value of perseverance; a number of winners describe how they kept playing in spite of earlier setbacks before breaking through.