As a London-based psychologist and game behavior analyst, I’ve decoded why mahjong’s ‘hu’ moments trigger dopamine spikes in Western players. This isn’t luck—it’s neurocognitive design. In this piece, I break down how golden tile sequences, rhythmic cascades, and bonus mechanics create flow states that mimic addiction without gambling. Drawing from my cross-cultural player studies across Europe, I reveal why structured play beats impulsive bets—and how free modes sustain long-term engagement.