Slots is More Likely to Cause Gambling Problem

[lionheart78]

According to research on online gambling behavior by GamblingAware,  slot gaming is more likely to cause problem gambling than sports betting and is heavily skewed towards the most deprived area.[1]

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Insight into Online Gambling Landscape
Carried out by the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) in collaboration with Professor David Forrest and Professor Ian McHale from the University of Liverpool, Patterns of Play analyzed online gambling data between July 2018 and June 2019 from seven major operators and a total of 139,152 online gambling accounts across bingo, live and virtual casino games, poker, slots, and sports betting.

The research sought to provide an insight into the online gambling landscape by answering four questions related to the basic patterns of play, the patterns’ variance for different types of people, patterns’ variance among different products, and types of behavior associated with problem gambling or at-risk gambling.

The NatCen data showed that online bettors with the largest losses were men around 40 and coming from economically deprived areas, while women dominated online bingo with 62%, in slot games female participation represented around one-third of all, while in casino and poker, similar to online betting, women’s share was less than a quarter.

More details about the research are here.[1]




But Why are slots so addicting?

In this article[2] we can read about the Psychology of Slots.  This tackles that slot machines is responsible for the greatest percentage of revenues in America's gambling capital in Las Vegas.  It also stated that the reason behind this success lies in our brain.


Cognitive Dissonance – The Psychological Phenomenon That Helps Us Gamble.
Just like how smokers disassociate from the well-known evidence that their smoking is killing them thru a psychological phenomenon called cognitive dissonance[3] Similarly, slot machines provoke cognitive dissonance amongst players.

Every licensed slot machine in a land-based casino or online has a Return to Player (RTP) percentage that players can easily access.
This tells players on average, how much money they can expect to lose from every $100 spent wagering. Despite this figure proving to players that they will lose more than they win on average, people continue playing.
In much the same way that the nicotine rush of a cigarette makes the risks seem worth it, the chances of a big win help gamblers forget that they will on average, lose more than they will win.

Dopamine – The Brains Reward System

Whenever we do something that our primitive brain finds to be good or beneficial, such as eating, procreating and exercising a neurotransmitter called Dopamine is released in our brains. This chemical messenger is synonymous with pleasure and when it is released, we can often feel a sense of euphoria.[2]

Here are the factors stated on the article[2] why slots machine produce a high level of dopamine in our brain.

• Video in slots machines

         Slots videos are designed to deliver great highs[4] and waves of euphoria to players.  Matching it with money rewards, huge amount of dopamine is released into the human brain.

• Association of slot machines  with the intense feeling of pleasure

         This is the reason why continue playing slots machine even though they are losing, they keep on searching for the dopamine rush that a win can trigger

• Designed to constantly offer small reward to keep players engaged

         This is specifically designed to activate the reward system in our brain as we begin to associate slots with pleasure, we will likely continue playing.


Interactive Controls – Increasing Control

Slot machines are designed for interactive controls.  This makes us feels that we are in control of every action we make thus giving us a sense of certainty ignoring the fact that winning and losing are really uncertain.

every time you push down on the ‘spin’ button on a physical slot machine or an online slot, you are taking control in a way that your brain views as positive. Each time you press the button, the visual whirlwind of colours and shapes in front of your eyes release Dopamine in your brain.
No matter how many times you push the button, the same thing will happen, the reels on the slot will spin. This simple yet effective feedback loop boosts feelings of control amongst players which encourages them to ignore the uncertainty of winning or losing and play on for longer.

Visual & Audio Cues – Making Memories

Another factor why slot machines is addicting is its Visual and Audio Cues.  Whenever we win something, it retains in our memory because of these factors.  The more winnings we got from slots, the more prominent it will be in our minds.  It is because of the visual and sound effects we witnessed every time we win.

Wins on a slot machine game are often followed by the sound of coins dropping from a height, flashing dollar signs on the screen and an array of flashing lights on the slot terminal. This makes a win on a slot a full-body experience that is not only intensely pleasurable and rewarding, but memorable too.

When these wins become etched on your brain, your Dopamine reward system is more likely to be activated whenever you think of slot machines. This helps to keep even the most casual of gamblers interested in slots for a long time, potentially even years after spinning the reels.

Summing up on  why Slots is very addicting

Slot machines aren’t a trick, nor have they been designed to deceive you and appeal to your primitive brain. Rather they are enjoyable distractions designed part by intention and part by accident to engage you for as long as possible.[2]


Add on:

Gambling Problem Possible Solution/Avoidance:

If ever you feel that you are in a borderline of being a compulsive gambler , you can refer on these list of link for ideas on how to deal with it.

• The 10 most successful ways of overcoming gambling urges
• Gambling Addiction and Problem Gambling
• How to Help Someone With a Gambling Problem
• How to Stop Gambling: 7 Helpful Tips
• Gambling - advice for family and friends

Sources and references:
[1] Research on Gambling Behavior Raised Red Flags around Slots
[2] The Psychology of Slot Machine
[3] Cognitive dissonance in tobacco smokers
[4] How Video Gaming Could Improve Your Cognitive Health And Skills


A question to slots players out there, have you ever felt the uncontrollable urge to gamble after exposing yourself to slots games for a long period of time?  How did you manage to keep sane after being exposed to the most addictive gambling game in the industry?

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[_act_]

Slots is not only the existing gambling, generally both sport and casino and other types of gambling can be addicting, that is why it is good to use the amount of money you can afford to lose to gamble. The problem of gambling is when someone is using large sum of money which is beyond his capability. It is not only slots that are addictive, all other gambling means are addictive. But what makes it most addictive are people that think they can make a living, earning, profit from gambling which will not be what will happen as the person continues gambling.

[gunhell16]

A question to slots players out there, have you ever felt the uncontrollable urge to gamble after exposing yourself to slots games for a long period of time?  How did you manage to keep sane after being exposed to the most addictive gambling game in the industry?


 First and foremost, not all the players in the slot machines are addicted unto it. Although in this topic you posted was too informative and helpful as well to everyone who are always in the gambling site. In fact, through this discussion you feed me about this things regarding  the cause of gambling problem. Now back to this question you asked, my answer is yes! I really felt uncontrollable, and I don't want to elaborate that's my experienced during the time I was addicted to slot machine I can't deny that things.

[TravelMug]

A question to slots players out there, have you ever felt the uncontrollable urge to gamble after exposing yourself to slots games for a long period of time?  How did you manage to keep sane after being exposed to the most addictive gambling game in the industry?

I would say it's very very hard specially in the beginning wherein you first taste winnings, what we call beginners luck. And then you become hook up to it and becoming your favorite even though you know the odds are really not going to be in your favor in the long run and it's based on pure luck.

I don't know how I overcome it. maybe when I don't have money to gamble was the main reason. So at least I recover my insanity although from time to time I still play slots but not like those years and as I learn to control myself, I just gamble to have some fun.

[serjent05]

A question to slots players out there, have you ever felt the uncontrollable urge to gamble after exposing yourself to slots games for a long period of time?

 

I found the slots game to be very entertaining.  It is always the game I looked to play whenever I register to an online casino.  During my session I always prepare myself, making sure that I will be in control.  It often does the trick but sometimes when I am too engrossed in playing, the uncontrollable urge appears.  Maybe because I have funds in my hand, and many strategic (non-sense) ideas pop up and wanted to try them if they will work.  In short, curiosity triggers this uncontrollable urge but once I have done them it just dies down.

How did you manage to keep sane after being exposed to the most addictive gambling game in the industry?

I always keep myself educated on gambling fallacies.  I also think of the effect on my family if ever I went out of control and become insanely addicted to gambling.  Considering the pros and cons, the destructive result to my financial status, keeping responsibilities and pleasures in check.  Keeping oneself disciplined in the face of great pleasure is really hard but thinking of my family and goals in life keeps me from giving in to the addictive pleasure of slots.

[coin-investor]

According to research on online gambling behavior by GamblingAware,  slot gaming is more likely to cause problem gambling than sports betting and is heavily skewed towards the most deprived area.[1]

...Another factor why slot machines is addicting is its Visual and Audio Cues.  Whenever we win something, it retains in our memory because of these factors.  The more winnings we got from slots, the more prominent it will be in our minds.  It is because of the visual and sound effects we witnessed every time we win.

I'm not a big fan of slots but dice are also as addictive as the slot machine, they have the same effect on players, all the other luck-based games that excite you will have a lasting effect even hours after you are out of your session, that is why casino operators like their interface attractive and unique from all the other dice games, because gamblers are visually excited at the sight or memory of something that always excites them, I believe it's not only on the slot but all the other luck based game like Dice and especially crash game.

[Baofeng]

I guess every games is really addicted, from slots to baccarat to dice and black jack. Every game has its own way to make people come and want to play more. Specially slots, those operators study the psychology, from the graphics to the sounds, they all put together to make it very attractive hence, addicting.

It just grown on me though, just tired of it when I go to land base or even online base casinos. Although there are a lot of new games, but it's just the same to me. And maybe I just had a lot of up and down, love and hate against slot machines that it is not the first option for me to play now.

[dothebeats]

Every gambling game invented causes your brain to trigger the release of dopamine which, in turn, helps you get addicted to the game. You'll crave for it, your brain will always look for that pleasure you're getting regardless of the game you are playing. Slots, well, they are the easiest game you can get your hands into, and also probably the easiest to get your hopes up for. That's why the research ended up naming slots as the main culprit in this study, because of how simple and easy it is to get hooked in playing it.

[Smartvirus]

This research is some worth limited to slots bases of addiction and I think that shouldn't be. It pretty much applies to every game that is gambled on, be it Casino games or spots betting. The definitive nature of it is based on individual understanding, acceptance and liking towards a particular game to gamble upon. This is exactly how you get to build an addiction especially when you feel you know the game too well already and associate your trier frequencies to a win.
Slots and many other Casino games might seem this way compared to sportsbetting due to, the timing and how many go you could go in hours over the games you are particulate about bit the same doenst go for sportsbetging and I say this without considering the virtual reality aspect of it. So yeah, it's pretty much every game in the gambling industry.

[ralle14]

This reminds me of the time when I played slots regularly and the experience was frustrating since it's one loss after another eventually you have to come to a realization and draw the line or else it'll continue even further. It took me a while before I broke my habit and it started when I found a different hobby during my free time eventually it became a daily activity for me and it kept me busy so I have no time to start a gambling session. Even though we can be addicted to other games as well, I have to agree with the article as slot games definitely have the factors that trigger a lingering feeling to come back and play again.

[serjent05]

I'm not a big fan of slots but dice are also as addictive as the slot machine, they have the same effect on players, all the other luck-based games that excite you will have a lasting effect even hours after you are out of your session, that is why casino operators like their interface attractive and unique from all the other dice games, because gamblers are visually excited at the sight or memory of something that always excites them, I believe it's not only on the slot but all the other luck based game like Dice and especially crash game.

In terms of graphical representation, the dice and crash game is a bit monotonous which is why it gets boring as time passes by.  Aside from that it doesn't offer small rewards, it is either you win or lose and that is where slots attract more players.  With a variety of graphics, combinations, and possible rewards in every bet, players tend to have more interactive time with slots.  If you read the OP you can see the reasons on the quoted content

Every licensed slot machine in a land-based casino or online has a Return to Player (RTP) percentage that players can easily access.
This tells players on average, how much money they can expect to lose from every $100 spent wagering. Despite this figure proving to players that they will lose more than they win on average, people continue playing.
In much the same way that the nicotine rush of a cigarette makes the risks seem worth it, the chances of a big win help gamblers forget that they will on average, lose more than they will win.

every time you push down on the ‘spin’ button on a physical slot machine or an online slot, you are taking control in a way that your brain views as positive. Each time you press the button, the visual whirlwind of colours and shapes in front of your eyes release Dopamine in your brain.
No matter how many times you push the button, the same thing will happen, the reels on the slot will spin. This simple yet effective feedback loop boosts feelings of control amongst players which encourages them to ignore the uncertainty of winning or losing and play on for longer.

Wins on a slot machine game are often followed by the sound of coins dropping from a height, flashing dollar signs on the screen and an array of flashing lights on the slot terminal. This makes a win on a slot a full-body experience that is not only intensely pleasurable and rewarding, but memorable too.
When these wins become etched on your brain, your Dopamine reward system is more likely to be activated whenever you think of slot machines. This helps to keep even the most casual of gamblers interested in slots for a long time, potentially even years after spinning the reels.

These three quoted content makes slots more addicting than any other gambling game.  Sure all the gambling games are addictive but research says the number of players playing slots, makes it the most addicting game on the gambling game arsenal.

[LodisMcguire]

Many people in my city are addicted to this slot gaming on their phone.Even if they always lose,they still keep playing and deposited more and more money to their account.While there are some people that win big,but they lose it eventually.As long as there are money,they will keep tapping their phone till it become zero balance.

[AicecreaME]

Slots machine is addicting because it's easy to play, people love it, of course you could make money on it easily if you are lucky. People love to earn big amount of money in an easy way, that's why slots is one the games that could be the key to make wealth overnight. However, most of the population of slots players are losing too much money because they can't stop, unless they hit the jackpot already, maybe they will stop for a while and enjoy their fortune.

Gambling addiction is a very serious disease that should be treated right away before it's too late. It's sad because most of them don't want to be help, since they don't admit that they are addicted in the first place.

[Jating]

Slots machine is addicting because it's easy to play, people love it, of course you could make money on it easily if you are lucky. People love to earn big amount of money in an easy way, that's why slots is one the games that could be the key to make wealth overnight. However, most of the population of slots players are losing too much money because they can't stop, unless they hit the jackpot already, maybe they will stop for a while and enjoy their fortune.

Yes, it was design to be very easy, no need to learn, just press the button and off you go. But the bad news is that it is a luck base game, so chances are very slim and yet more people are addicted to it because of the huge windfall they can get once lady luck is on their side, and many of us are willing to take that risk.

Gambling addiction is a very serious disease that should be treated right away before it's too late. It's sad because most of them don't want to be help, since they don't admit that they are addicted in the first place.

That's the key, gambling addicts should admit it first before they can be treated. And I would agree that slots are one game that can really make a person be a addict and have a gambling problem.

[swogerino]

I was once addicted to slots,now I play them once or twice per week as a maximum and I have already set aside the budget not being more than 500 USD monthly in total.At first I play because I want to relax from every day stress from work and life in general and I start playing with minimal bet but it is here where the slot machines can deceive you big.I was winning like 100 USD with a very short amount of time and with minimal bet and that made me believe I am going to hit it big today so I raised the bet 10x and it was immediate the losing of all the money.Slots have the ability to keep you hooked as they offer insanely huge prices like x5000 up to x30000 your total bet winnings and people hope in such winnings which come true only less than 0.00000001% most of the time.Based on this yes slots can make you addicted without you realizing it before you know it is already late now.

[Welsh]

See, I've never been one for slot machines. I don't know, I like to enjoy a game of football, knowing I've got a bet running on it too. Even with teams I wouldn't ordinarily be interested in, I find it more enjoyable. Slots, you're basically doing the same thing over, and over. Whereas, at least with sports betting there's many variables despite that, you can also tip the house edge, because there isn't any, so you're sort of more in control. Plus, slots you can spend a lot of money in a quick amount of time due to how basic it is, football games or sport games usually take at least a bit out of your day, you you aren't losing as much money as quick.

I'm still surprised though, I honestly thought sports betting would be the most addicted, what's more addicting than watching the team you support win, and win you money?

[Wexnident]

It's not only slots really, crash, dice, and other simple but visually appealing games are the types of games gamblers are most likely to play in greater quantity, compared to say games like poker with complicated a f rules (in comparison to slots anw). It's addictive in a sense, but in the end, I wouldn't blame slots in general for it, but rather gambling in general (and the user ofc, for falling for it), cause see, even if poker was complicated people can still easily fall addicted to it, so blaming the game for all the fault is kinda wrong imo.

I still prefer poker though, or sports betting even. I just enjoy watching or seeing well, MORE than something spinning in my face for the next hour or two.

[lionheart78]

I'm still surprised though, I honestly thought sports betting would be the most addicted, what's more addicting than watching the team you support win, and win you money?

Same here, I actually thought that sports betting would top as the most addicting gambling game but research says it is slot.  And looking into the difference between these two, I see that slot games are available to play anytime unlike sports betting that is scheduled.  That alone may be the reason why slots beat sports betting as the most addicting gambling game in the industry.  

but in the end, I wouldn't blame slots in general for it, but rather gambling in general (and the user ofc, for falling for it), cause see, even if poker was complicated people can still easily fall addicted to it, so blaming the game for all the fault is kinda wrong imo.

No one is blaming the slots game, it is just a collective study and research on which gambling game is the most addictive. In terms of fingerpointing, it would be ourselves, that we lost our self-control, at fault for whatever addiction we had.  Gambling game is there to entertain us, it is not intended to make us addicted.

[ChiBitCTy]

I think this certainly has to do with the fact that there’s more slot machines than any other types of gambling outlet out there. Here in the US there’s a slot machine of some type in nearly every type of establishment from gas stations to hotels. Plus when you’re just putting in a few bucks at a time it doesn’t seem like a lot, but of course it adds up.

[Despairo]

I'm still surprised though, I honestly thought sports betting would be the most addicted, what's more addicting than watching the team you support win, and win you money?

Same here, I actually thought that sports betting would top as the most addicting gambling game but research says it is slot.  

I guess because of how easy to play slots and how the maximum multipliers they offer for you especially you buy the bonus feature, you don't need to think anything about any strategy to play, just spin it until your hit the jackpot. But since hit the jackpot isn't easy and you have limited bankroll, this make you want to keep deposit until you got it, you're thinking if you hit it, it can recover your losses. That's why slots is most addicting game IMO.

However I'm not saying slots is bad and slots should be blamed due to cause gambling problem, but it's depends on the gambler who can control himself or not.