Slots is More Likely to Cause Gambling Problem

[hunterXride]

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 answered slot gambling for me is just like playing games to entertain myself in my spare time.. I've been playing slot for a long time but I never expected a win from slot, if I get a win I think it's just a bonus from playing games.. if I lose I also never the emotion to continue to deposit to continue the game. so I can still control my control by assuming gambling is just a game to fill my spare time

[Peanutswar]

Slots are probably the worst type of gaming you can do. Terrible odds and is way too quick.  A lot of bets take a while to play out where as ots takes all of about 10 seconds to win/lose.  Terrible game.

Agreed with you.
But for some reasons a lot of people prefer slots and dice to something more complicated (like poker). At least in the online .and western world. In Asia there is a little bit different story with all of this. 
The game is really too quick, you can lose all your bank in few minutes (especially in online casinos, where the probability to win is extremely low). In offline slots, with 75 % prob of winning (Las Vegas, where it all highly regulated) there is a little different story

Maybe there is such a difference in the winning probability on the Western nations and the Asian part. Lot of people prefer Dice and slot which is all because of the chance of winning in big multiple. Quite often we can see big hits from slots on livestream, which too a reason for being more addictive than other games. In my view slot is not for the small level gamblers, it is for the users who prefer to gamble with high bankroll.

Slot games is one of the most riskiest game it is all about a small chance of winning but these winnings can be a large profit of course, and it will depend on the risk of the amount for a bet the larger the profit, if you want to have a lesser risk i guess having a players interaction is the most ideal one such as the sportsbook and table top games like cards with that still at your own decision not base on the luck of the rotations.

[rahmad2nd]

nice and interesting post for knowledge.
I totally agree with the research references on slot machine gambling.  I was once in a position that was very addicted to slot gambling.  to be able to divert a player's mind so that they can control their every desire to gamble is very difficult, I've experienced it.  according to the research description you describe dopamine is one of the factors many gamblers become highly addicted to.  In my opinion and experience, to be able to control slot gambling addiction in order to reduce its activities, one should look for transitions in other forms, for example: playing games that do not contain gambling, doing activities with family, busying themselves with work.  otherwise the player will find it difficult to control to stay sane, now for you members of this forum, the referral link on how to prevent addiction or get rid of addiction is highly recommended

[lionheart78]

Here is another supporting article on why slots is more addictive than sports betting.

"Studies[1] by a Brown University psychiatrist, Robert Breen, have found that individuals who regularly play slots become addicted three to four times faster (in one year, versus three and a half years) than those who play cards or bet on sports."[2]

The article stated the reason that fast face and continuous wagering rhythm of play dampens the player's awareness of space, time, and monetary value which leads to addiction.


[1] Rapid Onset of Pathological Gambling in Machine Gamblers
[2] Slot Machines Are Designed to Addict

[ethereumhunter]

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 answered slot gambling for me is just like playing games to entertain myself in my spare time.. I've been playing slot for a long time but I never expected a win from slot, if I get a win I think it's just a bonus from playing games.. if I lose I also never the emotion to continue to deposit to continue the game. so I can still control my control by assuming gambling is just a game to fill my spare time

That's great if you think that way because, at the very least, you're not chasing wins and just entertaining yourself in your spare time. That's what we have to do in playing gambling so that we won't be too eager to chase wins or even recover losses because it will be difficult to get. The victory we get from the game is just a bonus from luck coming to us so that we can win. And remember, if we can win some money, we should be able to quit and leave the casino. Otherwise, we can use the winning money to continue playing and there is a possibility that we will experience defeat.

[danherbias07]

Here is another supporting article on why slots is more addictive than sports betting.

"Studies[1] by a Brown University psychiatrist, Robert Breen, have found that individuals who regularly play slots become addicted three to four times faster (in one year, versus three and a half years) than those who play cards or bet on sports."[2]

The article stated the reason that fast face and continuous wagering rhythm of play dampens the player's awareness of space, time, and monetary value which leads to addiction.


[1] Rapid Onset of Pathological Gambling in Machine Gamblers
[2] Slot Machines Are Designed to Addict

I agree. Playing slots is a non stop game, there's no summer vacation in it. Unlike sports gambling which is where I am hooked, I don't mind taking the break if there is no game on Sunday or if it's the end of the season. There's no urge to make a bet on those times and I like that more to be busy with other things or learn more about how I can increase the chances of winning when the season restarts.
Continous type of playing leads to addiction and I think that's where the problem begins, it becomes a habit. No fun. Just like what is said on the OP.

[Ebede]

When you say slots gambling so I get confused or method of gambling you talking about. I think that the different gambling we have is casino and spa gambling but with the reference of what you write I have to show that some of us don't know some gambling because of the country will belong to so some gambling as mentioned is not co existing in everywhere

[KTChampions]

Here is another supporting article on why slots is more addictive than sports betting.

"Studies[1] by a Brown University psychiatrist, Robert Breen, have found that individuals who regularly play slots become addicted three to four times faster (in one year, versus three and a half years) than those who play cards or bet on sports."[2]

The article stated the reason that fast face and continuous wagering rhythm of play dampens the player's awareness of space, time, and monetary value which leads to addiction.


[1] Rapid Onset of Pathological Gambling in Machine Gamblers
[2] Slot Machines Are Designed to Addict

It is rather strange that this took a whole study (although in any case it is interesting to know the specific difference in addiction, even if it is inaccurate), in my opinion it is obvious that it is easier to get used to slots because in 10 minutes you can make 60-200 bets, while in betting, you are unlikely to have time to make at least one bet (if you do even a simple analysis).

[masulum]

-snip- in my opinion it is obvious that it is easier to get used to slots because in 10 minutes you can make 60-200 bets, while in betting, you are unlikely to have time to make at least one bet (if you do even a simple analysis).

Exactly, so why people easy being addicted in slots because they can bet anytime, and limitless. Of course, the ego alos will quickly rise to be able to win the game. Then, a game that is simple, easy to use, will look so fun, so they don't realize that they are addicted to games that are played and sometimes they are forget if they are currently on bets. I have to say, really hard to going away from slots, both win or lose.

[skarais]

Exactly, so why people easy being addicted in slots because they can bet anytime, and limitless. Of course, the ego alos will quickly rise to be able to win the game. Then, a game that is simple, easy to use, will look so fun, so they don't realize that they are addicted to games that are played and sometimes they are forget if they are currently on bets. I have to say, really hard to going away from slots, both win or lose.

I admit that slots are the games that have really got me addicted so far and slots also cost me quite a bit of money. But it is true that this game has caused great addiction for those who are not able to manage their cravings and do not have good control over gambling.

I realize this from experience, but it's certainly very unethical to blame the game and its providers because we are the ones who have taken all the risks. One of the things we should know is to be responsible for any game that allows us to spend money and is potentially addictive. So we really have to be able to control it so it doesn't cause problems.

[Sirait]

Addiction to something happens because the sufferer feels comfortable, full of satisfaction (dopamine effect) when doing that. slots feature amazing animations and also great prizes easily if the player is lucky. I don't like slots but for lottery and soccer betting, I really love and feel addicted

Just because it's easy to do doesn't mean you need to play it every day and that's what most people became after they suffered such addiction from playing slot machines. some of them are buried in debt because of these small matters that they could have avoided if they remained patient about their life. Slots are addictive because the environment where they put them has lots of people enjoying what they are doing at the moment but in reality, most of them are soon to suffer some serious depression when they lose everything they have in this tricky game.

most of the people who try to play slots for the first time will definitely win, this is what spurs them to continue playing and playing until without realizing it, they have become addicted. If a slot player is able to control himself and never owes anyone else to play slots then daily slot players will be able to control their finances, but this is not an easy job.

[Viscore]

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]

.
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?

If we are fond in casinos, slots games are part of it that make us keep coming back. Although i would admit that i have been addicted to it before, but now i have come to control it and already manage myself not to fall from gambling addiction. This time, i find more interest in sports betting, the reason that i have less time spending in slots games, and when i do i only see myself playing slots games just for entertainment.

[AmoreJaz]

Addiction to something happens because the sufferer feels comfortable, full of satisfaction (dopamine effect) when doing that. slots feature amazing animations and also great prizes easily if the player is lucky. I don't like slots but for lottery and soccer betting, I really love and feel addicted

Just because it's easy to do doesn't mean you need to play it every day and that's what most people became after they suffered such addiction from playing slot machines. some of them are buried in debt because of these small matters that they could have avoided if they remained patient about their life. Slots are addictive because the environment where they put them has lots of people enjoying what they are doing at the moment but in reality, most of them are soon to suffer some serious depression when they lose everything they have in this tricky game.

most of the people who try to play slots for the first time will definitely win, this is what spurs them to continue playing and playing until without realizing it, they have become addicted. If a slot player is able to control himself and never owes anyone else to play slots then daily slot players will be able to control their finances, but this is not an easy job.

slots are indeed addictive if you are to give in! this basically will depend on the person himself to what extent he will dwell on this gambling activity. if he doesn't contemplate on what's going on with his life, he can really go deep into this game. and it will be too late before he understands that he's in terrible situation. but he needs to address his situation if it is already affecting his health, finances and his relationship with his immediate family.

[crzy]

-snip- in my opinion it is obvious that it is easier to get used to slots because in 10 minutes you can make 60-200 bets, while in betting, you are unlikely to have time to make at least one bet (if you do even a simple analysis).

Exactly, so why people easy being addicted in slots because they can bet anytime, and limitless. Of course, the ego alos will quickly rise to be able to win the game. Then, a game that is simple, easy to use, will look so fun, so they don't realize that they are addicted to games that are played and sometimes they are forget if they are currently on bets. I have to say, really hard to going away from slots, both win or lose.

This is a simple game yet addicting because you can have more bets in just a minute and the minimum bet is los compare to other games that’s why its a game that can cause more problem to some gamblers. The more you bet, a higher chance of getting addicted because you are exposed on gambling. Self control is still a key here and no matter what the game is if you don’t have this you can still fall on that trap.

[KennyR]

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.

This is how people loss big out of gambling slot machines. When it is about the online casinos, not only slots every games cause problem. Majority of the users who get into gambling have got money problem. This makes them find it a way to earn. With this mindset when one gets into gambling he/she'll continue to gamble to recover the lost money through different games. So, not only slots every games cause problem when it is considered for different purposes.

[South Park]

-snip- in my opinion it is obvious that it is easier to get used to slots because in 10 minutes you can make 60-200 bets, while in betting, you are unlikely to have time to make at least one bet (if you do even a simple analysis).

Exactly, so why people easy being addicted in slots because they can bet anytime, and limitless. Of course, the ego alos will quickly rise to be able to win the game. Then, a game that is simple, easy to use, will look so fun, so they don't realize that they are addicted to games that are played and sometimes they are forget if they are currently on bets. I have to say, really hard to going away from slots, both win or lose.

This is a simple game yet addicting because you can have more bets in just a minute and the minimum bet is los compare to other games that’s why its a game that can cause more problem to some gamblers. The more you bet, a higher chance of getting addicted because you are exposed on gambling. Self control is still a key here and no matter what the game is if you don’t have this you can still fall on that trap.

People have different reasons for liking or disliking slots, personally I am not a fan of them for two reasons, the first is that the game is too simple, I like games in which I like to think so games like blackjack or poker are better for someone like me, however the second reason is that the expected value you can get out of slots is very low, many times lower than most other casino games, meaning that you will lose more money if you bet the same amount of money in slots than in other games.

[swogerino]

Here is another supporting article on why slots is more addictive than sports betting.

"Studies[1] by a Brown University psychiatrist, Robert Breen, have found that individuals who regularly play slots become addicted three to four times faster (in one year, versus three and a half years) than those who play cards or bet on sports."[2]

The article stated the reason that fast face and continuous wagering rhythm of play dampens the player's awareness of space, time, and monetary value which leads to addiction.


[1] Rapid Onset of Pathological Gambling in Machine Gamblers
[2] Slot Machines Are Designed to Addict

I think this is a good study for people who directly dive into gambling and playing slots,for people who have some experience with other games like sport betting before,they know very well that when playing slot machines is just another game play session in which they have prepared a bankroll,a time frame as a maximum play time and don't get sucked that easily into addiction.This is for experienced gamblers,for newbies I think the study is quite accurate but not that accurate for experienced ones.

Experienced gamblers know that they have to push the spin button a lot of times and don't get confused,they have the same bankroll prepared as if they were to place a single sport bet with that amount.

[Mauser]

Here is another supporting article on why slots is more addictive than sports betting.

"Studies[1] by a Brown University psychiatrist, Robert Breen, have found that individuals who regularly play slots become addicted three to four times faster (in one year, versus three and a half years) than those who play cards or bet on sports."[2]

Becoming addicted 3-4 faster with slots is a lot. I had no idea the difference between slots and sports betting is so big. It might be due to the time spend on slots and on sports betting. Placing a bet goes usually very quick and we can just forget about it, but playing slots takes a long time. What would be interesting now is to compare the money people spend who are addicted to slots and the money addicted people spend in sports betting. I would expect people to bet a lot of more money than they play with in slots. In Las Vegas the slot machines are the games with highest RTP. So anybody who is looking to spend as little money as possible while enjoying all the free perks of the casino should stick with slots.

[madnessteat]

-snip- in my opinion it is obvious that it is easier to get used to slots because in 10 minutes you can make 60-200 bets, while in betting, you are unlikely to have time to make at least one bet (if you do even a simple analysis).

Exactly, so why people easy being addicted in slots because they can bet anytime, and limitless. Of course, the ego alos will quickly rise to be able to win the game. Then, a game that is simple, easy to use, will look so fun, so they don't realize that they are addicted to games that are played and sometimes they are forget if they are currently on bets. I have to say, really hard to going away from slots, both win or lose.

This is a simple game yet addicting because you can have more bets in just a minute and the minimum bet is los compare to other games that’s why its a game that can cause more problem to some gamblers. The more you bet, a higher chance of getting addicted because you are exposed on gambling. Self control is still a key here and no matter what the game is if you don’t have this you can still fall on that trap.

People have different reasons for liking or disliking slots, personally I am not a fan of them for two reasons, the first is that the game is too simple, I like games in which I like to think so games like blackjack or poker are better for someone like me, however the second reason is that the expected value you can get out of slots is very low, many times lower than most other casino games, meaning that you will lose more money if you bet the same amount of money in slots than in other games.

As far as I know today the return to the player in the slots is 95-98% and this ratio can be considered average for gambling. Slots have a memorable sound and visual effects when winning or receiving bonuses, so the gambler quickly gets used to the encouragement that he can not replace anything else. Habituation to the encouragement and causes many gamblers addiction, which without the control of the player can turn into a gambling addiction.

[Betwrong]

~
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?

Well, there are lots of activities that can trigger dopamine release: listening to your favourite band, making love, shopping, smelling cookies baking in the oven even. So, you basically switch to one of those, and you are fine. That's what I do, anyway.