Slots is More Likely to Cause Gambling Problem

[mirakal]

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.

It's already been proven that slots machine are more highly addictive than playing other games in the casino, and that is because of there graphics and lights that will really stick into the people's brain, especially that golden-yellow dollar sign. But, I really do agree that even if it's addictive, it's up to us how we counter these situations and make the proper mindset before we decide to play these machines because if we just let ourselves gave in then I'm afraid that a terrible situation is already approaching our way.

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[lionheart78]

It's already been proven that slots machine are more highly addictive than playing other games in the casino, and that is because of there graphics and lights that will really stick into the people's brain, especially that golden-yellow dollar sign. But, I really do agree that even if it's addictive, it's up to us how we counter these situations and make the proper mindset before we decide to play these machines because if we just let ourselves gave in then I'm afraid that a terrible situation is already approaching our way.

Definitely it is up to us whether to give in or not until we lose control of ourselves.  We have known better but does anyone here tries to spin one more after the auto bet finishes?  Honestly, I keep on reminding myself that I will move to another slot game after I finish a set of intended auto bets on a slot but I keep pressing 1 more spin after the auto bet finishes.  It is probably because of another kind of fallacy hoping the scatter will kick in on the next spin.  Fallacy plus being hooked is a very bad combination.  This might end up in addiction and the way I counter that is to limit myself to the intended fund that I wanted to spend playing slots.

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.

I agree, that is why I divert myself to other dopamine-producing activities such as playing games when I feel that I am too hooked on my gambling activities.

[Google+]

Slots are games that are incredibly curious for anyone as well as for beginners. In my country the average slot player is 22 years old and above and they usually play slots on every site they play on. There is no particular reason for them to just be curious about multiplers and this curiosity sometimes affects their finances. so as usual to forget our defeats, we only decorate our defeats by drinking liquor to relieve stress but there are also those who play games on their smartphones to relieve stress.

[Mahanton]

Slots are games that are incredibly curious for anyone as well as for beginners. In my country the average slot player is 22 years old and above and they usually play slots on every site they play on. There is no particular reason for them to just be curious about multiplers and this curiosity sometimes affects their finances. so as usual to forget our defeats, we only decorate our defeats by drinking liquor to relieve stress but there are also those who play games on their smartphones to relieve stress.

Doesn't matter on where you do involved yourself with because any game type would definitely triggers your curiosity specially if it's your first time involving yourself on any gambling game doesn't matter if it's slots or not because it would really be just the same impression that you would able to feel out that's why I don't really believe that there's a specific games which could trigger out addiction because it could really be generalize that majority of games that involves money could really give out that kind impulsive feeling or emotions.

[KTChampions]

-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.

By the way, in my opinion, it would be correct to take into account that different gambling has completely different mechanics. And if they compared just the number of bets that the average novice player makes, then naturally such games as slots or dice will always be in the lead and this will show that they are supposedly more addictive. But maybe 100 spins and 100 sports bets are equally addictive, who knows.

[cabron]

-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.

By the way, in my opinion, it would be correct to take into account that different gambling has completely different mechanics. And if they compared just the number of bets that the average novice player makes, then naturally such games as slots or dice will always be in the lead and this will show that they are supposedly more addictive. But maybe 100 spins and 100 sports bets are equally addictive, who knows.

Seem what the studies shows. Slots machines make people bet continuously without interruptions unlike poker where they have to wait for card to deal. Like online dice its designed to get users addicted. For a lonely person, he can play all the time without interaction to someone.

There were studies that women starts with slot machines and get addicted like its the gateway to gambling and develop to making them play other games.

[Pierre 2]

Honestly speaking I %100 agree with this topic. My very old grandma (who passed away like 5/6 years ago) was addicted to slot machines. By very old I mean above 80 literally. She always loved to go Cyprus to play slots machine. She even once asked me to find online casino where she could play slots. Visual appeal must be very very strong with those machines. And I know the fact she once won like 15 thousand dollar something which made her love it.

[Mr. Magkaisa]

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

There are a lot of players in the crypto gambling who play slot games, maybe because this game was one of the easiest in the gambling industry. Actually slots was my favorite games here in cryto, but I am not doing it daily just once a week only. Win or loss its fine for me, just doing it for fun and taking it seriously to prevent stress. Meaning, if anyone is doing the same thing as mine, this will surely not going to cause of problem in the end while playing games.

[wxa7115]

Honestly speaking I %100 agree with this topic. My very old grandma (who passed away like 5/6 years ago) was addicted to slot machines. By very old I mean above 80 literally. She always loved to go Cyprus to play slots machine. She even once asked me to find online casino where she could play slots. Visual appeal must be very very strong with those machines. And I know the fact she once won like 15 thousand dollar something which made her love it.

It is not rare for slot machines to be so addictive, of all the gambling games that we know slots have been designed to perfection to try to keep you playing as much as possible so they are very effective at what they are supposed to do.

Now I do not think casinos actually want people to get addicted to them as this creates bad publicity, but some people are susceptible to get addicted as they do not have the same level of self-restrain as a regular person and they become addicted without realizing this has been the case.

[KTChampions]

By the way, in my opinion, it would be correct to take into account that different gambling has completely different mechanics. And if they compared just the number of bets that the average novice player makes, then naturally such games as slots or dice will always be in the lead and this will show that they are supposedly more addictive. But maybe 100 spins and 100 sports bets are equally addictive, who knows.

Seem what the studies shows. Slots machines make people bet continuously without interruptions unlike poker where they have to wait for card to deal. Like online dice its designed to get users addicted. For a lonely person, he can play all the time without interaction to someone.

There were studies that women starts with slot machines and get addicted like its the gateway to gambling and develop to making them play other games.

If you play 12 tables at the same time, then you don’t even have time to pee, but it’s unlikely that a beginner will play poker in this way  In any case, it is obvious that there is a relationship between the ability to bet endlessly and without pauses, but I would not argue that based on this one can draw conclusions that some kind of gambling is more addictive than another. Maybe the main thing is this - the ability to bet without interruption? That is, if the bookmaker allows you to make such bets (for example, on simulated football events), then this will cause the same addiction as on slots.

[virasisog]

Honestly speaking I %100 agree with this topic. My very old grandma (who passed away like 5/6 years ago) was addicted to slot machines. By very old I mean above 80 literally. She always loved to go Cyprus to play slots machine. She even once asked me to find online casino where she could play slots. Visual appeal must be very very strong with those machines. And I know the fact she once won like 15 thousand dollar something which made her love it.

It is not rare for slot machines to be so addictive, of all the gambling games that we know slots have been designed to perfection to try to keep you playing as much as possible so they are very effective at what they are supposed to do.

Now I do not think casinos actually want people to get addicted to them as this creates bad publicity, but some people are susceptible to get addicted as they do not have the same level of self-restrain as a regular person and they become addicted without realizing this has been the case.

There are actually other addicting gambling games than slots. It just so happens that even oldies could keep playing it because it's simple and not too complex to play. I think no matter how addictive the game is, it still depends on the players on how to manage their self-control towards it. All gambling sites want us to keep playing but we should still know our limitations.

[RyanSmith23421]

I once saw an article that said that it takes 15 months to get addicted to gambling if you play slots

[Oilacris]

I once saw an article that said that it takes 15 months to get addicted to gambling if you play slots

I did find some research about that 15 months and I found this
Slots highly addictive, gambling experts say
Usually I don't really believe anytime or something I do read up on internet which do tell something which is out or doesn't have sense nor correlating or being realistic.15 months is too long yet addiction to gambling could even happen immediately. 

[Betwrong]

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.

I agree, that is why I divert myself to other dopamine-producing activities such as playing games when I feel that I am too hooked on my gambling activities.

Yeah, games. Great example. I forgot about it because I myself don't play video games, maybe because no dopamine release is triggered when I play, but, of course, for people who enjoy it, that would be a good substitution.

~
Usually I don't really believe anytime or something I do read up on internet which do tell something which is out or doesn't have sense nor correlating or being realistic.15 months is too long yet addiction to gambling could even happen immediately. 

Idk, maybe they are talking about some severe addiction, and for that kind of addiction to develop it takes 15 months, but from my experience 3-4 weeks is enough for finding yourself in a situation when you start thinking, "Am I addicted?" 

[Smartprofit]

Slots are also called “one-armed bandits”.  

Typically, slot machines (slots) are installed in places with the highest traffic of people.  
This allows you to involve the maximum number of people in the game.  

I know cases when slots were installed directly in grocery stores.  Retired grandmothers went to the grocery store, but could not resist the temptation to play slot machines.  In doing so, they lost their entire cash pension.  And they had nothing to buy groceries and household items.  Usually the slots are brightly colored and make pleasant sounds.  They create the atmosphere of a festive fair.  

Slots are created by experienced psychologists and designers.  

Therefore, in terms of such indicators as profitability, slots are in the lead.

[Markinzo]

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?

These slot games were actually created to provide gamblers with pleasurable feelings apart from the money making aspect that's involved be it losing or winning. Some bettors or gamblers didn't just get addicted to gambling only for the sake of the money they are likely to win but also due to a certain level of pleasure they derive while engaging in it and this makes them look like compulsive gamblers to others.

As such those that knows what's involved makes sure they put in the amount of money they can easily forgo should they lose, as both winning and losing is uncertain.

[mu_enrico]

For sure! Why? Because slots games are the most entertaining games in the casino. Probably only pachinko that has the same level of entertainment, the rest: table games, live games, sports betting, etc. are nowhere near slots. They are boring, outdated, and not graphically appealing.

Don't BS me we with "but it depends on your taste." The data said so.

Anyway, know your limit, so you can still play slots without risking your life.

[madnessteat]

Slots are also called “one-armed bandits”. 

Typically, slot machines (slots) are installed in places with the highest traffic of people. 
This allows you to involve the maximum number of people in the game. 

I know cases when slots were installed directly in grocery stores.  Retired grandmothers went to the grocery store, but could not resist the temptation to play slot machines.  In doing so, they lost their entire cash pension.  And they had nothing to buy groceries and household items.  Usually the slots are brightly colored and make pleasant sounds.  They create the atmosphere of a festive fair. 

Slots are created by experienced psychologists and designers. 

Therefore, in terms of such indicators as profitability, slots are in the lead.

I absolutely agree with you. Remembering the time when I could visit land-based casinos I can say that it was difficult to pass by the slots as there was always a cheerful and noisy atmosphere, which obviously can not be said on the location where the poker or roulette were placed.

In my opinion, slots is one of the most vibrant and emotional gambling games, so it attracts users. At least for me it is one of the games of chance from which I get a real pleasure in the game.

[swogerino]

Slots are also called “one-armed bandits”. 

Typically, slot machines (slots) are installed in places with the highest traffic of people. 
This allows you to involve the maximum number of people in the game. 

I know cases when slots were installed directly in grocery stores.  Retired grandmothers went to the grocery store, but could not resist the temptation to play slot machines.  In doing so, they lost their entire cash pension.  And they had nothing to buy groceries and household items.  Usually the slots are brightly colored and make pleasant sounds.  They create the atmosphere of a festive fair. 

Slots are created by experienced psychologists and designers. 

Therefore, in terms of such indicators as profitability, slots are in the lead.

I absolutely agree with you. Remembering the time when I could visit land-based casinos I can say that it was difficult to pass by the slots as there was always a cheerful and noisy atmosphere, which obviously can not be said on the location where the poker or roulette were placed.

In my opinion, slots is one of the most vibrant and emotional gambling games, so it attracts users. At least for me it is one of the games of chance from which I get a real pleasure in the game.

Exactly.You reminded me of not so many years ago or maybe quite some many years ago,15 years should be a lot of time but to me it looks like it was yesterday the time when me and my friends were staying at physical casinos until 2 Am or 3 Am trying to hit that jackpot.The atmosphere was great but the only thing I didn't like was the huge amount of smoke there and the alcohol which was offered for free,some of the friends were coming with us just to benefit from the free drinks.

All those beautiful graphics were sure to make you at least stop by and try a little bit of action there,the music was also appealing and the sounds were sure to make you stop there.We used to lose our complete payroll of a month there at times but luckily this has changed for the good for me.

[maydna]

In my opinion, slots is one of the most vibrant and emotional gambling games, so it attracts users. At least for me it is one of the games of chance from which I get a real pleasure in the game.

That's why many people love playing slots and keep playing with more money. I also enjoy playing slots, but I play just for fun and not after winning. But I realized that playing slots can make us forget the time and money we spend. And that is what causes many people to have gambling problems because they lose track of time and control.