Gambling Addiction Problems Explained: Slot Machines Put Gamblers in a ‘Trance,’ Study Reveals

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Addiction is a mere problem for some people. Yet, for others, it serves as their comfort zone. Gambling addiction is then most likely caused by slot machines in which players feel like they’re going in a trance, according to studies.

According to Mail Online, the Centre for Gambling Research at UBC conducted an experiment to assess whether gambling problems are really caused by slot machines. The study then tests the slot machine hypothesis in which slot machines is preferred by gambling addicts since it is the fastest way to escape from stress and reality problems.

The study published in the journal of Psychology of Addictive Behaviors included two groups in which the first group has UBC undergraduate students who would experience playing slot machines for the first time. While the second group comprises of experienced slot machine gamblers. The participants then played for 30 minutes in the UBC casino lab.

Yet, the catch is that the slot machines have been modified by putting moving white circles on the sides. The participants were then instructed to press a button whenever they see a white circle change into a red square. Heart rate changes of each player were also taken during the game.

Thus, among the two groups, the study found out that gamers who were at a higher risk of gambling problem said that they felt immersion while playing. Meanwhile, the other experienced group said that they lost track of time and surroundings. They also didn’t notice the change of shapes.

Hence, study's senior author and director of the facility, Luke Clark then said that the study confirms the link between gambling addiction and the slot machine zone. He also said that the study supports the theory that slot machines lead people away from the reality when immersing in the game per Science Daily.

"By understanding why slot machines are the preferred game for problem gamblers through this research, we have the potential to improve gambling policy and to design slot machines that promote more responsible play," the study's lead author and a UBC psychology graduate student, Spencer Murch said. Researchers then noted that they hope that the data they have produced would help in promoting gambling treatment.

UBC researchers are now hoping to determine what specific feature of the slot machine captures the gamer’s attention and how it could be modified. Other addiction articles explained like Facebook addiction could be read here.