Slot Machines and Gambling-Related Harms

A slot is an opening or groove in something, such as a window or door. It can also be a place or time in which something occurs, such as a meeting or an event. A person can also be referred to as a “slot” in some contexts, especially when talking about gambling.

For many people, slots are a fun way to pass the time and can even help them relieve stress or anxiety. However, a significant subset of gamblers can develop serious gambling-related problems (e.g., financial debts, issues with family or friends, and professional difficulties) (Blaszczynski, Sharpe, Walker, Shannon, & Coughlan, 2005). Understanding the appeal of slot machines is critical to developing effective strategies for preventing gambling-related harms.

This article explores how different elements of the design of a slot game can encourage players to engage with it. For example, the use of 3D slots that feature characters from popular movies and storylines can help attract a new audience of gamers who are interested in more than just reels and bonuses. Similarly, the use of a recurring jackpot can increase the chance that players will continue to play the slot and potentially win big. In addition, this article discusses two psychophysiological measures that can be used to evaluate the arousal experienced by players when they win or lose on a slot machine. Unlike other psychophysiological measures that require cumbersome electrodes and wires to be attached to the player’s head, these measures are unobtrusive and can be administered as part of regular gaming sessions.