Are slot machines addictive?
Recent studies published in January 2024 have shown that playing slot machines is one of the most addictive forms of gambling. It is often referred to as the “Crack Cocaine” of gambling.
How slot machines work
How do slot machines, fruit machines or “slots” work? These gaming machines usually have three, four or five reels with up to twenty symbols per reel though the ones using digital technology allow the reels to have many more resulting in literally millions of different combinations.
The machine is usually activated by inserting coins, tokens or paper money and by pressing a button for a single play. The reels start to spin and if certain of the symbols match or line up on the central payline they will give the player differing monetary payouts. More often they do not and there is no payout. For example, since some symbols are more common than others, wins with rare symbols pay out more, right up to a jackpot. Also, depending on the size of the jackpot of that particular slot machine, it will determine the amount it costs per play or spin of the reels. Plus, some symbols will trigger bonus features, such as free spins which are meant to give the chance of more wins.
Odds of winning on slot machines
Physically, playing slot machines in a casino environment, the machines use a RNG, which stands for random number generator to determine when a slot machine will payout. This means that there is no possible way to predict when a slot machine will pay out as each spin is purely random. Therefore there is absolutely no specific time when a machine is due to payout as the RNG ensures each spin is independent and not influenced by previous spins. This also applies to playing online slot machine games where the play is also completely random. In other words it does not matter how much money you pump into a machine, you are still not guaranteed a payout. Winning or losing is 100% luck and depends exclusively on the outcome of the random result. So the very common belief that you have already invested so much into the gaming machine already and that a win is definitely around the corner is absolute nonsense. Another problem is the speed of each game and that we can genuinely loose track of how much money we are spending and the odd small win will encourage us to continue gambling
Why are slot machines so addictive?
When a gambler plays a slot machine, the bright flashing lights, ringing bells and the sound of the spinning wheels when playing adds to the excitement and from that first play high levels of dopamine will have been released into the brain, giving a pleasurable feeling. The whole experience feels rewarding. The feeling of euphoria is further heightened with the odd win; even a small win will encourage the person to continue playing. Each spin is very quick and it is easy to lose track of time and money being spent. The desire to continue playing is driven by the feelings of the “high” we get while playing, even when we are losing.
Is addiction to slot machines increasing?
At The Haynes Clinic we have noticed that more people are now becoming addicted to gambling, especially playing slot machines on line. There is no restriction on advertising and people are being encouraged to get a gambling App on their phone. Some are lured in with the chance of 200 free spins if you join today and these ads are being placed all over social media. All the adverts show people winning large sums of money, playing using just their smart phone, which is totally unrealistic. The problem grew during the recent pandemic when people were bored during lockdown and were looking for something to do. Online gambling has been a greater problem ever since. It has escalated in line with the new working from home culture. The lack of responsible restriction within the gambling industry is being allowed to continue unchecked. For example, why is there a need for slot machines to be at every motorway service centre? All the arcade games have an online variant of the game so you can play your favourite game of choice any time of day or night seven days a week.
Alcohol and gambling
Interestingly, alcohol can also be a problem for a compulsive gambler as a gambler will use alcohol to lessen the feelings of guilt, shame, sadness, anger and remorse from the mounting financial debt solely attributable to the accumulated losses from playing slot machines. Plus, drinking alcohol will lower anyone’s inhibitions to reach for the phone and open the gambling app or walk across from the bar in the pub to play the machine in the corner with all the flashing lights just “one more time”.
Impact of gambling addiction
Compulsive gambling or having a gambling disorder will affect us adversely in a financial way but it will also affect our health, work, social and relationships with family and friends. We will start to develop rapid mood swings and, with the constant worry about mounting debt, we will have continuous depressive episodes. The reason we have a mounting debt is our total reluctance or inability to stop gambling however many times we have tried to stop. We are encouraged by the thought and belief that one jackpot will put our monetary situation right again.
Help for gambling addiction
It is critical that we seek help as we become aware of the worsening situation. We need to make contact with a gambling addictions rehab such as The Haynes Clinic, who will not be judgemental but will be able to discuss all treatment options either face to face or over the telephone. Sadly, there is very little professional help for anyone with a gambling addiction apart from the option of being admitted into a recognised gambling addiction residential treatment unit which would usually be in a position to offer immediate residential help. By being in a “safe” environment for up to 28 days this will enable the addictive thinking and resultant behaviour cycle to be broken. There may also be the need for a medicated detox from alcohol to be part of treatment.
A daily structured therapy programme facilitated by professionals who themselves are also in recovery from addiction is vital in order to understand the changes that need to be made to our thinking and behaviour to lead a life free from the addictive behaviour and not to relapse. On completing 28 days of residential treatment, The Haynes Clinic offer Aftercare, which is one day a week of ongoing support, either at the clinic or via zoom meetings, which is free of charge for up to 12 months. The residential programme is Alcoholics Anonymous 12 Step based and also there would be ongoing support from attending Gamblers Anonymous meetings which are also based on the 12 Step principles of AA. A local meeting to your home address can be found by inputting your postcode into their website.
Having the courage to take the early step of asking for help is critical in not allowing a gambling addiction to continue and totally destroy our life.