New report links high-speed slots with increased gambling-related harm
Nottingham Trent University research underlines case for speed restrictions on slots as players highlight loss of control on faster games
The speed of slot games can accelerate the potential for gambling-related harm, according to a new study by researchers at Nottingham Trent University (NTU).
The study, commissioned and funded by GambleAware, saw individuals gambling with real money on a simulated slot machine across five speeds.
A sample of 50 (36 male) regular gamblers were recruited from amusement arcades and sports teams in the Lincolnshire region of the UK. These areas were targeted during the recruitment process as they were identified as areas most likely to contain a high density of gamblers.
All participants were classed as regular gamblers, who had gambled at least once per month over the past 12 months. Participants were asked to play or not to play slots when a specific colour cue was given, with their reaction time measured over 90 spins at different speeds.
Over the course of the study, researchers found that participants’ reaction time significantly decreased during faster speed periods, results which suggested impaired self-control and greater impulsivity.
“The present study provides evidence that as the event frequency in electronic slot machine gambling increases, a gambler’s ability to exercise executive control is impaired,” read the report.
“This was evidenced by a reduced capacity to withhold motor responses in an online test of response inhibition as speed of play increased during slot machine gambling.”
NTU lead researcher and senior psychology lecturer Dr Andrew Harris cited the need for increased controls on the speed of slot-based games to prevent gambling-related harm.
“Any reduction in speed would need to be balanced with the impact this could have on enjoyment, as this could result in compensatory gambling behaviours, where gamblers might play more gambling lines, bet larger amounts and play for longer periods of time on slot machines to compensate for the reduced speed of play,” Harris explained.
“However, there are a number of useful measures which could be introduced such as making clocks and monetary spend displays more noticeable to ensure they are regularly processed and attended to by gamblers,” he added.
The introduction of mandatory speed restrictions on online slots is currently being considered by the Gambling Commission with a consultation to close on 3 September.
Measures under consideration include the requirement of a minimum 2.5 seconds from the time a game is started until a player can commence the next game.
All auto-play functions on slots games would also be prohibited under the proposed changes.