Why are slot machines so addictive? Why is the “crack cocaine of addiction” coined? Why are slot machines considered to be the MOST addictive form of gambling out there today?
I will try to answer these questions in this article. The questions are pretty significant, and the answers may help explain why so many people have gotten hooked on “slots,” “slots,” and “fruit machines.”
Slot machines use what psychological behaviorists know as “intermittent reinforcement.” Basically what this means is that a winning hand on a slot machine only happens a few times.
This type of reinforcement is known to be very powerful because an individual is only rewarded at certain intervals. This can create an addictive reaction, resulting in obsession quite easily. When you reward only a few times, it’s sure to create an obsessive reaction.
Furthermore, studies have shown that the neurotransmitter dopamine plays an important role in the development of gambling addiction. Dopamine is known as the “feel good” chemical. The illusions of slot machine patterns and intermittent winning spins create a surge of dopamine in the brain that makes people want to keep playing.
You have probably heard in the past that gambling addicts are “action junkies” and that they are not as interested in making money as they think. This is because the dopamine rush is so powerful and pleasurable that gambling becomes euphoric in its own right. It is a means to itself rather than a means to an end.
The role of dopamine in the brain is very significant and powerful. People with Parkinson’s disease who were taking drugs to increase dopamine in the brain were becoming addicted to gambling, specifically slot games. Once these people stopped taking the medication, their addictive and obsessive gaming ceased. This happened to a significant number of people taking these types of drugs.
Slot machine addiction is considered the “crack cocaine” of gambling for a few different reasons.
Crack is one of the most addictive drugs in existence today. Slot machines are also considered the most addictive form of gambling… hands down.
The two can also be compared to each other due to the very rapid and accelerated progression of addiction. A person can reach total despair and devastation with a slot machine addiction in one to three years. Other forms of gameplay don’t speed up as quickly.
Another comparison is how both forms of addiction can create such degradation, discouragement, and despair due to the power and intensity of the addictive substance/behavior.
Theft, prostitution, drugs, job loss, marriage, and finances are common to both addictions. You may have heard horror stories from people with any of these addictions. These stories are all too common.
As you can see, it is very easy to compare slot machine addiction to crack addiction. The common characteristics of both addictions are quite impressive.
Why is slot machine addiction considered the MOST addictive form of gambling?
This question is related to the previous two areas I’ve covered, except for a few other concepts that I think are worth mentioning:
o Slot machines are designed by psychologists and other specialists who receive specific instructions to design slot machines to seduce and addicte people.
o The new multi-line electronic video slot machines have graphics and colors that are very attractive and stimulating to the eye.
o The music in the video slots is very stimulating, repetitive, seductive and really comforting. There is a strong subliminal suggestion in this.
o Bonus rounds on video slots can encourage continued play, even in the midst of big losses, as the bonus rounds are very exciting and provide a high.
o The speed of the game and the speed of modern slot machines keep your adrenaline pumping, especially with all the above factors.
o Jackpots on slot machines can be huge, however the chances of winning these jackpots are equivalent to winning the powerball lottery, if not more unlikely.
o Slot machines can be a place to “get out of the zone.” Today’s slot machines can put you in a hypnotic trance that is difficult to get out of.
o Slot machines require little to no skill, so it’s easy to just sit there and hit the buttons, without a thought, forethought or contemplation.
o It’s very easy to keep playing the slot machines because they all accept dollar bills and give players coupons at the end of the game. Money loses its value and becomes “monopoly” money.
o ATMs are often in close proximity to slot machines, again encouraging continued play.
o Many slot machines use denominations from 1 cent to 5 cents. This tricks the player into thinking that he is not spending much. However, what is not said is that the maximum bet can be from $15 to $20 per spin. Is this really a penny or nickel machine?
