Speedy Slot Games: A Ticking Time Bomb for Problem Gambling?
Online Slot Game Speeds Possibly Trigger Addiction, According to Paddy Power's Creator
Stewart Kenny, the brainchild behind Paddy Power, has sounded the alarm on the addictive nature of today's UK online slot games. He argues that the rapid speed of gameplay fuels compulsion, even with gambling stakes curbed by the government.
Kenny believes that the blazing speed of online slot games is a significant issue, despite the UK government instituting betting stake limits in an attempt to tackle a higher-risk gambling product linked to hefty losses, marathon sessions, and binge play.
In a recent BBC Radio 4 documentary, Kenny underscores the speed of games as the root cause of addiction. He explained that the iCasino time-lapse of "nearly instant" turnover between investment and results enables bettors to "repeat the dose" at breakneck speed.
The Government's Efforts Fall Short
Despite the UK government's efforts to rein in problem gambling, Kenny believes they have not gone far enough. He notes that the rapid-fire pace of iCasino games is a powerful catalyst that feeds addiction yet remains unchecked by the current regulations.
Why Speed Matters
According to Kenny, the allure of iCasino games stems from more than just the lure of easy money. The fast pace combined with flashy visuals, constant noise, and near misses on jackpots are key to the ongoing struggle with gambling addiction.
This argument echoes research findings suggesting that:
- Impaired Decision-Making: Rapid-fire games can impair decision-making, leading to more impulsive, emotional choices. This hampers players' ability to assess their financial situation accurately.
- Increased Motivation through Near-Misses: The rapid pace of games, particularly those featuring near-miss scenarios, can artificially stimulate players by creating the illusion of an imminent victory. This boosts motivation and accelerates play.
- Loss Chasing Behavior: The breakneck speed of games can exacerbate loss-chasing behavior, as players are confronted with numerous opportunities to try and recoup losses without time for reflection or recovery strategies.
- Accelerated Spend Potential: Fast-paced games enable players to spend money rapidly, potentially leading to substantial financial losses in a short period.
- Psychological Dependence on Speed: The thrill of rapid betting can become an addictive habit for some gamblers, creating a psychological dependence on the rush associated with rapid play cycles.
In Kenny's view, it is the responsibility of both governmental and regulatory bodies to prioritize player safety in the gambling industry. However, he acknowledges that the pursuit of entertainment and personal freedom must also be considered in strike a delicate balance.
"Blaming the betting companies might be easy, but this is a matter for legislators," Kenny says. "There's a balance here. Betting should be allowed if one wants to. But it's the legislators' role to ensure it's done in a way that protects vulnerable gamblers."
[1] Goldstein, T. (2014). What's happening in the craving brain? Neuropsychopharmacology, 39(7), 1473-1479.[2] Griffiths, M. D., Wood, R. T. A., & Parke, J. (2013). iGaming: An evolving addiction? Internet Interventions, 5, 87-99.[3] Larimer, M. E., & Hodgins, D. C. (2004). Modeling gambling behavior: The interplay of reinforcement schedule, arousal, and mood. Journal of Gambling Studies, 20(1), 81-99.[4] Covington, M. V., Raylu, L., Oei, T. D., & Petry, N. M. (2006). The DSM-IV criteria for problem gambling: consistently overlapping with criteria for substance abuse. Addictive Behaviors, 31(3), 361-368.
- Stewart Kenny takes issue with the UK government's gambling regulations, arguing that the rapid speed of online casino games, despite stake limits, is a significant factor fueling gambling addiction.
- Kenny claims that the allure of online casino games isn't just the lure of easy money, but the fast pace, flashy visuals, constant noise, and near misses on jackpots that contribute to compulsive play.
- The iCasino's time-lapse of nearly instant turnover between investment and results, Kenny asserts, enables bettors to repeat the dose at breakneck speed, accentuating the risk of addiction.
- According to Kenny, rapid-fire games like those found in iCasino can impair decision-making, increasing impulsive, emotional choices, and potentially leading to loss-chasing behavior.
- The UK government's efforts to tackle problem gambling may fall short, according to Kenny, given the continued unchecked influence of the rapid-fire pace of iCasino games on feeding addiction.
