No longer is the online jackpot game show simply a one dimensional slot game. Many now incorporate elements of live television with real-stakes gambling, drawing in new audiences who may have never ventured into a traditional bricks-and-mortar casino.
The blurred line between viewer and player
In the UK’s bustling casino scene, new games have come along that bring jackpot betting into the 21st century, leveraging entertainment value to win over gamers. One key component of this engaging format is the social element – through a host, countdown timer and public leaderboard, what would otherwise be a solitary bet is made communal. When game designers are creating UK casino games inspired by broadcast TV, they look to similar high octane features such as suspenseful build-up and engagement Maximising player ‘stick time’.
New data from the UK’s Gambling Commission has revealed a fundamental shift in the way people gamble online, with interactive products growing at a rapid pace. In particular live-dealer products and game-shows are growing faster than any other type of online gambling product.
Cognitive patterns that keep players returning
Research into cognitive distortions in gambling has identified two principal factors which contribute to distortions. The illusion of control refers to the belief that players can control elements of the game which are in fact outside of their control, whilst the gambler’s fallacy refers to the belief that, following a losing streak, a win is overdue. Both of these illusions are often exemplified by the common elements of game-show format gambling such as a spinning wheel, an interactive bonus round, or a multiplier revealed by the host. The strong impression of control afforded by these features is often illusory and serves to mask the very low levels of control that actually exist. The reveal of the multiplier also creates opportunities for distortions regarding the randomness of the outcome.
A new meta-analysis, published in a peer-reviewed journal (Hawks, 2012), finds that these cognitive distortions in gambling are even stronger for people who think they are making choices about gambling. And this may happen simply by checking the boxes on a wagering slip or verbally agreeing to increase bets.
Regulation and the public health dimension
UK gambling reform initiatives outlined in the DCMS White Paper are focused on digital gambling threats which are considered to pose greater risk to the public as a result of being able to more directly access and engage with operators through interactive methods to younger and more varied audiences than existed with traditional forms of betting. Youth audiences are particularly concerned due to their potential appeal in game show format including free-to-play versions of jackpot games. These psychological engagement patterns that encourage regular involvement with gambling are framed by researchers at NCBI such as Keith Geraghty as a public health issue at a population level as opposed to an individual issue.
Games with high-engagement features can quickly lead to signs of problem gambling. In games such as this data client, the compulsive behaviour exhibited by players is heightened by the live host and the real-time leader board pressure.
What the numbers actually tell us
Research may suggest that the vast majority of participants within the regulated gambling industry engage in behaviour in line with their established limits. Yet, Jackpot game shows may continue to be designed in a way that is intended to prolong participation and increase the amount of money wagered. Attitudes towards gambling may be evolving and all stakeholders including regulators, broadcasters and operators have a role to play in ensuring that the messages conveyed do not encourage poor behaviour.
Add Comment