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Misinterpreting 'winning' in multiline slot machine games

Author

Listed:
  • Candice Jensen
  • Mike J. Dixon
  • Kevin A. Harrigan
  • Emily Sheepy
  • Jonathan A. Fugelsang
  • Michelle Jarick

Abstract

On multiline slot machines, 'wins' often amount to less than the spin wager, resulting in a monetary loss to the gambler. Nevertheless, these losses disguised as wins (LDWs) are accompanied by potentially reinforcing audiovisual feedback. A concern for gambling behaviour is whether or not players categorize LDWs as wins or losses, as miscategorization could effectively increase the reinforcement rate of these games. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether novice gamblers psychologically miscategorize LDWs. Forty-seven novices (undergraduate students) played 200 spins on an actual slot machine with credits, then estimated how often they won. It was found that the more LDWs players were exposed to, the higher their win estimates. In a subsequent 'think out loud' playing session, the majority of novices also verbally miscategorized LDWs as wins. We conclude that LDWs could increase the reinforcement rate of these games, despite not increasing the payout to the gambler.

Suggested Citation

  • Candice Jensen & Mike J. Dixon & Kevin A. Harrigan & Emily Sheepy & Jonathan A. Fugelsang & Michelle Jarick, 2013. "Misinterpreting 'winning' in multiline slot machine games," International Gambling Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 13(1), pages 112-126, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:intgms:v:13:y:2013:i:1:p:112-126
    DOI: 10.1080/14459795.2012.717635
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    Cited by:

    1. Steve Sharman & Michael RF Aitken & Luke Clark, 2015. "Dual effects of 'losses disguised as wins' and near-misses in a slot machine game," International Gambling Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 15(2), pages 212-223, August.
    2. Leonardo Becchetti & Davide Bellucci & Fiammetta Rossetti, 2018. "Gamblers, scratchers and their financial education," Economia Politica: Journal of Analytical and Institutional Economics, Springer;Fondazione Edison, vol. 35(1), pages 127-162, April.
    3. Candice Graydon & Mike J. Dixon & Kevin A. Harrigan & Jonathan A. Fugelsang & Michelle Jarick, 2017. "Losses disguised as wins in multiline slots: using an educational animation to reduce erroneous win overestimates," International Gambling Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 17(3), pages 442-458, September.
    4. Alex Blaszczynski, 2013. "A Critical Examination Of The Link Between Gaming Machines And Gambling-Related Harm," Journal of Gambling Business and Economics, University of Buckingham Press, vol. 7(3), pages 55-76.

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