Critical Play: Games of Chance

For this critical play, I read the article “Programming Chance: The Calculation of Enchantment” on slot machine probability design, and played some free slot machines like the mountain fox on https://www.freeslots.com/. Slot machines are usually available through different platforms, making them easily accessible to everyone. Real slot machines, usually target audiences who seek the thrill of gambling without needing deep strategic involvement.

Slot machines pose a significant risk for addiction due to their probabilistic design that exploits probability and randomness. It creates an engaging environment that continuously draws players in, regardless of their experience level. The game’s design, which emphasizes immediate rewards and sensorial stimulation, ensures that players remain involved, experiencing both the highs of potential wins and the lows of inevitable losses.

Slot machines are usually single-player games where players just press the button to spin the reels, and the machines use random number generation and a winning combination condition as a rule, and the player either wins or loses credits as an outcome. These formal elements and other mechanics put people at risk for addiction. For example, I played Mountain Fox Slots, which employed immediate and intermittent rewards to captivate players. Every spin has the potential to yield a reward like a small payout. These intermittent rewards create a powerful reinforcement schedule. For instance, when the player wins a small amount, the brain releases dopamine which release reinforces the behavior, encouraging the player to continue spinning the reels in pursuit of further rewards and giving them the fun of sensation. Moreover, slots frequently use Losses Disguised as Wins, where players win back less than their original bet, yet the game celebrates these outcomes as if they were significant wins. For instance, I once bet 26 and won 10, but the game will still play a winning “ding” sound and display connections of visual on where I’ve won as shown in Figure 1. This misleading reinforcement made me feel that I was winning more often than I won, keeping me engaged and encouraging further play despite overall losses.

Figure 1 – Winning sound and visual even on overall losses

Compared to other gambling games like poker or blackjack, which involve strategic decision-making and slower play, slot machines are purely luck-based with the mechanics of rapid play cycles. Slots allow for continuous, fast-paced betting without the need for player decision-making or breaks. This high frequency of play increases the likelihood of players becoming addicted, as they are constantly engaged and have little time to consider their losses especially for people who even feel lazy to strategize their decisions.

Figure 2 – Poker involves strategies.

To engage with aspects of probability the slot machines use Random Number Generators(RNGs) to determine the outcome of each spin, ensuring that each result is independent and random. However, the game is designed with a predetermined payout percentage, meaning that whileshort-term outcomes are unpredictable, the long-term result favors the house. For me, after I played the slots for like 100 tries, I got a overall lower credits from 830 to 552 in Figure 3.

Figure 3/4 – Long term favors the house

For instance, the game might be set to return 90% of the money bet over time, but this does not guarantee that any individual player will win back 90% of their bets (like I can win 400 credits and stop in Figure 3). This unpredictability keeps players engaged, as they are continually hoping that the next spin will be a big win. Furthermore, the game often presents near misses, where the symbols almost align to form a winning combination. For example, in machine 777, two 7 symbols might line up with a third just slightly out of place(Figure 3). These near misses can be more motivating than actual wins, as they create a sense of almost winning, which can be a powerful motivator to keep playing. The anticipation of nearly hitting a big win can drive players to continue spinning in the hope that the next spin will be successful.

Figure 5 – Near misses

In my opinion, to make the game even more addictive, the game designer can increase the intensity and frequency of visual and sound rewards. Brighter lights, more vibrant animations, and louder, celebratory audio for both wins and near wins can heighten the sensory experience, keeping players engaged for longer periods. Moreover, game designers can adjust the payout structure to offer more frequent small wins. These small, regular rewards keep players feeling successful and reinforce the behavior of continuous play, even if the overall outcome is a loss.

Slot machines can foster addiction through their calculated use of probability, randomness, and sensory engagement. The game’s design, which includes immediate rewards, LDWs, and near misses ensures continuous play and keeps players hooked. By understanding these elements, it becomes clear how slots can captivate players and potentially lead to addictive behaviors, highlighting the need for awareness and responsible gaming practices.