Gambling is popular globally, with over 2.6 billion people playing it regularly, while the number of those who have tried it for fun is 4.2 billion. Among the most popular categories of gambling are slots, which are played by 42% of players.
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People who choose to play slots experience a wide range of emotions, and during intense gaming sessions, these emotions turn into emotional waves. Wins and losses generate intense emotional states, which culminate in the release of dopamine in the brain. Are these emotions good or bad for the player?
What are the emotions generated by spinning the reels?
Slot games are a source of entertainment for most players, although for others they create a reward-seeking loop that releases dopamine. The following list contains the main emotions generated by spinning the reels on slot machines:
- Anticipation and hope of winning – the basis of any slot game is represented by these emotions, which are stimulated through visual and audio effects, which induces in players the feeling that a potential win will follow, and the brain releases dopamine before the actual reward is obtained;
- Excitement – the visual and audio effects, the story behind the game, the special features and symbols, as well as the potential wins presented contribute to creating a general feeling of excitement, in the hope that the player will “catch the big one”;
- Curiosity to explore and discover – players are eager to find out what the next spin will bring, therefore, they keep spinning the reels;
- Commitment and persistence – are emotions stimulated by the unpredictability of the game and the desire to become part of the story;
- Overstimulation – is a negative emotion that occurs when the player continues to play out of inertia, just out of the desire to benefit from dopamine.
Slot manufacturers know how to stimulate the creation of these emotions among slot players.
How do slot game creators stimulate emotional waves for players?
Slot studios use a number of psychological tactics to convince players to play and come back for more. One of these tactics is the variable reward system. Since the player does not know what the winnings will be, it increases their level of commitment and motivation. Maintaining a constant state of excitement is due to the fact that it is not known when the big win will occur, so the player spins the reels in the hope of getting it as soon as possible.
Another psychological tactic used by slot machine game designers is to combine the illusion of control with “near-miss” spins. Near-miss rounds are those spins where the player is just one symbol away from getting the combination that would have given them the long-awaited win. Despite being so close to winning, the spin is a losing one.
The player’s emotional stimulation becomes more intense not when they have won, but when they are close to winning. This is when the illusion of control over the outcome is activated, which motivates them to keep spinning the reels.
Another tactic used by slot manufacturers is the special design of the games that induces the desire to continue playing. For example, the graphics and animation elements are similar for both actual wins and losses. When 2 Scatter or Bonus symbols appear on the screen (which trigger the free spins feature) and there are two or three reels left to spin, their movement is slowed down, suggesting the possibility of a third Scatter symbol appearing.
Also, the sound effects and background music are adjusted to the moment, which intensifies the emotions experienced by the player. Even the winning patterns are activated. However, the big moment, so expected, is not there. But, it will certainly follow, as the result tends to indicate.
Are emotional waves good or bad for slot players?
Slot games create two types of emotions for the player. The first category is represented by positive emotions, which include:
- Fun – the anticipation of potential winnings and the excitement of achieving them is a source of relaxation for the player;
- Mental stimulation – is an advantage offered especially in slot games with a high level of challenges for the player;
- Elimination of stress factors – spinning the rollers after a stressful day has a calming effect.
The second category of emotions is negative emotions. These include anxiety, shame, guilt, depression, low self-esteem, stress, irritability, anger, and obsession. As long as a clear mental distinction is made between the two categories of emotions and their effects, and the player plays in a balanced and responsible manner, spinning the reels is fun and beneficial.