Author: Dixon Mike J.
Publisher: Routledge Ltd
ISSN: 1445-9795
Source: International Gambling Studies, Vol.13, Iss.1, 2013-04, pp. : 98-111
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Abstract
All slot machines make money over time, but the payouts to the players can differ. `Loose' machines pay out more than `tight' machines. Gamblers (n = 1402) at Ontario slots venues were assessed using the Problem Gambling Severity Index. Their beliefs about slots were polled using the Informational Biases Scale. Problem gamblers were more likely than non-problem and at-risk gamblers to endorse the belief that `some slot machines keep me from winning because they are programmed to produce fewer wins than normal'. We then showed that after extensive play (60 hours), 9 out of 10 gamblers were able to correctly discriminate a `loose' machine (98% payback) from a `tight' machine (85% payback). Problem gamblers' assertions that there are `loose' and `tight' machines demonstrate a belief rooted in reality. The ability to distinguish `loose' from `tight' machines may be interpreted as a skill by players. Such skill, when overestimated, may lead to erroneous cognitions.
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