Pokies and Slot Machine Information

Do pokies have secrets?

May 25, 2006 on 1:12 pm | In Slot machine articles online |

Do slot machines or their makers have secrets? Is there a behind the scenes secret laboratory or two dedicated to the mysterious psychology of gaming machine player attraction?

Well its certainly possible. An Australian MP wants information, but an industry representative doesn’t seem too concerned:

“No-pokies MLC Nick Xenophon has called for the Independent Gambling Authority to subpoena all data and research from manufacturers on how pokie machines work and are programmed”

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So what is it about slot machines that makes them potentially addictive? Is it the lights, the sounds, the games? Its hard to boil it down without manufacturers data, but there is perhaps some evidence that certain game types work - look at how many games you see that have the same core game but with different graphics.

Perhaps also there is a certain amount of Pavlovian conditioning - over time the sights and sounds weave themselves into an irresistible pattern of attraction. The first time you hear or see a gaming machine you are unlikely to run over and be immediately entranced - it takes time - and usually a few nice wins.