The effect of visual complexity when playing a slot-machine simulation: the role of computer experience, computer anxiety, and optimism

The increasing computerization of slot machines, as well as the growth of Internet gambling, has been a recent cause for concern. To investigate whether visual complexity promoted gambling behavior, we staked participants with money and had them play a computer-simulated slot machine that, for different groups, had a different number of symbols that appeared on the screen as the “reels” spun. We also measured participants’ experience with computers, their level of anxiety when dealing with computers, and their optimism for winning while playing the simulation. Although participants could quit immediately, not play the simulation, and keep the money, none did so. Analysis of their behavior while playing the simulation indicated no significant differences as a function of number of symbols appearing on the simulation. Furthermore, although computer experience was inversely related to computer-related anxiety, these measures (as well as optimism of winning) were not significantly related to participants’ behavior while playing the simulation. The present results appear to negate the idea that educating people about computers and how computerized games of chance are programmed could potentially inoculate individuals from becoming problem gamblers. Rather, they seem to demonstrate the strong allure of games of chance.