Slots are one of the most interesting and fun games found in a casino however because of the inherent design of the machines become addicted to them is an unfortunate reality for some players. In this article we'll talk about slots addiction including some of the reasons why slots are so addicting and where you can look for some help.
Why are Slots so Addicting?
The main reason that slot machines are so addicting for players are because
it provides the illusion of betting a relatively small amount of money with the
chance to win a massive jackpot. Since slots can be played for as little
at $0.75 a spin with the chance of winning thousands of dollars, some people get
caught up in trying to win a jackpot and thus spend a much greater amount of
money that they ever intended too. Because of this, slots can become
addicting very quickly as players want to keep striving to win a jackpot no
matter what the cost. Some of the other main factors that contribute to
the addicting nature of playing slot machine games include:
- Near Misses - This is when the slot machine hits two of a winning combination but narrowly misses the third required for a payout. Slots used to be programmed to do this however it has been outlawed since it creates the sensation that you are about to win making it a highly addicting circumstance.
- Chasing Jackpots - One of the worst types of slot machines leading to addiction are the progressive slots that often have jackpots stretching over $1,000,000. Because the prizes are so big relative to the amount bet, many players will get carried away trying to chase a jackpot while betting substantial amounts of money.
- Social Atmosphere - Another reason that slots can become addictive is because they create a dangerous environment where you can easily play alone yet have the companionship of other players around you. This creates an odd social framework that can actually make a person use slots as a social outing quite often.
- Winning A Jackpot - The last leading factor that contributes to developing an addiction to slots is having a big win or hitting a jackpot while playing. While you might think this would be the least likely scenario for developing an addiction it actually makes you think you can replicate the win which can be very costly.
Should You Play Slots?
If you think that you may have a problem with addiction to slots you should
stop playing immediately since it can quickly lead to out of control spending.
The problem with slot machines is that they are essentially computer programs
designed to take your money. No matter how random they may seem, their
payback percentage is set at a certain amount and no superstitions or selection
of slots will change this basic fact. Another reason that people continue
on the slots is because they are easy to play and don't require any sort of
major focus during game play which makes them an easy choice. The problem
with this is that it's far to easy to lose track of what you are betting and
quickly rack up some big losses from over spending on your trip to the casino.
Overall, you should only play slots if you have a defined bankroll that
you can stick to every time you play slots at the casino.
Help for Slots Addiction
If you think you have an addiction to slots you can check out some of the
resources below for free help:
- Gamblers Anonymous - Provides help in the United States and World Wide
- CAMH - Center for Addiction and Mental Health in Canada
- Gam Care - Provides assistance for people in the United Kingdom
- Gambling Helpline - Services for Australians with gambling addiction
- Adictel Prevention - Provides help for those in France
- Gluecksspielsucht - Provides services for those residing in Germany
- Caritas A G Counselling - Local services based in Hong Kong
- GA Dublin - Gamblers Anonymous in Ireland
- AGOG - Services for Addiction in the Nederlands
- PGFNZ - Help for people in New Zealand
- Hjelpelinjen Helpline - Phone service in Norway
- NRGPGC - Local service in South Africa
- Spelinstitutet - Help for those in Sweden
- Careplay - Local services for those in Switzerland