(Writing Portfolio) What You Should Know About Pokie Machines

Studies say that some pokie machines in Australia cause gamblers to lose up to $1200 an hour. So why do people keep playing? It’s a brain thing. Let me explain.

Poker Machines in Australia

Poker machines are big business, fueling billion-dollar developments in places like Sydney. Most of them located in pubs and clubs are owned, or owned and licensed, by private companies such as the Farrell family. These companies are making bank.

Worldwide, of the machines not in casinos, 76% are in Australia. It seems that Australians love their poker games.

However, pokie machines have recently been a popular subject of interest in the news. Government officials are worried about the negative effects they are having on locals.

Mental health problems, family issues, and loss of wages are just some of the concerns. Their concerns are justified, especially in the lower income areas where machines are abundant.

But what makes gambling so dangerous for some people? It’s all about the combination of brain chemistry and marketing tactics.

Pokie Machines and Addiction

Gambling establishments are designed to keep you there and spending money. For example, have you ever noticed that they have no clocks or windows?

They prefer to keep you concentrating on spending money, lost in play for hours. If you don’t notice the sun coming up, you’ll keep putting money in.

The colors, sounds, and excitement inside casinos and clubs are also part of the grand plan. These things activate a dopamine release in your brain, making you want more.

That’s the snare. A dopamine hit in the brain can be addicting for people with certain tendencies. This process works the same in all types of addictions.

Losing is More Fun

Gambling is all about the cash, right? Traditionally, money was seen as the main motivation driving the addiction. But as we learn more, this was shown to be false. Winning actually lessens the appeal to keep playing.

It’s the losses that drive the player. Surprisingly, in gambling addicts, dopamine release is higher with losses than wins.

The more they lose, the more they keep playing. This is coined loss-chasing. Since machines are rigged for more losses, it’s a trap for those with problems.

As a side note, loss-chasing is also the basis behind playing hard to get.

The Uncertainty Trap

If that’s not mind-boggling enough, according to Greg Costikyan, a game designer, games need uncertainty. Without it, they won’t hold our attention. His reasoning? Predictability is boring.

The uncertainty of a reward raises dopamine production and encourages longer play. Casinos have this all figured out (and so does Facebook).

Pokie machines have pay-off schedules which maximize dopamine release and reinforce gambling behaviors. Not only that, trying to figure out the winning algorithm is another opportunity to drive home uncertainty during gameplay.

Final Gambling Advice

While playing games and gambling can be fun, be careful navigating that minefield. If you’re one of those lucky ones with addictive tendencies, keep in mind what you’ve just read. It might help you avoid a disaster someday. But, if you’re not, gamble on, my friend.

 

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