By 
Why is gambling on slot machines so addictive? Why was the “addiction crack” coined? Why is slot machine gambling considered the MOST addictive form of gambling around today?
I will try to answer these questions in this article. The questions are quite meaningful and the answers can help explain why so many people have become hooked on “slot machines”, “slot machines” and “fruit machines”.
Slot machines use what psychological behaviorists know as “intermittent reinforcement.” Basically what this means is that a winning hand on a slot machine only happens sometimes.
This type of reinforcement is known to be very powerful because an individual is only rewarded at certain intervals. This can create an addictive reaction, resulting in obsession quite easily. When you reward only sometimes, you are sure to create an obsessive reaction.
Additionally, studies have shown that the neurotransmitter dopamine plays an important role in the development of a gambling addiction. Dopamine is known as the “feel good” chemical. Slot machine pattern illusions and intermittent winning spins create a burst of dopamine in the brain that makes people want to keep playing.
You’ve probably heard in the past that gambling addicts are “action junkies” and aren’t as interested in making money as they think. This is because the dopamine rush is so powerful and enjoyable that the action of the game becomes euphoric in its own right. It is a means in itself rather than a means to an end.
The role of dopamine in the brain is very significant and powerful. People with Parkinson’s disease who were taking drugs to increase the dopamine in their brains were becoming addicted to gambling, specifically slot machine gambling. Once these people stopped taking the medication, their addictive and obsessive gambling stopped. This happened to a significant number of people who were taking these types of medications.
Slot machine addiction is considered the “crack” of the game for different reasons.
Crack cocaine is one of the most addictive drugs that exist today. Gambling on slot machines is also considered the most addictive form of gambling … hands down.
The two can also be compared to each other due to the very fast and accelerated progression of addiction. A person can reach total despair and devastation with a slot machine addiction in one to three years. Other forms of play do not accelerate as quickly.
Another comparison is how both forms of addiction can create such degradation, dejection and despair due to the power and intensity of the addictive substance / behavior.
Theft, prostitution, drugs, job loss, marriage, and finances are common with these two addictions. You may have heard horror stories from people with any of these addictions. These stories are too common.
As you can see, it is very easy to compare slot machine addiction to crack cocaine addiction. The common characteristics of both addictions are quite impressive.
Why is slot machine addiction considered the MOST addictive form of gambling?
This question is related to the previous two areas that I have covered, except for a few other concepts that I think are worth noting:
o Slot machines are designed by psychologists and other specialists who are specifically instructed to design slot machines to seduce and addicted people.
o The new multi-line video electronic slot machines have graphics and colors that are very attractive and stimulating to the eye.
o Music on video slot machines is very stimulating, repetitive, seductive and truly empowering. There is a strong subliminal suggestion in this.
o Bonus rounds on video slot machines can encourage continuous play, even in the midst of heavy losses, as the bonus rounds are very exciting and rush.
o The speed of the game and the speed of modern slot machines keep your adrenaline pumping, especially with all of the above factors.
o The jackpots in slot machines can be huge, however the chances of winning these jackpots are equivalent to winning the Powerball lottery, if not more unlikely.
o Slot machines can be a place to “tune out.” Today’s slot machines can put you in a mesmerizing trance that’s hard to get out of.
o Slot machines require little to no skill, so it’s easy to sit there and press buttons, without thinking, thinking, or contemplating.
o The slot machines are very easy to keep playing because they all accept dollar bills and give players coupons at the end of the game. Money loses its value and becomes “monopoly” money.
o ATMs are usually very close to slot machines, again, which encourages continuous play.
o Many slot machines use denominations of 1 cent to 5 cents. This tricks the player into thinking that they are not spending much. What is not said, however, is that the maximum bet can be as high as $ 15 to $ 20 per spin. Is this really a penny or nickel machine?