Do slot machine bet size and multi-line play affect attention?

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Author(s): Murch, W. Spencer ; Clark, Luke

Journal: Addictive Behaviors

Year Published: 2018

Date Added: December 07, 2018

Slot machines can capture full attention and affect heart rate. These effects during gambling might be related to problem gambling risk. The current study separated the effects of slot machine multi-line play and bet size on attention and heart rate. Full attention to the game increased in multi-line play and was highest with large, multi-line bets. Changes in heart rate decreased during slot machine play, regardless of bet style.

Citation: Murch, W. S., & Clark, L. (2019). Effects of bet size and multi-line play on immersion and respiratory sinus arrhythmia during electronic gaming machine use. Addictive Behaviors, 88, 67-72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2018.08.014

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2018.08.014

Keywords: attention ; betting ; dark flow ; Electronic Gambling Machines (EGMs) ; heart rate ; perceptions ; strategy ; university students

Topics: Gambling Cognitions ; Game Types ; Information for Operators ; Slots and VLTs

Conceptual Framework Factors: Psychological - Personality and Temperament ; Gambling Types ; Types - Structural Characteristics ; Psychological Factors ; Psychological - Lifespan Development ; Psychological - Judgement and Decision Making

Response Rate: 95%

Study Design: Observational: Cross-sectional

Geographic Coverage: Canada, British Columbia

Study Population: Male undergraduate students (N=76), aged 19 years and older.

Sampling Procedure: Participants responded to an online advertisement hosted by the University of British Columbia’s psychology department.