In this report, the author first presents background information on the design of computer games in general and highlights important aspects of the design of slot machine games, including a general description of PAR Sheets and a description of the differences between traditional mechanical slot machines games and video slots games. The author then provides facts concerning the implementation of slot machine structural characteristics based on analysis of the PAR Sheets obtained through the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), coupled with observations from playing and watching others play these games. To the author's knowledge, this is the first reporting that has drawn on actual PAR Sheets for games that are approved and being used in a jurisdiction. The report also presents the results of preliminary analysis of the problem gambling literature, which shows how various structural characteristics that are documented in the PAR Sheets and that the author observed are related to problem gambling concerns.
A major contribution of this report is that it provides problem gambling researchers and policy makers in Ontario with facts about how the games are designed using actual PAR Sheets for games that are in use in Ontario. These facts can be used to inform research and/or public policy.
