Illusions of control and betting behaviour in skill-based versus traditional gambling machines

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Author(s): Rockloff, Matthew J. ; Russell, Alex M. T. ; Hing, Nerilee ; Browne, Matthew ; Thorne, Hannah B. ; Newall, Philip W. S. ; Visintin, Tess

Journal: Journal of Behavioural Addictions

Year Published: 2024

Date Added: February 27, 2025

Skill-based gambling machines (SGMs) combine skill that is often used in video games with the chance-based mechanism of traditional electronic gaming machines (EGMs). The outcomes of SGMs are still determined by chance. The purpose of this study was to compare the appeal and behavioural consequences of gambling on an SGM and a traditional EGM. A total of 1,260 adults completed an online task that simulated either an SGM or EGM. Overall, younger adults, those who regularly gambled on EGMs, and those with more gambling problems were more likely to find the SGM appealing. Those who gambled on the SGM showed greater illusions of control. The visual appeal of the SGM had some influence on betting speed. There was no difference in overall betting intensity between the SGM and the EGM.

Citation: Rockloff, M., Russell, A. M. T., Hing, N., Browne, M., Thorne, H., Newall, P., & Visintin, T. (2024). Illusions of control: A quasi-experiment comparing skill-based and traditional slot machines. Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 13(4), 962–973. https://doi.org/10.1556/2006.2024.00057

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1556/2006.2024.00057

Keywords: betting ; Electronic Gambling Machines (EGMs) ; gambling harm ; illusion of control ; skill-based gambling ; video games

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

Conceptual Framework Factors: Gambling Types ; Psychological Factors ; Exposure - Convergence of Gaming and Gambling ; Psychological - Judgement and Decision Making

Study Design: Experimental: NRCT (non-randomized controlled trial)

Geographic Coverage: Australia

Study Population: Adult aged 18+ years (N=1,260), including people who gambled on EGMs in the last 12 months, people who played video games, people who engaged in both, and people who engaged in neither.

Sampling Procedure: Participants were recruited online through Qualtrics and PureProfile. The Qualtrics sample was assigned to SGM condition, as Qualtrics declined to provide a sample for the EGM simulation because it resembled commercial gambling. The PureProfile sample was assigned to the EGM condition.

Study Funding:

This study was commissioned and funded by Gambling Research Australia.