Slot machines have features that can encourage harmful gambling. In this study, the researchers looked at how providing multiple themes within a slot product might influence people’s gambling persistence. They recruited 990 adults living in the United Kingdom who had experience using slot machines in 2024. All participants scored 7 or less on the Problem Gambling Severity Index. They were randomly assigned to one of two groups for an experimental online slot machine task. In the multiple theme group, participants could switch between four different visual themes. In the single theme group, the slot machine game featured a single visual theme.
The multiple and single theme groups did not differ in the number of spins made. There was no evidence to suggest that participants with higher levels of problem gambling who were in the multiple theme group made more spins. Participants were more likely to leave the slot machine theme after wins and least likely to leave after losses disguised as wins. The findings can inform future research on this topic (e.g., testing the impact of multiple themes on other gambling products and people with problem gambling).
