The spin of the wheels, the bells, cherries, and whistles all slipping into place on the reels, and the distinct celebratory jingles of a winning slot machine are all synonymous with brick-and-mortar casinos.
But many people today prefer playing their gambling games online. It is fun, easy, entertaining, and, oh, so convenient. You can play anywhere, anytime—who wouldn’t want it that easy? Online slots can be highly compelling, and for good reason. Let’s see why online slots are so addictive.
From Mortar to Mobile
Traditional casinos still have their place in the world, but online gambling has become a widespread pastime. It is easy to access and convenient. Players can play for small or large stakes. And the array of available games is mind-blowing. With just a few clicks, players can choose from a multitude of games. This is why online gambling has exponentially grown in popularity and shifted from mortar to mobile.
Online gambling has been around since the 1990s and, in some countries, is still not legislated. In South Africa, we are fortunate enough to have a choice of online casinos. Being online means that people now have instant access to online lotteries (both local and international), horse racing, sports betting, and the firm favorite: online slots.
Why so addictive?
Gambling games are designed to give a player a fully immersive experience. This includes sights, sounds, and the feeling of euphoria when they win. Online slots are designed to capture and hold a player’s attention. With so many gaming choices, each game is designed to keep a player playing as long as possible.
Here are the main reasons why online slots are so addictive:
The surprise factor
- B. Skinner conducted research on “variable ratio schedules” where rewards were given to people intermittently, after a varying amount of responses. It was concluded that the surprise factor helped to keep a person responding to a certain stimulus. There is no certainty in gambling, but it is this same uncertainty that keeps a player holding on, with the hope of the next reward.
The thrill of the unknown enthralls players. Sporadic payouts create a sense of anticipation, so players keep playing. Who knows if the next spin will bring your next big win?
Control
Online slots give players the option to choose their bet size or play a limited number of paylines. This gives them a sense of control over what happens. Some players also believe that hitting the Spin button in a certain fashion or after a metered amount of time can affect the outcome of the game.
Escapism
We play online games to escape from the humdrum of our lives. We work, come home, and socialize from time to time, but it is all part of a rat wheel. Playing online games gives players an escape from the norm and a chance to make money while being entertained.
Loneliness and vulnerability
In modern life, many people are quite solitary. There are those who work from home and those who don’t really enjoy going out much. Some people are lonely, and this can make them quite susceptible to finding an online outlet. Something that gets them in contact with an outside world. Something that connects them to other players. Something that makes them feel a part of something—even if it is just a virtual casino.
Economic factors
Players have realized that going out can be expensive. Why spend R50 on a single drink when R150 will buy you a bottle? Unless you have enough money for food, drinks, transport, and gambling, playing online works well for someone on a limited budget. You can play ten-cent games without spending money on an excursion. This frees up more money for gaming.
Social factors
While there is an element of excitement when a player plays at a physical casino, some people simply enjoy the peace of playing at home. Some online platforms have a chat function that allows players to interact with others. This fosters a sense of connection. However, it is easy enough to turn off chat and just focus on the spinning reels.
So many pros
No home time
When you play online games, there is no need to watch the clock to meet a curfew. You can play as much as you want, anywhere, anytime. With no restrictions, players can literally get lost in a game. And if they are on a winning streak, there is no breaking that focus.
Large variety of games
There are thousands of slot games for players to choose from—all with different themes, stakes, and payouts. From mythical characters and Marvel-themed games to traditional bells and cherries, players can choose any game they prefer. And they can swap between games as their winnings increase or decrease.
Great entertainment value
Players can immerse themselves in a world of fantasy where mythical beasts come alive and ancient gods rise to glory. They can enjoy interactive mini-games and bonus features. Online games are filled with vibrant visuals, slinky sound effects, and theme music, and these sensory sensations are designed to keep gamers enthralled. The entertainment value is one of the biggest reasons why online gamblers enjoy playing at a virtual casino at their leisure.
Multiple chances
Some people have accounts on multiple gaming sites, giving them additional chances to win real money. Other people have sifted through the sites and found their favorites. Players may want to try different casinos or take advantage of their welcome bonus, first deposit bonuses, and other promotional offers.
By having all these casinos readily available at their fingertips, online slot players have an ever-present opportunity to keep playing their favorite games. Ultimately, this can also contribute to the addictiveness of online slots.
The winning factor
The biggest reason why online slots are so addictive is because of the allure of the win. Even small wins are wins, and every time the paylines hit and a win is added to the player’s balance, this adds to a player’s happiness. The dopamine effect is very real, and the feeling of winning can quickly become a great source of pleasure.
Everyone loves the idea of “hitting it big,” and every player knows that the next win could be on the next spin.
Conclusion
Gambling in itself is addictive. A player takes the risk and has an opportunity to gain rewards. And those rewards can be substantial. Ultimately, the higher the risks, the higher the rewards. However, the unpredictability of wins, the visual and auditory stimulation, and the convenience and availability of online games all add to the addiction. Playing online slots can be highly appealing, and the allure of the wheels can keep a player online for hours.
