Connect with us
European Gaming Congress 2024

Latest News

The psychology of slot symbols: how iconography influences player behaviour

Published

on

 

 

Imagery has always been a central part of the slot gaming experience. Even manufacturers of the most primitive one-armed bandits knew the power that could potentially be harnessed by employing psychology to attract players and keep them playing. 

It remains no less true today that, through imagery, operators and developers know exactly how to push our buttons.

Nostalgia and imagery

Amongst the most potent of human emotions is nostalgia, a wistful yearning for a previous time, whether we lived through it or not. 

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

Classic slot symbols, such as 7s, bars, bells and fruit, are all used to elicit a feeling of nostalgia for the time of traditional, physical machines in brick-and-mortar casinos. This has the effect of making us feel like we’re engaging with something wholesome and familiar, and this familiarity in turn serves to reassure us that whatever we’re doing is okay.

By evoking memories of a simpler time, whether on a conscious or subconscious level, and whether the player actually experienced those times or not, a zone of psychological comfort and safety can be created for the player.

Wealth

Slot players are often dreaming of those big, life-changing wins, and the iconography of slot machines feeds on this, providing reassurance that one’s big win is always just around the corner.

By employing images which suggest wealth, such as coins, dollar symbols and stacks of cash, slot machines continuously remind us that there’s real money on the table, and that this particular game offers a potential path to riches.

The power of colour

Colour psychology is a scientific field in its own right, and slot machines have been utilising the wealth of research on this topic since their conception. 

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

The overall brightness of slot machines stimulates the player’s brain, keeping them engaged, whilst specific colours are used to create a unique ambience, giving each game an identity related to its colour palette. 

Certain colours can evoke certain emotions, and there are many colour-related patterns which can be seen across modern slot machines. For instance, greens are often used in the design of slot machines, to elicit a sense of nature and freshness. Similarly, golds are used to suggest wealth and prosperity.

Familiar themes

The iconography of recurring themes is another way that designers can create specific associations with their games in the minds of their players.

Popular themes include ancient Egypt (Cleopatra, Magic of the Nile), the luck of the Irish (Rainbow Riches, Pot o’ Gold), and many more. Recently, there’s been an upsurge in the number of games based on fishing themes (Big Bass Bonanza, Golden Catch).

Familiar symbolism also comes in the form of existing intellectual properties, such as TV shows (Deal or No Deal, Game of Thrones), musical groups (Guns N’ Roses, Kiss), and popular movies (Rocky, Beetlejuice, The Godfather). 

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

These slot games may be licensed, or they may simply refer to these IPs in an unofficial capacity. Either way, players enjoy the familiarity they offer, as well as the chance to engage with references to their favourite media.

Some games even allow operators to become the theme, customising the game as they see fit. For example, Fluffy Favourites can be adapted to reflect the theme of an operator’s website, reinforcing brand loyalty within the game. 

The psychology of winning

It’s the idea of a win that keeps players playing, and slot machine designers use this fact, along with established psychological theories and phenomena, to make their games gripping.

For instance, cognitive biases are thought processes which are often observed, according to which the human brain tends to follow certain heuristic paths, simplifying information and passing it through a system of mental filters. 

In terms of slot machine design, this means that, for example, a player who comes close to hitting a high-value combination of symbols is likely to interpret this as almost winning, which has the effect of making them more likely to spin again.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

The psychological concept of conditioning can also be applied to slot machine design. Winning combos are often accompanied by celebratory sound effects and animations, including raining coins and victorious trumpets, creating positive associations in the minds of players, and encouraging them to seek this reward out again.

Psychology and ethics in gambling

There are, of course, moral and ethical implications of applying psychology to gambling. At what point does it become coercive? When is suggestion actually manipulation? The burden of answering these questions and monitoring appropriate slot machine design falls on the Gambling Commission. 

The Commission have already implemented several rules which seek to minimise problem gambling and the development of bad habits, such as banning auto-play functions, limiting the time between spins, and ensuring that players have access to safer gambling tools

However, it may be the case that more could be done to educate players on the psychological effects of symbolism in their favourite games.

Beating the system

Being aware of the psychological methods used by operators to keep a person playing is the first step in ensuring that one isn’t being manipulated. 

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

Making good use of bonuses and promotions is a good way to enjoy better value gaming, and setting strict limits will help to ensure that players only spend what they can afford to lose.

Online casino free spins are a great way to try out slot games without risking real money. Customers can get free spin offers from no-deposit sign-up bonuses, or use the available demo versions to try games out for free.

Because many psychological methods operate on an unconscious level, and therefore cannot necessarily be noticed, good responsible gambling practices are a must if we are to ensure that gambling takes place in a healthy environment, and that players are not being taken advantage of.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Latest News

Soft2Bet has been nominated in 6 categories at the EGR Europe Awards 2025

Published

on

soft2bet-has-been-nominated-in-6-categories-at-the-egr-europe-awards-2025
Reading Time: < 1 minute

Soft2Bet, a leading provider of iGaming turnkey solutions, is proud to have been shortlisted in six categories, including the prominent ‘European Software Provider’ and ‘European ESG Initiative of the Year.’

In addition to these accolades, three Soft2Bet brands, which operate across B2B and B2C verticals under 13 licenses, also secured nominations in several categories:

  • Betinia: Nominated as The Nordics and Baltics – Rising Star for its innovative online sportsbook and casino offerings, featuring competitive odds and an extensive range of betting markets designed to captivate its growing audience.
  • CampoBet: Contending for the prestigious Nordics and Baltics – Operator of the Year award, reflecting its comprehensive platform and dedication to serving the needs of betting enthusiasts in Denmark and beyond.
  • se: Receiving dual nominations for The Nordics and Baltics – Rising Star and Nordics and Baltics – Operator of the Year for its focus on mobile-first design, smooth user experience, and diverse selection of live casino and sports betting options.

Oksana Tsyhankova, Soft2Bet’s CMO, commented: “Our brands’ strong performance throughout the year has been highlighted by key industry awards, reaffirming our success in localisation and delivering exceptional results in every market we serve.”

The EGR Europe Awards are among the most prestigious in the industry. They celebrate innovation, operational excellence, and exceptional contributions. This year’s nominations reaffirm Soft2Bet’s reputation as a leader in performance and innovation while emphasizing its commitment to sustainability and responsible gaming.

 

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

About Soft2Bet

Soft2Bet is a leading iGaming turnkey solutions provider that delivers high-quality products and services for online gambling operators. The company is known for its Motivational Engineering Gaming Application (MEGA), which has been proven to enhance retention and engagement. Soft2Bet has deployed numerous successful iGaming brands and has over 14 global licences.

The post Soft2Bet has been nominated in 6 categories at the EGR Europe Awards 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Latest News

DEVILFISH SOCIAL POKER ANNOUNCES EVENBET GAMING PARTNERSHIP

Published

on

devilfish-social-poker-announces-evenbet-gaming-partnership
Reading Time: 2 minutes

DevilFish Poker, the pioneering creator of the free-to-play social community poker game, proudly announces its strategic partnership with EvenBet Gaming to develop cutting-edge social poker software.

The DevilFish Social Poker brand has witnessed remarkable growth over the past two quarters of 2024, fuelled by the resurgence of social-based Web3 poker on a global scale. Current industry statistics indicate that the social free-to-play market is valued at $8 billion and is projected to expand by over 8% annually. The alliance with EvenBet Gaming, a leader in poker software innovation, positions the DevilFish brand to accelerate their reach across multiple international markets.

JJ Williams, Co-Founder of W3 Marketing Ltd and Devilfish Poker, confidently stated, “The growth of social poker and free-to-play models has been undeniable in recent years. We are witnessing a revitalization of interest in poker from a diverse range of digital natives eager to engage in community gameplay and the latest Web3 innovations—such as avatars, skins, traits, NFTs (non-fungible tokens), and digital ownership.

Our brand is uniquely positioned, enriched by its legacy in the online poker scene and its association with the late David A. ‘Devilfish’ Ulliott, a member of the WSOP Poker Hall of Fame. Our highly engaged community represents the next generation of social poker players and followers across social media and community platforms like Discord, X and Mastodon.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

Selecting EvenBet Gaming as a strategic partner was a critical and confident choice; they possess a deep understanding of the synergy between traditional poker, social poker, and Web3/Crypto features, allowing us to deliver unique, innovative digital products for our poker brand throughout 2025.”

Dmitry Starostenkov, CEO of EvenBet Gaming, expressed, “DevilFish embodies a powerful brand narrative within traditional online poker, and we are inspired by how the team is reimagining this digital-first/Web3 product experience.

From the ground up, JJ and his team have successfully built an engaged community and revitalized the gaming franchise for today’s digital players—those who have evolved with social media, crypto, gamification, and digital asset ownership. Our vision, like DevilFish is global, and my mission is to expand our poker software innovation and platform, and support JJ and his team execute their global plans, for category dominance.”

The post DEVILFISH SOCIAL POKER ANNOUNCES EVENBET GAMING PARTNERSHIP appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)
Continue Reading

Compliance Updates

Booming Games Receives Danish License Approval

Published

on

booming-games-receives-danish-license-approval
Reading Time: < 1 minute

Booming Games, a rapidly expanding provider of iGaming content, has successfully secured a Danish Gambling Authority (Spillemyndigheden) license, marking a major milestone in the company’s efforts to broaden its presence across Europe.

Booming Games has officially secured its B2B gaming license from the Danish Gambling Authority (DGA), enabling the company to supply its renowned content to licensed gambling operators across Denmark. Danish players can now enjoy popular titles such as Burning Classics, TNT Bonanza, Cash Pig, Buffalo Hold and Win Extreme, and Gold Gold Gold.

This achievement marks a significant milestone in Booming Games’ strategic expansion into the European market. By obtaining the DGA license, the company strengthens its position as a leading iGaming content provider and unlocks new opportunities within the region. With the Danish license complementing its existing portfolio of certifications, Booming Games is poised to deliver outstanding gaming experiences to players throughout Europe.

Frederik Niehusen, Chief Commercial Officer at Booming Games, said: “We are excited to announce the acquisition of our full Danish B2B gaming license. This milestone further expands our presence in the fast-growing Danish market. It positions us to leverage our strengths and enhance our product portfolio to meet our customers’ needs better.”

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

 

The post Booming Games Receives Danish License Approval appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Trending

Get it on Google Play

Fresh slot games releases by the top brands of the industry. We provide you with the latest news straight from the entertainment industries.

The platform also hosts industry-relevant webinars, and provides detailed reports, making it a one-stop resource for anyone seeking information about operators, suppliers, regulators, and professional services in the European gaming market. The portal's primary goal is to keep its extensive reader base updated on the latest happenings, trends, and developments within the gaming and gambling sector, with an emphasis on the European market while also covering pertinent global news. It's an indispensable resource for gaming professionals, operators, and enthusiasts alike.

Contact us: [email protected]

Editorial / PR Submissions: [email protected]

Copyright © 2015 - 2024 - Recent Slot Releases is part of HIPTHER Agency. Registered in Romania under Proshirt SRL, Company number: 2134306, EU VAT ID: RO21343605. Office address: Blvd. 1 Decembrie 1918 nr.5, Targu Mures, Romania