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How Casinos Use Psychology in Slot Games
Slot games are among the most popular attractions in any casino, both in physical establishments and in the digital world. The allure of bright lights, captivating sounds, and the thrill of potential winnings makes these games irresistible to many players. However, beneath the surface, casinos employ various psychological techniques to keep players engaged and coming back for more. This article delves into how casinos use psychology during slot games and highlights the influence of these tactics in online slots.
The Power of Visual and Auditory Stimuli
One of the most effective tools in a casino’s arsenal is the use of visual and auditory stimuli. Slot machines are designed to be visually appealing, with vibrant colors, flashing lights, and intricate animations that capture a playerâs attention. These elements are not just for show; they are carefully crafted to create a stimulating environment that encourages prolonged play.
The sounds of slot machines are equally important. The jingles, chimes, and celebratory noises that accompany each spin or win are designed to trigger a sense of excitement and reward. Even when the payout is minimal, the celebratory sounds can create the illusion of a significant win, motivating players to continue playing. In the realm of slots online, these effects are replicated digitally, ensuring that the psychological impact remains just as potent as in a physical casino.
The Near-Miss Effect
Another psychological tactic used in slot games is the “near-miss” effect. This occurs when the symbols on the reels stop just short of a winning combination, giving the player the impression that they were close to winning. Although a near-miss is technically a loss, it can trigger the same brain response as a win, particularly in the brainâs reward system. This effect increases the likelihood that a player will continue spinning the reels in hopes of finally hitting the jackpot.
Casinos leverage this phenomenon by programming slot machines to deliver near-misses more frequently than pure chance would dictate. The sense of almost winning keeps players engaged, as they believe that the next spin might be the one that finally lands a big payout.
Variable Reward Schedules
Slot machines operate on a variable reward schedule, meaning that wins are unpredictable and occur randomly. This unpredictability is a powerful psychological tool, as it mirrors the reinforcement patterns found in some of the most addictive behaviors. When players do not know when the next win will come, they are more likely to keep playing in anticipation of that next reward.
This concept is particularly effective in slots online, where the continuous availability of games allows players to indulge in extended sessions. The randomness of the rewards creates a cycle of anticipation and satisfaction, making it difficult for players to step away from the game.
Losses Disguised as Wins (LDWs)
A common feature in slot games is the “loss disguised as a win” (LDW) phenomenon. This occurs when a player wins an amount that is less than their original bet, but the machine still triggers celebratory sounds and visuals as if a significant win had occurred. This tactic manipulates the player’s perception, making them feel as though they are winning more frequently than they actually are.
In the context of slots online, LDWs are just as prevalent. Players may not immediately realize that they are losing money overall, as the frequent small “wins” keep them engaged and motivated to continue playing. This tactic ensures that players remain invested in the game, even when their balance is gradually decreasing.
The Gamblerâs Fallacy
The gamblerâs fallacy is a cognitive bias that leads players to believe that if an event has occurred frequently in the past, it is less likely to happen in the future, or vice versa. For example, if a player experiences a long streak of losses, they might believe that a win is “due” soon, leading them to continue playing. Slot games are designed to capitalize on this fallacy, as the outcomes are entirely random, but the belief that a win is imminent can keep players spinning the reels.
Online slot platforms are no different, with players often falling into the trap of the gamblerâs fallacy. This psychological bias can lead to extended gaming sessions, as players chase a win they believe is just around the corner.
Casinos utilize a range of psychological techniques in slot games to keep players engaged, from the use of visual and auditory stimuli to the manipulation of reward schedules. These tactics are equally effective in slots online, where the digital environment is crafted to replicate the immersive experience of a physical casino. By understanding these psychological influences, players can make more informed decisions and approach slot games with a greater awareness of the forces at play.
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SOFTSWISS Launches Bug Bounty Program to âHack the Systemâ
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SOFTSWISS, a leading software supplier in the iGaming industry, has announced the launch of its private Bug Bounty Program to boost cybersecurity. The program invites white hat hackers and independent security researchers to identify vulnerabilities, offering rewards for their findings and ensuring the highest level of security for SOFTSWISS clients.
To ensure that only significant cases that meet specific requirements are reported, SOFTSWISS launched a private program with invitation-only access. Invitation-only programs encourage white hat hackers to pay close attention to their terms and requirements, resulting in higher-quality reports. While public programs can offer broader perspectives but tend to generate more irrelevant reports, the private launch ensures that the focus remains on critical security issues.Â
The Bug Bounty Program offers financial incentives of up to 3,500 euro, depending on the severity and complexity of the discovered vulnerabilities. This program serves as an additional layer of defence, providing external, unbiased assessments from highly skilled security experts.Â
âWe care about the security of our clients and their players, which is why it is important for us not only to pay close attention to protecting the products we develop but also to constantly recheck our applications with the help of skilled external experts and enthusiasts. In collaboration with the expert community, we can ensure a reliable level of data protection and uninterrupted operations for all our clients,â said Evgeny Zaretskov, Group Chief Information Security Officer at SOFTSWISS. âSOFTSWISS is proud to set a new standard for cybersecurity by leveraging crowdsourced expertise. In this ever-evolving landscape, even a minor bug can lead to significant losses for operators. The Bug Bounty Program is an extra measure to protect our existing and future clients.â
The program has started with two products: the SOFTSWISS Casino Platform and the SOFTSWISS Sportsbook. It is conducted in a dedicated test environment, which operates independently of live casino systems, ensuring no disruption to player experience or platform performance.
âCybersecurity is an ongoing battle,â adds Artyom Buchkov, Deputy CSO. âNo company can discover all vulnerabilities on its own. This program enables talented hackers to legally hack an online casino, helping us anticipate and defend against potential threats. It strengthens our commitment to providing the most secure software and platforms in the iGaming industry.â
Moving forward, the SOFTSWISS cybersecurity team plans to broaden the frames, adding more products and refining requirements to maintain the highest standards of security across all platforms.
Cybersecurity in iGaming, along with other key topics in the industry, can be discussed with our specialists and product teams at the SBC Summit Lisbon at stand B-160 from 24 to 26 September.
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About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience in developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The companyâs product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 23,500 casino games, the Affilka affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook Software and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS revolutionised the industry by introducing the worldâs first Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution. The expert team, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.
The post SOFTSWISS Launches Bug Bounty Program to âHack the Systemâ appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Peter & Sonsâ Unleashes âEvil Devilâ Slot
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Cutting-edge game studio Peter & Sons is about to unleash hell. The Barcelona-based outfitâs diabolical new slot, Evil Devil, will be released globally on 19th September, and it comes packed with wickedly innovative mechanics, such as sticky respins, power splits, increasing multipliers, and a thrilling Free Spins Game with a possible buy option.
This 6Ă7 high-volatility video slot with up to 117,649 ways to win immerses players in a cartoonish hellscape presided over by the fiery lord Satan Sama. With a devilish surf guitar soundtrack and chaotic but gripping gameplay, thereâs nothing else quite like it on the market.
Winning combinations in the base game trigger the sticky respin feature, causing winning symbols to stick in place while the non-winning symbols respin. Wild symbols can appear on reels 2 to 6, increasing the chances of forming winning combinations.
But all hell breaks loose when 4 to 6 scatter symbols land on the reels, awarding 15 to 20 Free Spins. Here, winning symbols stick to their positions, triggering a respin of the non-winning symbols.
Collecting three or more skull symbols during Free Spins triggers a random multiplier. Meanwhile, power splits can randomly occur during the first respin, converting winning symbols into wilds, enhancing the chances for some big payouts.
Canât wait to hit the bonus feature? The good news is you can buy straight into the Free Spins game for 100x the bet, instantly accessing 15 to 20 random free spins and the gameâs most thrilling features.
Yann Bautista, Commercial Director and Founder at Peter & Sons said: âWeâre always looking to push boundaries in everything we do, and we like to let our artistsâ imaginations run wild. Too often with online slots you see the same tired themes and clichĂ©s. We think Evil Devil is an avant garde masterpiece â but itâs underpinned by solid mechanics and brilliant features.â
The post Peter & Sonsâ Unleashes âEvil Devilâ Slot appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Aston Villa launches Champions League campaign with Betano by its side
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The Villans and their principal partner celebrated the clubâs return to topflight European football, in an event bringing togethers legends of the past and stars of today
Aston Villa FC has embarked on its first ever Champions League journey with a 3-0 victory over BSC Young Boys in Bernâs Stadion Wankdorf this past Tuesday. A few days earlier Aston Villa and their principal and front of shirt partner Betano, Kaizen Gamingâs premium online sports betting and gaming brand, celebrated the Villansâ historic first ever Champions League campaign with a special event hosted at Aston Villaâs Bodymoor Heath training ground.
The event brought together legendary members of the 1982 European Cup winners, Nigel Spink and Kenny Swain, former player and Aston Villa ambassador, Ahmed Elmohamady and current stars, captain John McGinn, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres and of course coach Unai Emery. Attendees had the opportunity to meet and hear directly from their favorite stars, while also participating in different activities, including an exclusive tour of Aston Villaâs training facilities and a behind the scenes look of the teamâs training session. The clubâs third kit was also unveiled for the first time ever during the event. The kit proved to be a lucky one as it was worn in a game for the first time in the Champions League match in Switzerland. For this match Betano donated its front-of-shirt space to Aston Villa, which in turn offered it to Acorns Childrenâs Hospice.
Julio Iglesias Hernando, Chief Commercial Officer at Kaizen Gaming, commented: âWe are very honoured as Aston Villaâs official main shirt sponsor to stand alongside them in this next exciting chapter of their illustrious 150-year history. This is truly an exciting time to be a fan of Aston Villa, as we all share the clubâs passion and determination to improve every day, to compete with the very best and to claim their place among the elite.â
Chris Heck, President of Business Operations at Aston Villa, added: âWe are proud to have Betano join us as we embark on a new era for Aston Villa. They are a global brand engaging with millions of football fans across Europe and Latin America which matches our vision to globalise our club. Their passion for football and commitment to responsible gaming and giving back to society aligns perfectly with our own club values. The return to the top of European club football is an exciting moment for our fans, partners, and everyone involved at the club. â Â
The post Aston Villa launches Champions League campaign with Betano by its side appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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