Online slots such as 9 Pots of Gold are incredibly captivating despite being simple games. They are controlled by the Random Number Generator (RNG), an algorithm that randomizes the outcome of each spin. The games are fair, so you shouldn’t have to worry about unfair outcomes, even if many people believe that casinos manipulate slots in their favour. This guide will examine the psychology behind slot games and see what makes them so addictive.
Slot Psychology
Slots are just simple casino games that involve a lot of science and psychology. To play them, you just press the spin button; nothing complex.
But what do they do to our brains that we are always hooked on them, making them so popular? According to psychology, they are able to tap into the human desire to gain control over things. We, humans, love certainty, even if slots are uncertain. Unlike poker, where you can use strategies and win, slots are all random.
Psychology says that pushing the slot buttons helps you feel in control, and the rewards motivate you to keep spinning the reels. Every time you hit the spin button, you feel more in control, and the gorgeous-looking visuals trigger the release of dopamine in our brains.
Why Are Slot Games So Addictive?
Several factors play into the addictiveness nature of slots. It’s not all about the dopamine. Here are some of the factors:
Cognitive Dissonance
This is what makes most of us gamble. Cognitive dissonance is a psychological phenomenon where players dissociate from the knowledge that they will lose their hard-gained money when they play online slot games.
It’s also the case with smokers who know that their smoking habit can lead to complicated health issues but continue to smoke anyways. Slots are risky and offer big wins and jackpots to the luckiest players, but gamblers will always chase the jackpot no matter the chances.
The Brain’s Reward System
Dopamine is a chemical in our brains released every time we do something that our primitive brain finds to be good or beneficial, such as eating or exercising. It is responsible for the thrill we feel when playing online slot games. The explosions of sounds, bright colours, and the rush of hitting the spin button trigger the release of dopamine, giving players a sense of euphoria that’s hard to escape.
Keeping you in Control
As previously mentioned, psychology believes that pushing spin buttons in slots or basically anything puts humans in control. Even if you can’t control the outcome in slots, the interactive controls help you feel in control.
Creating Memories
Traditional slot machines weren’t great with graphics or audio-visuals, but online slot games are much more different. When you land a winning combination, the visual and audio cues trigger the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine.
As you can see, slot machines involve a lot of psychology to keep you coming back for more. The psychological factors mentioned make spinning the reels on slots an enriching experience, keeping you interested and engaged for a long time.
