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Erschienen in: Journal of Gambling Studies 1/2020

25.04.2019 | Original Paper

Return-to-Player Percentage in Gaming Machines: Impact of Informative Materials on Player Understanding

verfasst von: Kate Beresford, Alexander Blaszczynski

Erschienen in: Journal of Gambling Studies | Ausgabe 1/2020

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Abstract

The addictive potential of electronic gaming machines (EGMs) is currently explained within a cognitive-behavioural framework. This framework explains that various erroneous cognitions regarding players’ likelihood of winning contribute to persistent EGM gambling behaviour. Related to these cognitions is the pervasive misunderstanding among players regarding the operation of EGMs. However, little research has focussed specifically on player understanding of the theoretical proportion returned to players over the lifetime of a machine; return to player percentage. This study aimed to investigate the extent to which players understand the concept return to player percentage presented in different educative formats. A sample of 112 university students were randomly allocated to one of four conditions pertaining to a different mode of information delivery; infographic, vignette, brochure, or mandated legislation (control). Participants completed post-intervention measures to determine changes in knowledge. As predicted, participants exhibited a lack of understanding of the concept of return to player at baseline. However, contrary to predictions, exposure to any of the experimental conditions did not result in a greater understanding of return to player than controls. The study findings emphasise the difficulty individuals have in understanding complex concepts related to return to player percentages when presented in current formats and content. Treatment and responsible gambling policies need to adopt strategies to effectively improve knowledge of this aspect of the structural characteristics of gaming machines.
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Metadaten
Titel
Return-to-Player Percentage in Gaming Machines: Impact of Informative Materials on Player Understanding
verfasst von
Kate Beresford
Alexander Blaszczynski
Publikationsdatum
25.04.2019
Verlag
Springer US
Erschienen in
Journal of Gambling Studies / Ausgabe 1/2020
Elektronische ISSN: 1573-3602
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-019-09854-z

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