A recent study helps to show that many people gamble and play slot machines for many different reasons. Study recently found that those that play slot machines often do so in order to kill time, and not to win big. Instead of focusing on winning the money through the slot machines, they play to kill time, and also to relieve stress that is built up throughout the work week. The results are important because many gaming executives utilize studies like this in order to better designer games for the individuals that play them. Casinos are able to cater to their guests, by putting machines in place that help the guests to achieve a desirable outcome. While the ability to win while playing slot machines was definitely something that drew some gamers to it, the study found that a large majority of individuals play slot machines in order to kill time.
Many casinos are also able to take these types of studies into account when they are designing their floor. Depending on the objectives that gamers have when they play certain games, a certain environment might be catered to. For instance, Sandy Chen, who is currently up professor of hospitality management at Oregon State University gave one example of how casinos can utilize the information that they receive through studies to better design their floor layout.
“Instead of having a long line of slot machines, for example, they can be arranged in a circle to maximize socialization for those who are motivated by that aspect. Socialization may be a major reason for people to continue going to casinos instead of choosing online gambling options,” Chen said when asked about the recent study.
It is found that a total of about 75% of all casino revenue comes from individuals that play slot machines. At least 70% of all gamers state that they prefer to play slot machines rather than table games, for a wide variety of different reasons including not being familiar with the games, and not being familiar with the etiquette that is expected at the table. It is also said that 60% of slot players stated that they would rather win small frequent payouts, rather than larger, less frequent payouts.
The study showed that many of the individuals that play slot machines are there looking for entertainment, and are not looking to win big. The study also showed that women tend to play slots for the experience, while men are much more likely to hope that they make money doing so. Although both men and women showed entertainment at the top of their list for playing slot machines, men were much more likely to play slots for reasons other than entertainment, mostly financial gains.
The study also showed that gamers tend to prefer simple, easy-to-understand games, rather than games with a long storyline are interesting characters. Slot players are typically looking for something quick and easy, and not something that they have to dedicate a lot of time to, or put too much thought into. The co-authors of the study included Stowe Shoemaker and Dina Zemke.