In modern casinos, slots are the main source of revenue, and the games are designed to maximize casino profitability. The house advantage in a slot machine varies from game to game, and is often based on the probabilities of hitting certain combinations of symbols. However, the overall design of a slot game is consistent across machines and allows players to make predictable short-term decisions (Griffiths & Parke, 2005).
A random number generator is at the heart of every slot machine, and it produces an impartial sequence of numbers for each spin. In addition, each spin is independent from the outcome of any previous one, so the results of a particular game do not affect the results of any subsequent ones.
Because of these features, slot machines can offer a high degree of control for the player. Moreover, the feedback on wins and losses is almost immediate, allowing gamblers to see the impact of their actions on their bankrolls. Despite the fact that gambling is largely considered to be harmless entertainment, a small percentage of gamblers can experience severe gambling-related problems.
In order to understand what factors influence player behavior, developers of slot machines use research and data collection techniques. These techniques can include analyzing existing games and scrutinizing players’ play patterns, which can help them determine which features are the most effective in attracting and engaging players. For example, a gaming company like Scientific Games recently launched SG Connect, a reporting system that will provide the company and its operator customers with valuable data on slot player behavior.
