Psychophysiological arousal signatures of near-misses in slot machine play

Abstract

Near-misses in slot machines resemble jackpot wins but fall just short (e.g. two red sevens on the payline and a third just above). These outcomes have been shown to be subjectively arousing outcomes that promote further slot machine play. We assessed the psychophysical responses of 65 participants to wins, losses and near-misses while playing a slot machine simulator. Skin conductance responses were significantly larger for near-misses than either wins or losses. Similarly, heart rate deceleration was significantly larger for near-misses than either wins or losses. These arousal responses were not mediated by players' problem gambling status – near-misses generated large arousal responses even among novice players. We propose that these arousal patterns are due to the frustration of just missing a big win. This research shows the psychophysiological responses triggered by near-misses, and furthers our understanding of how near-misses promote further play.

Keywords:

• addiction
• electronic gaming machines
• neuroimaging
• neuropsychology
• psychology
• technology

Acknowledgements

This research was supported by the Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre. We thank Danielle Ritsema for her help with data collection.

Notes

1. Although pupillometry measures were collected, pupil dilation effects were not analysed in because the differently coloured stimuli that represented wins, losses and the predominantly red near-misses could not be equated.