How Psychology and Behavior Science are Used to Hook People on Gambling

Gambling is an addiction, but unlike other forms of gambling there is no substance taken. Still, gambling will cause changes in brain chemistry of the gambling addicts. The video poker machines or video slot machines are the worst in generating highest number of gambling addicts. Why? Because gambling industry employs the best people in psychology and behavior science and best programmers. They know what works best and will ruthlessly apply the science to hook people. At the end, what matters is profit and what would they care about suffering of gambling addicts and their families.

Let’s take a look at some of the factors which affect people and can make them to become addicted to gambling.

Colors. Very bright colors of red, blue and yellow are known to affect human physiology and behavior. Red light will stimulate the autonomic nervous system, evoking more tension, excitement, and hostility. Studies at Yale University indicated that the color red tended to detrimentally affect such mental activities as problem solving, decision making, and social conversation. Enough said.

The blue color extends the sense of time. Well, you can imagine how profitable it is for gambling machine operators to make people sit longer in the gaming room! Yellow color and saturated red-yellow combination produce the increase in adrenalin, which in turn produces feeling of excitement. Green inspires confidence: “A confident gambler” – what a joke!

Symbols. On the screen you often will see pyramids, scarabs, pharaohs, animals etc. These symbols are not random. They are chosen very carefully. For example, symbols which originate from Egypt like pyramids and pharaohs convey a meaning of mystery, wonder and wealth. The dolphin usually creates a feeling of friendliness and warmth. It is said that victims of domestic abuse are especially attracted to this symbol.

Music. At every win and especially big wins carefully chosen music sequences will play, which will reinforce the positive feelings associated with win.

As you can see latest research in psychology and behavioral science is used by gambling industry. It is really a shame that the best of science is employed to harm people rather than help them.