EGM environments that contribute to excess consumption and harm
Summary
Funded through the foundation's Grants for Gambling Research program, this research investigated consumers' perspectives on the use of online and venue-based electronic gaming machines (EGMs).
Interviews with recent EGM gamblers showed that the social aspect of gambling was important for many, reflecting their choice to gamble in a venue. This was also seen as more exciting than online gambling, due in part to being able to win physical money. In contrast, those who preferred online gambling liked the functionality of it and the ease of being able to gamble at home.
Survey results showed that for the average EGM gambler, the 'ideal' environment involves playing on a classic game, with friends, at a club near home, in a relatively quiet place, with a large space to play in, and with cheap food available. In comparison, people experiencing gambling problems tended to be less concerned about where they gamble and whether they socialise with others while gambling.
Read more about the report in Inside gambling: Sweet spot toperfect storm: what makes the pokies clouds gather?
Citation
Rockloff, M, Thorne, H, Goodwin, B, Moskovsky, N, Langham, E, Browne, M, Donaldson, P, Li, E & Rose, J 2015, EGM environments that contribute to excess consumption and harm, Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, Melbourne.