An investigation into the role of situational and structural characteristics of fruit machine playing

Parke, J., 2007. An investigation into the role of situational and structural characteristics of fruit machine playing. PhD, Nottingham Trent University.

Preview

Text 10183208.pdf - Published version Download (43MB) | Preview

Abstract

In the UK, 47% of all calls to GamCare (a primary source of counselling and advice for problem gamblers in the UK) were from fruit machine or fixed odds betting terminal players (Gamcare, 2005). Despite their popularity, there is a distinct lack of research investigating the psychology of fruit machine gambling in the UK, particularly in respect to adult gambling. Furthermore, little attention has been given the structural determinants of machine gambling in relation to player experience and appeal. This thesis explores the structural and situational factors of fruit machine gambling in the United Kingdom incorporating a range of demographics, sites and locations. The principal methods employed include participant observation, surveys, interviews and personal communications. Fruit machine gamblers reported high levels of pathological gambling and a high frequency of visits to gambling environments although over a third of the sample claimed to make a profit on a regular basis. Post-gambling cognitions were identified among fruit machine players in the form of positive thinking used as a coping strategy after losing. Unlike in other fields of health, in gambling such cognitive activity after losing is considered counterproductive to life adjustment. Most importantly, several new and developed situational and structural characteristics of fruit machine gambling were recorded which have several implications for player behaviour. 'Money-ln-Money- Out (MIMO) ratio' and 'Skimming' were identified as two aspects critical in fruit machine play which have implications for the appeal and addictive nature of fruit machines. A typology was also created based on how individuals interact with such design features offering clear criteria for membership and suggesting valid implications for the understanding and management of machine gambling. Implications of all findings are considered in terms of player behaviour, and the prevention and treatment of pathological gambling. Recommendations for future research are discussed.

Item Type:	Thesis
Creators:	Parke, J.
Date:	2007
ISBN:	9781369314748
Identifiers:	Number Type PQ10183208 Other
Divisions:	Schools > School of Social Sciences
Record created by:	Linda Sullivan
Date Added:	22 Sep 2020 07:10
Last Modified:	03 Aug 2023 09:54
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/40860

Actions (login required)

Edit View

Views

Downloads