slot machines: addiction, game design & game revenue

Slot Machines: Addiction, Game Design & Game RevenueAlyssa N. Wilson, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Saint Louis University

SLU Gambling Addiction Research Lab

• SLU Casino replica research lab to:• Understand gambling behaviors across spectrum• Assist addicts in changing how they interact with

gambling

• What do we know about gambling addiction?

• What do we know about gambling treatment?

What do we know about gambling addiction?

Gambling treatment?

• Behavioral therapy to help gamblers get back into their life

• Learn how to interact with triggers, urges, and cravings differently

• Ex with young adults (18-20yo)

Wins – Losses Pre-Treatment (Both Groups Combined)

Wins – Losses Post-Treatment

Control GroupTreatment Group

Near Misses – Losses Pre-Treatment (Both Groups Combined)

Near Misses – Losses Post-Treatment

Control GroupTreatment Group

Conclusion

• Our data to date show how we can change brain activity following 8 weeks of therapy

• Key appears to be responsible gambling

• Treatment providers must be held accountable for treatment outcomes• Evidence based practice

THANK YOUAlyssa N Wilson, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Saint Louis University

awilso95@slu.edu