Poker-machine gambling study
June 23rd, 2015 at 5:31:06 AM
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My name is Charles McKeith and I am currently undertaking an honours year in Psychology at the University of New England, NSW, Australia under the supervision of Dr Adam Rock and Dr Gavin Clark. As part of the honours year, we have decided to do a project on poker-machine gambling behaviour and underlying mechanisms that promote problematic poker-machine behaviour in order to hopefully improve exposure therapies for problem gamblers.
The online survey requires respondents to view a neutral cue (3-minute video of women making tea) and a gambling cue (3-minute video of women playing poker machines) and to answer some questions to do with their gambling behaviour. The survey is completely anonymous and has been approved by the ethics committee at the University of New England.
We are looking for people that have played poker-machines (slot machines) an average of twice a month in the last 12 months and for whom poker-machine (slot machine) gambling is the preferred mode of gambling.
We would be really grateful if you could participate, as the study will hopefully lead to increased funding for gambling research as well as increased knowledge surrounding exposure therapies for gamblers. The survey should only take 15 minutes to complete and can be viewed here:
Kind regards, Charlie McKeith.
The online survey requires respondents to view a neutral cue (3-minute video of women making tea) and a gambling cue (3-minute video of women playing poker machines) and to answer some questions to do with their gambling behaviour. The survey is completely anonymous and has been approved by the ethics committee at the University of New England.
We are looking for people that have played poker-machines (slot machines) an average of twice a month in the last 12 months and for whom poker-machine (slot machine) gambling is the preferred mode of gambling.
We would be really grateful if you could participate, as the study will hopefully lead to increased funding for gambling research as well as increased knowledge surrounding exposure therapies for gamblers. The survey should only take 15 minutes to complete and can be viewed here:
Kind regards, Charlie McKeith.
June 23rd, 2015 at 6:12:27 AM
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I wouldn't click on that link of you paid me.
June 23rd, 2015 at 6:20:24 AM
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I think it needs to be clarified that what Charles refers to as a "poker machine" is a slot machine and not a video poker machine. (I'm not 100% sure about this, but I believe the reason they're called poker machines (or, colloquially, "pokies") in Australia is, instead of fruit symbols, they have A, K, Q, J, 10, and so on - yes, like quite a few penny & nickel slots in the USA.)
June 23rd, 2015 at 6:22:41 AM
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It's legit. Qualtrics, the co hosting the survey, is a leading US data and research company.
Wisdom is the quality that keeps you out of situations where you would otherwise need it
June 23rd, 2015 at 7:06:12 AM
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Hi, thanks for the response. In Australia we refer to slot machines as poker-machines or 'pokies' colloquially as you said! For the purposes of this study, gambling on either a slot machine or a video poker machine would be sufficient. In terms of the more intricate details of the symbols, I am not too sure as I'm not a regular 'pokie' gambler myself. I am going to have to do some recruiting in person at the Star Casino in Sydney as well as local pubs and bars so will find out and report back. Thanks for your interest and please feel free to complete the survey if you have the spare time.
Kind regards,
Charlie.
Kind regards,
Charlie.
June 23rd, 2015 at 7:11:33 AM
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Hi,
Sorry that the post seemed spammy. Qualtrics is commonly used as survey software in psychological research and is what has been provided through my university. I can totally understand that you don't want to click on the link.
Regards,
Charlie.
Sorry that the post seemed spammy. Qualtrics is commonly used as survey software in psychological research and is what has been provided through my university. I can totally understand that you don't want to click on the link.
Regards,
Charlie.
June 23rd, 2015 at 7:37:30 AM
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In Australia I have seen the term "Pokies" to mean what we call fruit machines (if you google "pokies adelaide" it you can confirm this). Thus Charlie might have meant "pokies" rather than "Poker".
Charlie - you need to be aware of the difference between fruit machines where essentially there is little skill and poker machines where there is some skill and, on occasions, you can win on the long term. You should see a lot about the latter on this forum and references to the various returns for the different games. The former is totally different prospect, and with their low pay-scales (House Edge) are probably generally avoided by people on this forum, except when played for fun.
If you are looking to gain data, or experiences, of people playing fruit machines and the effect this has had on their lives - I guess this forum tends to have people who analyse gaming rather than being adversed affected by gambling. Also, from the other side, many casino people might admit there are problem gamblers - but at the end of the day they are there to provide a service in the same way as a pub serves beer.
I can understand a desire for an analysis of problem gambling, but I'm not sure what is the best way of investigating the reasons people get into gambling difficulties. Bets of luck! (sic)
Charlie - you need to be aware of the difference between fruit machines where essentially there is little skill and poker machines where there is some skill and, on occasions, you can win on the long term. You should see a lot about the latter on this forum and references to the various returns for the different games. The former is totally different prospect, and with their low pay-scales (House Edge) are probably generally avoided by people on this forum, except when played for fun.
If you are looking to gain data, or experiences, of people playing fruit machines and the effect this has had on their lives - I guess this forum tends to have people who analyse gaming rather than being adversed affected by gambling. Also, from the other side, many casino people might admit there are problem gamblers - but at the end of the day they are there to provide a service in the same way as a pub serves beer.
I can understand a desire for an analysis of problem gambling, but I'm not sure what is the best way of investigating the reasons people get into gambling difficulties. Bets of luck! (sic)
June 23rd, 2015 at 9:09:09 AM
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You might find this interesting. Probably the biggest machine loser.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/15/us/over-a-decade-maureen-oconnor-spent-1-billion-on-bets.html?_r=0
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/15/us/over-a-decade-maureen-oconnor-spent-1-billion-on-bets.html?_r=0
June 23rd, 2015 at 4:25:41 PM
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^ a very misleading article.
June 23rd, 2015 at 4:58:18 PM
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I can confirm that slot machines are indeed called "pokies" in Australia. Why they call them that -- I have no idea. I don't think they have a term for video poker as the number of said machines I have seen there is zero, and that includes the entire floor of the Star City in Sydney.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
June 23rd, 2015 at 5:21:20 PM
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Quote: WizardI can confirm that slot machines are indeed called "pokies" in Australia. Why they call them that -- I have no idea. I don't think they have a term for video poker as the number of said machines I have seen there is zero, and that includes the entire floor of the Star City in Sydney.
I understand that, "Pokies," is actually short for, "Poker Machines," but again, I have no idea why they would call them Poker Machines.
https://wizardofvegas.com/forum/off-topic/gripes/11182-pet-peeves/120/#post815219
June 23rd, 2015 at 7:09:32 PM
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Quote: rsactuary^ a very misleading article.
Yup. 1 billion coin in, $13 million actual loss at a 1.3% loss goes over the average americans head.
"Man Babes" #AxelFabulous
June 23rd, 2015 at 7:59:41 PM
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Dam that's actually not bad. Considering the average player is probably coughing up 3% on VP. But Since she played higher limit who knows. That would be terrible on 9/6.Quote: djatcYup. 1 billion coin in, $13 million actual loss at a 1.3% loss goes over the average americans head.
It's sick to think about that if she actually knew what she was doing. She could've negotiated all kinds of stuff, possibly $5 to $25 FPDW, 10/6 DBDB, 10/7 DB, FPJW and kickbacks, loss rebates, played for drawings and promotions.
I wonder what kind of free-play, front money offers, shopping she got?
Wonder how many Royals?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
ex-mayor [check]
Brain surgery [check]
Obviously addicted [check]
losing millions of stolen charitable foundation money [check]
Dan. This goes to show us that casinos take no responsibility nor gives at rats ass, they turn a blind eye, they see money and they don't care who or why you're spending it, as long as it's all gambled away.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
June 24th, 2015 at 6:05:08 AM
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Quote: cyberbabbleYou might find this interesting. Probably the biggest machine loser.
Thanks for the heads up - a pretty devastating story.
Still looking for participants - any volunteers would be greatly appreciated, sorry that I can't incentivise participation. All I can say is that there have been some issues with slot machine gambling in my family so just trying to increase the body of literature on the topic!
Here is the link again:
June 24th, 2015 at 11:48:17 AM
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Quote: Mission146I understand that, "Pokies," is actually short for, "Poker Machines," but again, I have no idea why they would call them Poker Machines.
As I said earlier, I'm pretty sure it's because they almost all have A-K-Q-J-10-9 symbols instead of the fruit or 7 symbols that you expect to find on slot machines in the USA.
June 26th, 2015 at 11:01:38 AM
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We are looking for people that have played poker-machines (slot machines) an average of twice a month in the last 12 months and for whom poker-machine (slot machine) gambling is the preferred mode of gambling.
Thanks for your contributions thus far:
Here is the link one more time:
Thanks for your contributions thus far:
Here is the link one more time:
June 26th, 2015 at 11:05:38 AM
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Quote: ThatDonGuyAs I said earlier, I'm pretty sure it's because they almost all have A-K-Q-J-10-9 symbols instead of the fruit or 7 symbols that you expect to find on slot machines in the USA.
That is also what I was told when I was working in Australia.
At my age, a "Life In Prison" sentence is not much of a deterrent.
June 26th, 2015 at 8:03:29 PM
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Used the link and took the survey. It seems all legit to me. I hope you get some useful responses, cm!
If the House lost every hand, they wouldn't deal the game.
June 27th, 2015 at 3:47:39 AM
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Quote: beachbumbabsUsed the link and took the survey. It seems all legit to me. I hope you get some useful responses, cm!
Thanks so much for completing it!
All the best,
Charlie.
June 27th, 2015 at 7:29:08 AM
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Also competed the study, be interesting to read about the results.
June 27th, 2015 at 11:24:33 AM
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Quote: joshua.chanAlso competed the study, be interesting to read about the results.
Welcome to the forum, Joshua, and thanks for posting!
If the House lost every hand, they wouldn't deal the game.
June 27th, 2015 at 12:37:42 PM
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Quote: beachbumbabsWelcome to the forum, Joshua, and thanks for posting!
+1 Welcome!
And did the survey.
June 28th, 2015 at 10:29:15 AM
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Quote: tringlomane+1 Welcome!
And did the survey.
Thank you very much, and thanks to Joshua too!
June 28th, 2015 at 3:33:12 PM
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That's a pretty damn good percentage for a VP player.Quote: djatcYup. 1 billion coin in, $13 million actual loss at a 1.3% loss goes over the average americans head.
"Dice, verily, are armed with goads and driving-hooks, deceiving and tormenting, causing grievous woe." -Rig Veda 10.34.4
June 30th, 2015 at 4:57:05 AM
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Thanks for the contributions guys, if you would like to see the results when all the data is collected, please email me at cmckeith@myune.edu.au.
Here is the link again for those who would still like to participate:
Here is the link again for those who would still like to participate:
July 6th, 2015 at 7:09:37 PM
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Thanks to everyone who has participated, the survey will be open for another 3-4 weeks if you would still like to contribute.
All the best,
Charlie.
All the best,
Charlie.
July 9th, 2015 at 2:18:59 PM
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Hi everyone,
Thanks for contributing. We are still looking for more participants so if you have a spare 15 minutes it would be much appreciated if you could complete the survey. If you have played slot machines at least twice a month in the last 12 months you are welcome to participate.
Here is the link:
Does anyone know of any other online slot machine forums where people may be interested in participating? I have attempted to contact a few including 'slotfanatics.com' but they don't seem to be interested in responding to my messages....
Thanks again for the contributions.
Thanks for contributing. We are still looking for more participants so if you have a spare 15 minutes it would be much appreciated if you could complete the survey. If you have played slot machines at least twice a month in the last 12 months you are welcome to participate.
Here is the link:
Does anyone know of any other online slot machine forums where people may be interested in participating? I have attempted to contact a few including 'slotfanatics.com' but they don't seem to be interested in responding to my messages....
Thanks again for the contributions.
July 20th, 2015 at 7:22:51 PM
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Hi everyone,
I was wondering if anyone knows of any other slot machine forums on the internet or facebook?
The survey is still open and can be accessed here:
I was wondering if anyone knows of any other slot machine forums on the internet or facebook?
The survey is still open and can be accessed here:
July 21st, 2015 at 3:22:32 AM
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I got most of the way through the survey and then blew it off. It felt good.
Watching the video and then having no questions about the video, just the same questions over again, offended me. I felt like "they" had no respect for the time they asked for me. It was getting to be 15 minutes of my life I was never going to get back.
Watching the video and then having no questions about the video, just the same questions over again, offended me. I felt like "they" had no respect for the time they asked for me. It was getting to be 15 minutes of my life I was never going to get back.
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!” She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
July 26th, 2015 at 4:10:41 AM
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Hi,
I'm sorry you felt this way and didn't mean to offend. The videos are designed as cues and although the questions are the same for each video they are intended to hopefully elicit different responses. Thanks for giving the survey a go anyway, it is much appreciated.
All the best,
Charlie.
I'm sorry you felt this way and didn't mean to offend. The videos are designed as cues and although the questions are the same for each video they are intended to hopefully elicit different responses. Thanks for giving the survey a go anyway, it is much appreciated.
All the best,
Charlie.
August 10th, 2015 at 8:27:42 PM
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Hi everyone,
Thanks for your continued support. The survey will close towards the end of the month. For those that have not completed the survey, please note that you can only move forward to the next page once each 3-minute video has completed. If you would still like to participate here is the link:
For any questions or queries, please email cmckeith@myune.edu.au
Kind regards,
Charlie.
Thanks for your continued support. The survey will close towards the end of the month. For those that have not completed the survey, please note that you can only move forward to the next page once each 3-minute video has completed. If you would still like to participate here is the link:
For any questions or queries, please email cmckeith@myune.edu.au
Kind regards,
Charlie.
September 9th, 2015 at 11:27:07 PM
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Hello everyone, the survey is coming to an end very soon and I will have to write up the results soon. Thanks to everyone who has participated so far. Would really appreciate it if you could participate if you have a spare 15 minutes!
Regards,
Charlie.
Regards,
Charlie.
September 15th, 2015 at 1:04:16 AM
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Hey everyone, still looking for more participants for the slots survey.
Here is the link again:
Regards,
Charlie.
Here is the link again:
Regards,
Charlie.
September 15th, 2015 at 5:39:02 AM
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Quote: cmckeith13Hey everyone, still looking for more participants for the slots survey.
Here is the link again:
http://unebcss.co1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_bHP2YiQ88pF9ns9
Regards,
Charlie.
Charlie,
It's time to be satisfied with your participation rates here and stop bumping this thread, please. We don't normally allow it at all; I've given you some latitude, but past experience indicates that everyone who will participate pretty much already has. Best wishes on crunching the data, and I think we'd like an update when you have the results. Thanks.
If the House lost every hand, they wouldn't deal the game.
September 15th, 2015 at 6:55:40 PM
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No worries at all, thanks for letting me post as much as I have. I'll let you know how everything goes. Thanks to everyone who has participated. Cheers beachbumbabs.
