New Technology may Prevent Slots Addiction

Massachusetts gambling regulators are going to try new software in casinos that could potentially halt slots addiction.

The first of its kind in the U.S., “Play My Way” software will track how much you’ve bet and display the total onscreen. The idea is to make players aware of exactly how much they’ve wagered so that they don’t lose track.

Play My Way will be initiated through players’ rewards cards, bringing up an onscreen prompt when inserted into slot machines. Players then set their slots budget for the day, week or month, and, with assistance from the onscreen display, can potentially stick with this budget.

Plainridge Park, a slots parlor/racing track located in Plainville, Massachusetts, will be the first casino to test out Play My Way. ABC News reports that if the program is successful, it could be used in other casinos around the state and beyond.

“This has never been done in the United States before and it’s never been done in any jurisdiction of the world where it’s been successful,” said Massachusetts Gaming Commission Chairman Stephen Crosby. “So we’ve had to do this from top to bottom. That means everything from software design to marketing materials.”

It cost $200,000 from the state’s annual assessment on casinos to create the Play With Me program. But the hope is that it will successfully curb problem gambling among some slots players.

In theory, it seems like the software could work to accomplish this goal. However, the American Gaming Association is concerned about the effectiveness of such a program. They specifically cite how similar software has failed to make much of an impact in Australia, Canada, Norway, Sweden and other countries. The Canadian province of Nova Scotia even disbanded the software after nine years of use, citing gambling revenue decline and low usage.

However, the difference is that Nova Scotia’s program was required by all gamblers. Play My Way, on the other hand, is voluntary.

Those who enroll in the program will receive notifications when they approach 50% and 75% of their slots budget. And while they’ll never be cut off from playing more, an onscreen prompt will ask if they want to keep playing when the budget is hit. They can also change their limit at any time.

Obviously these measures won’t force people out of slots addiction. But they certainly look to provide a strong deterrent.