Gambling can be an exciting activity, but understanding how it works is essential for making informed decisions. This section provides insights into the basics of gambling, the mechanics behind different games, and the tactics that can put you at greater risk of gambling harm.
You can make more informed decisions about your gambling when you understand how gambling products work.
Poker machines
Poker machines are designed to keep you gambling with tactics like:
- Near misses: These make you feel like you have almost won, but it doesn’t mean you’re closer to a win.
- Losses disguised as wins: Flashing lights and sounds make small wins feel exciting, even if your winnings are less than you bet, ‘tricking’ your brain into feeling good.
- Speed of play: Poker machines play fast, giving you less time to think about your losses or whether to keep playing.
Sports and race betting
Harm from sports and race betting often comes from:
- Inducements: Offers like bonus bets and cashbacks can make you spend more and take more risks.
- Complex bets: Multi bets promise bigger payouts but have much lower odds than single bets. Most multi bets don’t win making them more profitable for betting companies.
- 24/7 access: Online betting makes it easy to gamble anytime, anywhere.
- Normalisation: Betting is often promoted as a fun, social activity, making it seem like a normal part of events like the Melbourne Cup or through apps that encourage ‘betting with mates’.
Casino table games
Casinos are designed to feel exciting, with lights and sounds suggesting big wins. However, factors that can keep you gambling and increase harm include:
- Complex games: Many casino table games require quick thinking and decision-making, adding pressure.
- Illusion of Skill: You may feel that you are ‘skilled’ at playing a table game, but all table games provide a significant ‘house-edge’ to the casino.
- Unmonitored play on Automated Tables: Automated versions of table games are not monitored by dealers, meaning harmful gameplay can be overlooked.
- Near misses: In games like blackjack and roulette, near misses make you feel like you are close to winning, even when you’re not.
Bingo
Whilst bingo is a social game, it now carries more risk because of:
- Digital versions: Electronic tablets and online bingo let you play more games at once than you can with pen and paper.
- Jackpots: Bigger, rolling jackpots encourage higher spending with fewer winners.
Keno
Keno is a game where players pick numbers to win prizes, and it’s now available online. Factors that can lead to harm include:
- Fast gameplay: The game moves quickly, giving you little time to decide whether to play again before the next draw.
- Near misses: You may feel you’re close to winning if you only miss by a few numbers, encouraging you to keep playing.
- 24/7 access: Keno can be played easily on apps, making it always available on your phone.
Concerned about your gambling?
It’s easy to lose track of your spending or think about gambling more often than you did before. If this sounds familiar, you can find ways to manage your gambling(opens in a new window).
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