When it comes to pokies, every aspect of each game’s design is meant to have an effect on the player. From sounds to lights to gameplay features, everything that is part of the pokies gaming experience will change the way the average person would perceive the game. A new study by researchers at Adelaide University has suggested that slight changes to these features could go a long way to boosting responsible gambling in the country.

Paul Delfabbro, an associate professor at Adelaide University, believes that making changes to poker machine sound could have a significant positive impact on players. He states that these modifications could curb problem gambling rates. Delfabbro and his team of researchers have suggested lowering the volume of the music that poker machines play.

The reason behind this suggestion is similar to the reason behind Victoria’s ban on using headphones while playing pokies. Loud music immerses the player in the gambling experience, and it may make it difficult for players to make responsible decisions about their finances. Another recommendation suggested changing the pitch of poker machine noises.

Since high-pitched noises are meant to excite and encourage players, the researchers suggested lowering the pitch so that players are not lured into spending more money than they had planned. The researchers also suggested introducing low-pitched noises for losses. This would associate a negative sound with losing money, so players are not encouraged to continue playing even when they are on a losing streak.

Senator Nick Xenophon, a well-known responsible gambling advocate, thinks that Delfabbro and his team may be on to something. He would like to see more research on the effects of gambling sounds on players. Delfabbro suggests that gaming machine sounds can even trigger a player’s urge to gamble if they are heard outside of a gambling venue.

So, it is important that local researchers start to uncover the effects that poker machine sounds can have on players, as subtle changes can make a big difference in problem gambling rates.

About the Author

George Anderson
Author George, has over 25+ years’ experience in the Pokies and Casinos industry throughout Australia and New Zealand. Loves to research new Pokies games on the block and follows announcements from top industry providers about their upcoming releases. As soon as a new interesting pokie game appears on his radar, George is there to check it out and give you the scoop before anyone else and tell you about all casino sites where can play the latest game. Before this gig, George worked as Pokie game tester, making him an ideal candidate for this genre of work. He is also an animal lover and a proud owner of three dogs.