As we have seen, slot machines—with their rotating reels, dizzying displays and flashing lights—have come to be a notable artifact with numerous connections to various realms in the world of gambling. Starting with a brief history of how slot machines came to be as they are today since their conception, we have traced the technological advancements that have shaped their players. Importantly, however, the strong influence that slot machines exerted extended beyond each player; rather, analyzing the “psychology” of slot machine playing as well as of casino layout design has made clear how slot machines have shaped gambling as a social phenomenon, having tremendous effect on the modern society. We focused in on the negative social implications that slot machines seemed to hold, examining a variety of issues that continue to be subjects of much research today.

Ending with a brief, but insightful analysis of the popular TV show The Simpsons’ rendition of the slot machine’s place in the society, as well as of our own experimentation with an online slot machine, we find that we are continuously taken back to the powerful external influences slot machines exert. If materialism as we see it today indeed has its root in innate human nature, then our analysis suggests at least that this quality is hugely magnified by external influences, such as slot machines.

Professor Thomas Creed of St John’s University said, “the slot machine's nickname, 'one-armed bandit,' is indicative of the control it exerts over the player but is only half accurate—it does take money from its victim, but must do so by enticement rather than force. 'One-armed hustler' would be more accurate.” But maybe the enticement that slot machines present is almost of forceful nature—not just influencing a problem gambler to pull that lever one more time, but somehow affecting all of us, through its undeniable presence in our society.

Navigation

History of Slot Machines

Tracing Technology and its Effects on Slot Machines

The Psychology of the Slot Machine

Analysis of Casino Design

Casinos and Economics

Social Implications

$pringfield: Gambling and Slot Machines in Popular Culture

Our Experience with an Online Slot Machine Simulator

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