Despite the relatively primitive technology that distinguishes slot machines from contemporary video games, modern multiline slots are highly addictive and have a cult following. This is because they offer variable rewards that capture players’ attention and elicit positive emotions (Brown, 1986). As such, they are an appealing gambling device for many people. Unfortunately, this allure can be problematic: a significant subset of gamblers experience serious gambling-related problems that range from financial debt to strained interpersonal relationships and professional difficulties.
Until recently, little research has focused on the role of sounds in slot machine play. However, the results of one study suggest that sound can significantly influence a player’s perception of the frequency and magnitude of their wins. In this experiment, participants were tested on a realistic nine-line slot machine simulator that had a visual and sonic musical instrument theme. During each spin, a force transducer was fixed underneath the spin button, which was depressed to initiate a spin. When the combination of symbols responsible for a win was revealed, the payout counter displayed the amount of credits gained on that spin. If the spin resulted in a loss, the payout counter showed 0; for line wins, it sequentially flashed rising digits culminating in the amount of credit won on that spin.
In a sound-on condition, players on average overestimated the number of times that they won while playing this simulator. This effect was exacerbated when losses were disguised as wins, and when winning sounds were accompanied by a celebratory jingle. These findings support the argument that sounds enhance the arousing properties of modern multiline slot play and by extension, may account for some aspects of enjoyment attributable to dark flow.