Report

Assessment of online games design changes

Gambling Commission report focusing on research conducted into the impact of the online gambling games design changes.

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Published
8 June 2023

Last updated
8 June 2023 - Changes

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Contents

• Assessment of online games design changes

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• Executive summary
• Introduction
• - Background and approach
• - Theory of Change
• Methodology and limitations
• - Methodology for key sources
• - Limitations
• Outcomes
• - Reduced play intensity
• - Consumer awareness
• - Reduced binge gambling
• - Gambling within consumer means
• - Complaints
• - Safer gambling measures
• - Increased trust in gambling providers
• - Reduced 'problem gambling' rates
• Assumptions
• - Staking behaviour
• - Session length
• - Use of multiple tabs
• - Games design
• - Displacement to other games
• - Time and position
• - Loss chasing
• - Displacement to other markets
• - Inconvenience for gamblers
• Conclusions and next steps
• Appendices

Appendices

Appendix 1: Online Tracker Survey Questions (September 2021 to March 2022)

The following questions were asked to all who have played online slots in the past 12 months.

Thinking about online slots games, to what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements?

1. I am aware of the length of time I spend playing per game.
2. I am aware of the amount of money I spend playing per game.
3. I spend more time than I intend to when playing online slots games.
4. I spend more money playing online slots games than I can afford to lose.
5. I have recently experienced a ‘binge’ whilst playing online slots games.

Respondents were given the definition of binge when they hovered over the word.

A gambling binge can be described as a moment when you spent more than you’d intended while gambling, or you ignored any spending limits you usually give yourself.

Respondents were also asked to respond to the following questions

1. I play online slots games on multiple tabs, browsers or accounts simultaneously.
2. I enjoy playing online slots games.
3. I find it easy to stop playing online slots games when I want to.
4. I think it is easy for people to become engrossed whilst playing online slots products.

Respondents could select from the following responses:

• strongly agree
• agree
• neither agree or disagree
• disagree
• strongly disagree
• don't know.

Previous section
Assessment of online games design changes - Conclusions and next steps

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Last updated: 8 June 2023

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