Press Releases
Psychology of Online Casinos vs Land Based, Analysis of 41 Studies
Scientists have uncovered new information that may uncover why some people have problems controlling their gambling — and reveals all the ways casinos may be encouraging bad behavior
Leanbackplayer has released a summary of new findings on the psychology of gambling and how it affects the brain:
The research looked at 41 studies from 17 different journals over the past 5 years and compiled findings from each.
The research was performed by Will Titterington and Quincy Miller, veteran gaming industry professionals.
The Research Findings
Finding #1
Online casinos have built-in advantages that their brick-and-mortar counterparts struggle to match. Online casinos are more convenient, require less overhead to operate, and allow players to gamble in complete anonymity — important advantages that regular casinos will never be able to replicate.
“In online live casino gaming, the anonymity of the internet allows players to privately engage in gambling without the fear of stigma,” said Dr. Mark Griffiths, a Distinguished Professor of Behavioural Addiction at Nottingham Trent University.
Finding #2
The biggest advantage brick-and-mortar casinos have is consumer trust. Despite advances in cybersecurity, many gamblers simply don’t trust online casinos not to rig the games against them. As long as brick-and-mortar casinos have the edge in trust, they’ll likely enjoy a large slice of the gaming market.
Finding #3
Online casinos may be more dangerous for problem gamblers. The ability to gamble at any time, day or night, without any of the traditional societal safeguards that keep problem gamblers in check can be a recipe for disaster.
“Fundamentally, increased accessibility of gambling activities enables the individual to rationalize involvement in the risk-behavior by removing previously restrictive barriers such as time constraints emanating from occupational and social commitments,” Griffiths said.
Finding #4
Gambling utilizes the power of uncertainty to literally reprogram the brain. Gambling changes how the brain releases dopamine, the so-called “feel-good neurotransmitter.” Over time, the brain adjusts to higher and higher doses, reducing its effectiveness, so that gamblers have to play longer and bet more to get the same effect.
According to one study, the release of dopamine reinforces maladaptive gambling, creating a self-perpetuating destructive behavior.
Finding #5
Casinos — both online and brick-and-mortar — are using new technology to exploit players’ brains. Advances in gaming technology — most notably “losses disguised as wins” — are changing how long players gamble and how much they wager, often with catastrophic results.
Finding #6
The root of gambling addiction may lie in the supplementary eye field (SEF), a little-understood region of the brain designed to control the movement of the eyes. People with dopamine deficiencies also experience abnormalities in the SEF, making them more susceptible to addiction.
Researchers investigating monkeys found that increased neuron activity in this region corresponded to increased risk-taking behavior, and a lack of dopamine increased neuron activity, creating a vicious loop.
Finding #7
Problem gamblers fit a troubling profile. Addiction is more likely to affect men, minorities, and those with preexisting health conditions, and the rise of mobile gaming is making it easier for these people to fall into self-destructive patterns.
Prior to internet gambling, many of these vulnerable individuals weren’t affected so long as they didn’t live near a casino; however, the rise of mobile gaming has led to a corresponding rise in problem gambling among these demographics.
Finding #8
The solution to problem gambling may lie in setting limits. If casinos would enforce — and gamblers would adhere to — limits on how much can be wagered or how long sessions can last, problem gambling could be severely curbed.
Zitro recently held its first-ever Zitro Experience Paraguay, an exclusive event that brought together top operators, clients, and industry leaders at the prestigious Hotel Casino Acaray.
Held during SAGSE, the event quickly became a must-attend gathering to showcase the company’s latest innovations and strengthen strategic partnerships in the region.
Attendees got an up-close look at Zitro’s new CONCEPT cabinet line and games, which are already transforming the gaming experience across Latin America with their striking design and high performance. The presentation featured a spectacular production that highlighted Zitro’s commitment to innovation and product excellence.
The atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming, designed to foster business relationships while offering a full experience with curated cuisine and unique entertainment, making the evening truly memorable. Clients, operators, and industry professionals alike agreed on the importance of this event for driving growth in the Paraguayan market and reinforcing Zitro’s position as a key strategic partner.
Alejandra Burato, Regional Director for Latin America, shared: “It was a privilege to connect with so many operators and friends at this event. I especially want to recognize Viviana Colman, our Country Manager in Paraguay, whose dedication and deep market knowledge have been instrumental in strengthening our presence and partnerships here. Paraguay is a strategic market for us, and this event reaffirms our commitment to delivering a broad and diverse offering that adds real value to operators.”
Sebastián Salat, Zitro’s International President, added: “We’re incredibly proud to bring Zitro Experience to Paraguay for the first time. As the first slot machine manufacturer to organize an event like this in the country, we want to demonstrate our commitment to this market and continue innovating with high-performance products that drive our clients’ success. As I always say, Zitro isn’t just entering Paraguay — we’re already here, with a dedicated and talented local team and office. This Zitro Experience marks the beginning of a new era where we’re more determined than ever to support the dynamic and growing gaming industry in this fantastic country.”
Leading Mexican online casino and sportsbook, and glamorous sports broadcaster, join forces to promote the brand to more players than ever before
Winpot, Mexico’s player-favourite online casino and sports betting brand, has signed popular sports broadcaster Miroslava Montemayor to its growing team of brand ambassadors.
Miroslava is a former beauty pageant winner who has become one of the leading sports broadcasters and TV personalities in Mexico.
Her TV career began back in 2014, appearing on TV Azteca Noreste’s sports show where she covered the 2015 Pro Bowl and the Super Bowl XLIX from Glendale, Arizona.
She then left Azteca to join ESPN, where she presented the Spanish-language version of NFL Live, as well as ESPN Mexico’s afternoon sports talk show, Los Capitanes.
In 2017, she became anchor for the Spanish version of SportsCenter and hosted a show called Otra Ronda, which aired on ESPN2 in Mexico.
Today, she hosts the Champions League and Premier League coverage for TNT Sports Mexico.
As a Winpot brand ambassador, she will promote the hugely popular online casino and sportsbook to her fans through a range of campaigns and media activations.
This includes the brand’s latest TV campaign, set to air in August, which is focused on Winpot offering the best odds, guaranteed.
Winpot, which is powered by the cutting-edge Wiztech platform, has become the go-to destination for online casino players and sports bettors in Mexico.
It offers generous bonuses, localised payment options and a vast game lobby covering slots, table games, instant wins, live dealer and more, as well as the best odds across a huge range of sports.
Yoni Sidi, CEO at Winpot, said: “Miroslava is one of the most loved sports broadcasters in Mexico, combining her deep knowledge of the game with her captivating presenting style.
“This has seen her build a large and loyal fanbase across Mexico, and through this partnership, we can introduce these people to Winpot for the first time.
“We are really excited about our upcoming TV ad campaign, with Miroslava taking centre stage.”
Miroslava Montemayor, sports broadcaster and Winpot brand ambassador, added: “Winpot is one of the most trusted betting brands in Mexico, and I’m delighted to have been announced as a brand ambassador.
“I’ve had great fun filming the TV ad campaign and look forward to seeing it hit TV screens in August.
“This partnership is the perfect fit – I have a large and loyal fanbase of sports enthusiasts, and Winpot provides the superior sports betting experience they deserve.”
BMM Testlabs (“BMM” or “the Company”) announced that Travis Foley, Chief Government and Regulatory Officer, has been appointed Chair of the Emerging Technology Committee (ETC) for the International Gaming Standards Association (IGSA).
The ETC is a specialized committee within IGSA focused on identifying and evaluating transformative technologies likely to be deployed within the gaming industry. As Chair, Foley will lead collaborative efforts to support suppliers, regulators, and operators with clear frameworks, regulatory guidance, and standardization strategies that ensure the safe and efficient implementation of new technologies.
IGSA President Mark Pace said, “We are thrilled to have Travis lead the Emerging Technology Committee at such a critical time in the gaming industry. His deep understanding of regulatory frameworks and new and evolving gaming products and solutions will be invaluable as we work to guide the industry through the safe and practical adoption of groundbreaking technologies.”
Foley said, “The gaming industry is evolving rapidly, with technologies like AI, blockchain, cloud-based systems, and advanced remote gaming platforms reshaping how we think about compliance and innovation. I’m honored and excited to chair the Emerging Technology Committee and to work alongside IGSA’s members and global stakeholders to help see new technologies implemented safely, securely, and with integrity.”
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