Casino gaming is a popular and profitable form of entertainment, attracting millions of players worldwide. However, not all players have the same motives and behaviors when they gamble. Some play for fun, some play for money, and some play for other reasons. What drives these different types of players to engage in live casino games, and how does it affect their gaming behavior? In this article, we will explore the psychological aspects of casino gaming, using insights from scientific research and expert opinions.
What Is Live Casino Gaming?
Live casino gaming is a type of online gambling that simulates the experience of playing in a real casino, with real dealers, real cards, real tables, and real interactions. Live casino games are streamed in real time from professional studios or land-based casinos, and players can choose from a variety of games, such as roulette, blackjack, baccarat, poker, and more. Live casino games offer several advantages over traditional online casino games, such as:
- Enhanced realism and immersion, as players can see and hear the actual game action and the dealer, and feel like they are in a real casino environment.
- Increased trust and security, as players can verify the fairness and integrity of the game outcomes, and communicate with the dealer and other players.
- More social and interactive, as players can chat with the dealer and other players, and enjoy the camaraderie and competition of live gaming.
- More diverse and innovative, as players can access different variants, themes, and formats of live casino games, and enjoy various features and options.
What Motivates Players to Engage in Live Casino Gaming?
According to the American Gaming Association (AGA), 90% of gamblers practice responsible gaming and never have compulsions about gambling¹. These players are typically called recreational or social gamblers, and they play for various reasons, such as:
- Enjoyment: Playing live casino games is fun and entertaining for many players, as they can enjoy the thrill and excitement of gambling, and the variety and innovation of live casino games.
- Challenge: Playing live casino games is challenging and rewarding for some players, as they can test and improve their skills and strategies, and face different levels of difficulty and complexity.
- Socialization: Playing live casino games is social and interactive for some players, as they can socialize and communicate with the dealer and other players, and share their experiences and emotions.
- Escape: Playing live casino games is relaxing and distracting for some players, as they can escape from their daily stress and problems, and immerse themselves in a different and stimulating environment.
However, not all players are motivated by positive and healthy reasons. Some players are driven by negative and harmful reasons, such as:
- Addiction: Playing live casino games is addictive and compulsive for some players, as they develop a psychological dependence on gambling, and lose control over their gambling behavior and consequences.
- Money: Playing live casino games is greedy and risky for some players, as they chase money and profits, and gamble beyond their means and limits.
- Emotion: Playing live casino games is emotional and irrational for some players, as they gamble based on their mood and feelings, and fall prey to cognitive biases and fallacies.
These players are typically called problem or pathological gamblers, and they account for 2% to 4% of gamblers¹. They suffer from a mental disorder called gambling disorder, which is characterized by persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior that causes significant impairment or distress².
How Does Live Casino Gaming Affect Player Behavior?
Live casino gaming can have different effects on player behavior, depending on the type and motivation of the player. For recreational or social gamblers, live casino gaming can have positive and beneficial effects, such as:
- Enhancing their mood and well-being, as they experience positive emotions and satisfaction from gambling.
- Improving their cognitive and social skills, as they learn and apply new knowledge and strategies, and interact and cooperate with others.
- Increasing their self-esteem and confidence, as they achieve their goals and overcome their challenges.
For problem or pathological gamblers, live casino gaming can have negative and detrimental effects, such as:
- Damaging their physical and mental health, as they experience stress, anxiety, depression, and other psychological problems from gambling.
- Ruining their financial and social situation, as they lose money, assets, and relationships from gambling.
- Reducing their quality of life and happiness, as they neglect their other responsibilities and interests from gambling.
How to Practice Responsible Gaming in Live Casino Gaming?
Responsible gaming is the concept of playing live casino games in a way that minimizes the potential harm to oneself and others. It involves setting limits, managing money, understanding the odds, and seeking help when needed. Responsible gaming also means respecting the rules and regulations of the live casino platforms, as well as the rights and interests of other players and stakeholders. Here are some tips and advice on how to practice responsible gaming in live casino gaming:
- Set a budget and stick to it. Before you start playing, decide how much money you can afford to spend and lose, and do not exceed that amount. Use only your own money, and do not borrow or lend money for gambling purposes. Keep track of your spending and winnings, and do not chase your losses or get greedy with your wins.
- Set a time limit and take breaks. Decide how much time you can spend on gambling, and do not go over that limit. Take regular breaks to refresh your mind and body, and do not let gambling interfere with your other responsibilities and commitments. Use the tools and features provided by the live casino platforms to monitor and control your gambling time, such as reminders, timers, and self-exclusion options.
- Understand the games and the odds. Learn the rules and strategies of the games you play, and do not rely on superstitions, myths, or false beliefs. Know the odds and probabilities of winning and losing, and do not expect to win every time or make a profit in the long run. Remember that gambling is a form of entertainment, not a way of making money or solving problems.
- Seek help when needed. If you feel that you are losing control over your gambling, or that it is affecting your health, well-being, or relationships, do not hesitate to seek help. There are many resources and services available to assist you, such as online self-help tools, helplines, counseling, and support groups. You can also talk to your friends, family, or trusted people who can support you and guide you.
Conclusion
Live casino gaming is a fascinating and complex phenomenon that involves various psychological aspects. Different players have different motivations and behaviors when they gamble, and live casino gaming can have different effects on their behavior. By understanding the psychology of casino gaming, players can enjoy live casino gaming in a safe and healthy way, and have a positive and rewarding gaming experience. Remember, live casino gaming is fun, but only when you play responsibly.
Source: Conversation with Bing, 5/1/2024 (1) What Happens in Vegas: Notes on the Psychology of Gambling. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/insight-therapy/202007/what-happens-in-vegas-notes-the-psychology-gambling. (2) The Psychology of Gambling – Ledger - Yale University. https://campuspress.yale.edu/ledger/the-psychology-of-gambling/. (3) The Psychology of Casino Gaming: Why We Love the Thrill of the Bet. https://thegaminggang.com/cool-stuff/the-psychology-of-casino-gaming-why-we-love-the-thrill-of-the-bet/. (4) Designed to deceive: How gambling distorts reality and hooks your brain. https://theconversation.com/designed-to-deceive-how-gambling-distorts-reality-and-hooks-your-brain-91052.