Are slot machines evil?

[Kire]

I guess this is the same as asking "is gambling evil," but not really. Basically, it gives you a super slight chance of paying out as long as you pay in...but it's my job to distract people by entertaining them at the same time so they forget the fact that they're pouring so much money into this w/ little chance of getting it back.

I guess the real question is...is my job evil. Basically, my job is to distract people w/ fun animations and pretty colors and get people to spend as much as possible and make them forget about how much they should be spending. No, I don't feel particularly great about this on a moral level, but with my luck, there is no God, and I shouldn't worry about this stuff anyway.

On the other hand, this is what I'm using my talents on...what do you guys think? Do I have a point in my view or am I worrying about dumb **** that no one ultimately cares about, take the paycheck, continue to work and move on?

[Jehuty]

Re: Are slot machines evil?

Gambling in general is stupid in my eyes. Theres obvious moral ambiguity, but its as much the players fault as it is the person that made them. Self-control and discipline seem to be becoming disvalued in modern western culture.

To blame your pretty colours and animations for a problem that stems from many inputs is silly. However, if it is giving you such discomfort that you must ask yourself these questions, perhaps you are just unhappy with your current job. If that is the case I would seek different employment.

[John Mora]

Re: Are slot machines evil?

Addiction has less to do with self-control and discipline and more to do with coping strategies and self-soothing.

[Shard]

Re: Are slot machines evil?

My parents are fans of the type of games you're working on Kire. They're not addicts and they know that they're more than likely going to come away with less money.

They appreciate the distractions that animations and side-games provide and usually the longer they can play the better they consider the results.

In short, the fantasy of winning is similar to an idle daydream. They would do it with occasional Scratcher and lotto tickets too. Ultimately, they know what they're "buying" is entertainment.



IMO, it's exploitive, but not evil, and no more exploitive than any arcade has ever been.

[John Mora]

Re: Are slot machines evil?

How were early arcade titles any different than slot machines, anyways.

[Jehuty]

Re: Are slot machines evil?

How were early arcade titles any different than slot machines, anyways.

Arcade machines you pay to play. Slot machines you pay for the chance at an equal or greater return of your monetary investment

[Shard]

Re: Are slot machines evil?

If you're looking at slot machines as a monetary investment, I would like to manage your portfolio for you.

[John Mora]

Re: Are slot machines evil?

I would say that with arcade machines, you're betting that the play experience will be enjoyable enough and last long enough to make your monetary investment enjoyable.

[Magus]

Re: Are slot machines evil?

I would say that the big difference is that casinos are still alive.

[Lausen]

Re: Are slot machines evil?

I think slot machines and arcade machines is a perfectly valid comparison. It's entertainment. If you can sit and play slots for 3-4 hours and only lose like $25 whats the problem? How many hours of entertainment can $25 really get you nowdays? A trip to the movies can cost you that much for only 2 hours of fun and there isn't a chance of walking away with more money then you started with at a movie. Of course, like you mentioned some people get carried away.

Kire, I don't think you should worry about it. If someone is stupid enough to blow their entire paycheck on slots or any form of gambling it's their own fault. There are just as many people out there that love slots and ARE responsible enough to play them.

[Jehuty]

Re: Are slot machines evil?

If you're looking at slot machines as a monetary investment, I would like to manage your portfolio for you.

Hence why i said at the chance.

[Shard]

Re: Are slot machines evil?

Again, from the players that I know... none of them are doing it because they've been duped into thinking it's a way to make money.

Most people don't play slot machines one time and never go back, which is about the only way you could come out ahead.

My folks bring a couple hundred bucks they're prepared to lose in the pursuit of entertainment. If winnings cover a couple meals or help pay for gas or whatever, bonus! If not, well it's money they didn't expect to return with anyway.

[Rodak]

Re: Are slot machines evil?

Slot machines aren't evil.

Money is evil!

[Mcardy]

Re: Are slot machines evil?

Not evil. The only thing evil about them is the glitches that make people think they've hit the jackpot, then casinos claim its a "glitch" and doesn't pay out the money.

That's the only evil thing about them.

[Goufunaki]

Re: Are slot machines evil?

I say they're evil. Those things hate me.

I sat down one time at a slot machine, just throwing my money away. My mom sits at the machine right next to me, and wins like $200.