responsible gaming features - university of ca.PPTVIP

?Responsible Gaming Features on Video Lottery Terminals:  Tracy SchransFocal Research Consultants Ltd ?Tony SchellinckDalhousie University March 28, 2003 Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation Background VLT Replacement Plan Introductory Phase: May 2001 to January 2002 1000 new terminals, 400 modified/upgraded rolled out in retailer locations throughout the province includes new games, bill acceptor, improved graphics and four responsible gaming features intended to assist players in managing time and money spent playing research to assess player response The Responsible Gaming Features Rationale First in North America Developed based on research and consultation with problem gambling experts, VLT manufacturers and VL players Designed to provide: reality checks interruptions /breaks in play alert players to the amount of time and money being spent during a specific play session. The Four RGFs A permanent on-screen clock displaying time-of-day the display of betting activity in cash amounts versus credits pop-up reminders of time spent playing after 60, 90 and 120 minutes of continuous play a 5 minute warning at 145 minutes of continuous play and mandatory cash out at 150 minutes Purpose of Research Assess awareness of and exposure to the features; Determine the effect of the RGFs on player behaviours, perceptions and attitudes; Identify improvements to enhance the effectiveness of the features in mitigating excessive play. Research Challenges Roll out schedule for the new terminals Accurate measurement of changes Novelty effect Confounding effect of new games and other terminal enhancements Regression effect Rate of expenditure Methodology Qualitative research - preliminary product response phase Quantitative Pre-Post Return-to-sample design on-site intercept in 81 retail locations in selected communities detailed play behaviours benchmarked and tracked over 3 follow-up measurement periods (?two month intervals) total n=164 with r