Zoned in or zoned out? Investigating immersion in slot machine gambling using mobile eye‐tracking

• DOI: 10.1111/add.14899
• Publication Date: 2019-11-20T09:40:50Z
• Authors: W. Spencer Murch; Eve H. Limbrick‐O...; Mario A. Ferrari; Kent I. MacDonald; Jolande Fooken; Mariya V. Cherkasova; Miriam Spering; Luke Clark
• Keywords: Immersion

Abstract Background and Aims Immersion during slot machine gambling has been linked to disordered gambling. Current conceptualizations of immersion (namely dissociation, flow the zone) make contrasting predictions as whether gamblers are captivated by game per se (‘zoned in’) or motivated escape that provides out’). We examined selected eye‐movement metrics can distinguish between these predictions. Design Setting Pre‐registered, correlational analysis in a laboratory setting. Participants gambled on genuine for 20 minutes while wearing eye‐tracking glasses. Fifty‐three adult who were not high‐risk problem gamblers. Measurements self‐reported session eye movements at different areas screen (the reels, credit window, etc.). further explored variables’ relationships with saccade count amplitude. Findings The ratio dwell time game's window relative reels was positively associated ( t (51) = 1.68, P 0.049 one‐tailed, R 2 0.05). Follow‐up analyses described event‐related changes patterns following spin outcomes. Conclusions appears be active scanning focus window. These results more consistent ‘zoned in’ account aligned theory than out’ based escape.