A slot is a space, or opening, in a surface or other object. Often used in reference to aircraft or automobiles, a slot is an area that allows for the passage of air in order to maintain lift and maneuverability. A slot may also be found in the wing of certain birds. In this case, it is a narrow notch between the tips of the primaries that helps to allow for a flow of air over the wings during flight.
In the casino industry, slot machines are by far the most important revenue generators. They are attractive and flashy, and offer a variety of incentives for players.
For nearly four decades, manufacturers and operators have struggled to understand what makes a slot game successful. The work is akin to a puzzle in search of the right combination of factors that can make a game “sticky,” with players sticking around for longer periods of time than others, thus increasing the overall profitability of the machine.
Research has also shown that players enjoy slots for different reasons, and that they have a variety of ways of enjoying the games. In this study, we report two new measures of reward reactivity (PRP and force as a function of win size) that, unlike other psychophysiological measures using cumbersome electrodes that may diminish ecological validity and inhibit flow, appear to gauge enjoyment in a natural, unobtrusive way.
As the casino industry continues to grapple with a tough economy, companies like ReelMetrics are helping to determine what features and styles of slot games appeal most to players. At the same time, developers are relying on data analytics more and more to cull what works from what doesn’t.
