Summary:
A study by The Behavioural Insights Team found that simplified odds information led to a 3% increase in the understanding of the risks involved in the segment. The number of people willing to continue playing the game went down by 7%. The way in which RTP information is presented has been noted by researchers.
There is a lack of understanding of current return to player statements for gamblers who play online slots, and this can lead them to take more risks than they would normally do, according to research carried out by The Behavioural Insights Team. Increased understanding and less willingness to take risks were caused by simplified odds.
The Behavioural Insights Team created an online slot game and studied the gambling activity of over 5,000 participants. Each segment of the group was presented with RTP information in a variety of formats. This included simpler odds presented as potential losses in totals and slight changes such as making the RTP information more prominent or highlighting the colour of the RTP text.
Half of all participants were presented with free spins to see how they would affect their activity and whether or not it encouraged gamblers to take more risks than usual.
The research found that simplified odds information resulted in a 3% increase in the understanding of the risks involved in the segment. The number of people willing to continue playing the game went down by 7%.
According to researchers, presenting RTP information in the way that it is currently presented by the industry increased misunderstanding of the risks involved by up to 32% of that segment’s participants.
Those who understood the odds and the risk of playing more were encouraged by the free spins. 75% of participants decided to play, up from 70% in the segment with no free spins offer, according to the research.
The study states that the change to simpler odds information did not have a significant impact on those with a history of problem gambling.
According to the findings of the report, The Behavioural Insights Team recommended that the RTP statements should be banned or changed to improve players’ understanding of the risks involved. It has been suggested that the odds should be clearly visible and presented before any other gaming information.