Interface predictability changes betting behavior in computerized gambling

• Published in: Computers in human behavior 2020-09, Vol.110, p.106387, Article 106387
• Main Authors: Tanaka, Takumi, Kawabata, Hideaki
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Gambler's fallacy; Gambling; Gaming machines; Human-computer interface; Illusion of control; Interfaces; Risk-taking; Sense of agency
• ISSN: 0747-5632; 1873-7692
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2020.106387

Recent development in human-computer interfaces (HCIs) including electronic gaming machines and online gambling has exposed novices to the risks of gambling-related harm. Interface characteristics not only reflect the structure of the game, they also shape users' sense of agency concerning their gambling. Although studies have indicated the importance of causal attribution in risky gambling, the roles of the sense of agency and its largest factor, predictability, remains unclear. Therefore, we assessed the impact of interface predictability on gambling tendencies. Participants played a computerized card-guessing game on two interfaces with distinct visual feedback predictability related to users' card choice operation (i.e., the consistency between the direction of mouse motion and cards). Between these interfaces, we compared participants’ subjective estimation of win probability and their wager history in each trial. Their subjective win probability did not differ between conditions. Intriguingly, participants only decreased their wagers following a loss when the interface was predictable, but not when it was unpredictable. Moreover, the effects of predictability of a “winning run” depended on individual difference in illusory control. This study provides evidence that feeling of agency mediates the impact of interface features on gambling. This may contribute to interface design for a healthy gambling experience. •The association between sense of agency and HCI-based gambling behavior was unclear.•We examined the impact of interface predictability on users' gambling behavior.•Users' subjective win probability did not differ between predictability conditions.•Users' decreased their wagers following a loss when the interface was predictable.•The feeling of agency might meditate the impacts of interface features on gambling.