Should Casinos Limit How Long Players Can Stay on Slot Machines?

[maronza1]

I’ve noticed how easy it is to lose track of time when playing slots, especially online, where there are no clocks or closing hours.

Some casinos in other countries have started testing “session-time limits” or automatic breaks after long play periods. Do you think that’s a good idea, or should it always be up to the player to control themselves?

I’d love to hear what you all think, would time limits help reduce losses, or just spoil the fun for responsible players?

 

[G0930]

I think that would be a good idea.
Regarding responsible players: can you call it responsible to play slots for hours? I'd say no

Imo more than one hour sessions shows addictive behaviour

 

[maronza1]

I think that would be a good idea.
Regarding responsible players: can you call it responsible to play slots for hours? I'd say no

Imo more than one hour sessions shows addictive behaviour

Yeah, you’re right, even 30 minutes feels like a fair session.
After that it’s easy to slip into that “I’ll win it back soon” mindset which can turn into a long grind without noticing how much time or money went by.

I think if someone plays for hours straight it’s already showing early signs of addiction even if they don’t admit it.

Curious what others think, would a 30-minute limit be too strict or a good balance between fun and control?

 

[mammadduke]

Is that a 30 minute on one machine? how are they gonna keep track of everybody that plays the slots and how long they could play..they can play 30 minutes on one machine and go play in another part of the casino on another machine.. basically if I’m losing on one machine, I’ll go to another machine and try it but I have enough sense to only lose a certain amount of money. Some people don’t have that sense but they have to learn the hard way.. that’s how casinos make their money. Do you really think they would put restrictions on how long you can play on a slot machine?

 

[TeUnit]

This is kinda like limiting how much soda someone can drink. Pepsi is not going to tell you that soda is bad for you, they are going to tell you how refreshing it is.

Casinos are not there to take care of you, they are there to separate you from your money.

 

[maronza1]

Is that a 30 minute on one machine? how are they gonna keep track of everybody that plays the slots and how long they could play..they can play 30 minutes on one machine and go play in another part of the casino on another machine.. basically if I’m losing on one machine, I’ll go to another machine and try it but I have enough sense to only lose a certain amount of money. Some people don’t have that sense but they have to learn the hard way.. that’s how casinos make their money. Do you really think they would put restrictions on how long you can play on a slot machine?

Yeah, I get what you’re saying. People can easily move between machines, so enforcing a strict 30-minute limit per machine seems tricky.
I guess the idea isn’t to control everyone perfectly but to give a signal to players who might otherwise lose track of time. Even if some can hop machines, having visible reminders or soft limits could help people realize how long they’ve been playing.
Of course, personal responsibility still matters, but not everyone has the sense to set their own limits. I think small measures can prevent serious losses for those who are more vulnerable.

 

[maronza1]

This is kinda like limiting how much soda someone can drink. Pepsi is not going to tell you that soda is bad for you, they are going to tell you how refreshing it is.

Casinos are not there to take care of you, they are there to separate you from your money.

True, Teunit, that’s exactly it. Casinos are businesses first, and their main goal is to make money.
Just like soda companies won’t warn you about overconsumption, casinos aren’t going to set limits for fun or fairness, any time limits would have to come from regulation or responsible gambling initiatives, not the casinos themselves.
That’s why personal awareness and discipline are so important, even if small measures from regulators or operators could help prevent serious losses for some players.

 

[Tero]

As I have explained in other posts, we have slots pretty much everywhere in our country. They have a certain time limit. They are open from 9 AM to 9 PM, even when the location they are in is open for later.

 

[G0930]

As I have explained in other posts, we have slots pretty much everywhere in our country. They have a certain time limit. They are open from 9 AM to 9 PM, even when the location they are in is open for later.

They should consider that in Austria as well.
Although we banned slot machines in pubs bars etc you can still play slots in casinos 24/7

 

[jotis]

I personally am not tempted but I have friends who are, I can't see how this would work, as someone pointed out you could move between machines making it very hard to keep an eye on everyone ... especially in a very busy establishment .... also how would it play out (excuse the pun) would someone tap a person on the shoulder & say make that your last go sir/madam, that would not go down well & imagine if the next person to play won the jackpot in the first few spins, I know this could & I'm sure has happened when someone chooses to call it a day & the person wins big they'd call it sods law ... but if you are made to leave against your wishes & it happened it would a different kettle of fish ... just saying but I think it has to be considered

 

[TeUnit]

Everyone needs to be their own Mr Miyagi. Almost no casino is going stop you from being a problem gambler - unless you turn yourself in.

And if you turn yourself in we will see a forum post like all the people that tell Pokerstars that they want to close their account, and then they are surprised
when they cant play there anymore.

 

[MishkaZL]

I’ve noticed how easy it is to lose track of time when playing slots, especially online, where there are no clocks or closing hours.

Some casinos in other countries have started testing “session-time limits” or automatic breaks after long play periods. Do you think that’s a good idea, or should it always be up to the player to control themselves?

I’d love to hear what you all think, would time limits help reduce losses, or just spoil the fun for responsible players?

A player must, I would even say is obliged to control himself. If self-control is a problem, then no other restrictions will help you. Lack of self-control is the most significant problem for the vast majority of players. Lack of self-control indicates a lack of patience, discipline and long-term goals.

 

[najisami]

would time limits help reduce losses, or just spoil the fun for responsible players?

If it's not applied to players on winning streaks, I would say yes. It can reduce losses if only stopping losing players who keep chasing.

 

[Igor G]

Responsible and disciplined players do not need additional mechanisms for self-restraint. Irresponsible and undisciplined players are better off not gambling at all, as they are more likely than anyone else to become addicted.

 

[MK_]

Everyone needs to be their own Mr Miyagi. Almost no casino is going stop you from being a problem gambler - unless you turn yourself in.

And if you turn yourself in we will see a forum post like all the people that tell Pokerstars that they want to close their account, and then they are surprised
when they cant play there anymore.

Everyone needs to be their own Mr Miyagi. 😎👍

 

[YLAN]

For what reason should casinos limit how long players can stay on slot machines --- is it to reduce player losses? That will not happen because casinos would maximize profits. When somebody goes to gamble, one must be prepared to loose. If playing scared & afraid of losses then it is best not to gamble in the casino.

 

[Kenzie 96]

I’ve noticed how easy it is to lose track of time when playing slots, especially online, where there are no clocks or closing hours.

Some casinos in other countries have started testing “session-time limits” or automatic breaks after long play periods. Do you think that’s a good idea, or should it always be up to the player to control themselves?

I’d love to hear what you all think, would time limits help reduce losses, or just spoil the fun for responsible players?

Seems like it would be simpler to just not build the casino. I mean how many Australian pubs would agree to stocking Fosters if they had to agree beforehand to a No sheep allowed at the bar & Zorba has to be limited to 2 6 packs of tallboys per day?

 

[R.Melnyk77]

I’ve noticed how easy it is to lose track of time when playing slots, especially online, where there are no clocks or closing hours.

Some casinos in other countries have started testing “session-time limits” or automatic breaks after long play periods. Do you think that’s a good idea, or should it always be up to the player to control themselves?

I’d love to hear what you all think, would time limits help reduce losses, or just spoil the fun for responsible players?

I have never used any additional features related to self-restriction. I am honest enough with myself to find the strength to stop if necessary. But I think there are some players for whom such additional responsible gaming features can be very useful, and I even think they can help them become more disciplined.

 

[infonazar]

Responsible players are called responsible because they play responsibly Restrictions for responsible players are unnecessary because responsible players play responsibly
As for others, restrictions will not help them. Those who understand their problem must make a decision and block themselves forever.

 

[Jpatch]

It wouldn’t be a problem if they provided diapers…

Seriously, it’s a disease for some people. Not as bad a disease as the current POTUS though.

 

[belizebum]

Absolutely not. We have enough interference in our lives from government, certainly don't want some company telling me what to do.

 

[Sunz of Beaches]

No I don't think Casinos should limit how much time their customers spend at the slot machines. I'm against more limitations and rules in general.

 

[john_entony]

I think the time limit was intended to help with control, but in practice most players will ignore it. For example, I always keep track of my time and know when it's the best moment to finish playing slots.

 

[Rost]

I’ve noticed how easy it is to lose track of time when playing slots, especially online, where there are no clocks or closing hours.

Some casinos in other countries have started testing “session-time limits” or automatic breaks after long play periods. Do you think that’s a good idea, or should it always be up to the player to control themselves?

I’d love to hear what you all think, would time limits help reduce losses, or just spoil the fun for responsible players?

A player who cannot control himself is no longer a player. He is an unhappy person who needs help. Self-restraint for such unhappy people is a function that can partially help them prevent significant losses. But self-restraint for such “characters” is not a solution to the problem. Such people need the help of a qualified psychologist.