The impact of electronic gaming machine jackpots on gambling behaviour : commissioned by Gambling Research Australia

This report was commissioned by Gambling Research Australia (GRA) to examine the impact of EGM jackpots on player behaviour. Specifically, the research was devised to answer the question: “Do jackpots and linked jackpots increase the likelihood of risky gambling behaviour and gambling related harm, and to what extent do jackpots enhance the player experience?” A $250,000 project budget funded research activities from November 2011 to December 2013. This report documents those activities, including summaries of: •Past literature related to the behavioural influences of EGM Jackpots •3 experiments examining the motivating influence of common structural features of jackpots, including accumulation methods and payout mechanics •1 experiment examining ‘jackpot expiry’, which is a new proposed player protection feature •An observational study that explores the influence of Jackpots on EGM gambling in real pubs and clubs in both Queensland and New South Wales..