Is There a Right Time to Interact with Players in Long Gambling Machine Sessions? Implications for Risk Identification and Messaging

Session Title

Responsible Gambling: Player Outreach

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation

Start Date

28-5-2026 12:00 AM

Abstract

Delivering the right message to the right person at the right time has been a guiding principle in encouraging operators, policymakers, and regulators to enhance the relevancy and effectiveness of safer gambling initiatives. However, little empirical research has explored when the right time is to interact with players in long, continuous play sessions. To address this gap, Focal Research initiated a collaborative program of self-funded research with UNLV’s International Gaming Institute to establish the evidence around session length and risk. To this end, we linked carded slot machine session data to player responses on the Problem Gambling Severity Index to determine the point in a session at which players were more likely to be experiencing harm, as well as whether break activity differed by risk level. We also examined within-session characteristics that may help to explain why players engaged in longer sessions and more continuous play. Although results of this applied research may challenge current assumptions about session length and risk, they are among the first to use real-world behavioural data to inform safer gambling strategies in venue. Results were also replicated and cross-validated between research organizations, providing more robust evidence for shaping best practices around when and how gambling interactions can be undertaken with players to effectively prevent and minimise gambling-related harm.

Author Bios

Dr. Melissa Salmon is the Applied Research Lead at Focal Research Consultants. Melissa has specialized in gambling studies for over 10 years with a background in psychological research and knowledge mobilization. Her research has focused on preventing and reducing gambling harm, promoting self-directed change, and understanding risky play behaviours. At Focal, Melissa continues to explore meaningful approaches to harm prevention and evaluate safer gambling outcomes using real-world player data.

Share

COinS
 
May 28th, 12:00 AM

Is There a Right Time to Interact with Players in Long Gambling Machine Sessions? Implications for Risk Identification and Messaging

Delivering the right message to the right person at the right time has been a guiding principle in encouraging operators, policymakers, and regulators to enhance the relevancy and effectiveness of safer gambling initiatives. However, little empirical research has explored when the right time is to interact with players in long, continuous play sessions. To address this gap, Focal Research initiated a collaborative program of self-funded research with UNLV’s International Gaming Institute to establish the evidence around session length and risk. To this end, we linked carded slot machine session data to player responses on the Problem Gambling Severity Index to determine the point in a session at which players were more likely to be experiencing harm, as well as whether break activity differed by risk level. We also examined within-session characteristics that may help to explain why players engaged in longer sessions and more continuous play. Although results of this applied research may challenge current assumptions about session length and risk, they are among the first to use real-world behavioural data to inform safer gambling strategies in venue. Results were also replicated and cross-validated between research organizations, providing more robust evidence for shaping best practices around when and how gambling interactions can be undertaken with players to effectively prevent and minimise gambling-related harm.