Dangerous Crossover - Computer Games Become Slot Machines

As a community educator and gaming specialist, a question I am often asked is whether playing computer and console games such as those found on Playstation 2, X-Box, or designed for PCs can contribute to gambling behaviour later in life. The truth is that I don't know for certain, although logic would suggest that the normalising of playing a game on a with a video screen for hours definitely makes the ability to sit in front of a electronic gaming machine for hours seem more normal and acceptable behaviour.

Games for many years have tried to build in the entertainment aspects of computer and console games into slot/poker machines with a range of success. Some machines like Aristocrat's 'Chicken' were successful for a short time however games with second screen features which appear like computer games with the perception of control have been successful in the past.

However we are beginning to move into unchartered territory with Bally Gaming's announcement that they have signed a deal to create slot machines based directly on popular computer games.

First off the production line will be slots based on legendary original Atari games 'Pong', 'Asteroids', 'Centipede' and 'Breakout' which will probably appeal to people in the 25-35 age group who originally had Atari 2600s in their homes. (I did)

However more of a concern is the decision to make slot machines based on current popular internet games such as those seen at Popcap games and Pogo.com. The first of these is highly popular game 'Bejeweled' but others are guaranteed to follow.

Electronic Arts which produces the games which will become the themes for the slots, produces a range of titles including 'The Sims', 'Ultima Online', 'Battlefield 1942' and the world's most popular sports games including NBA Live, NHL Live, and Madden.

These games are proven performers as computer and console games, obviously Bally believe they will take the audience from the console to the casino and be big money spinners for operators.

Relationships like these could in future be targeted and designed to condition 14-25 year olds, with minimal exposure to slot machine gambling but extensive exposure to video games, for slot machine gambling to be a more normal and acceptable behaviour - to make them think that this is no big issue its just like the games I play at home.

Children are already given the impression, especially in venues where console games are provided to occupy children, that these are the kids games and when I get older I get to play the adult games - the poker machines.

Is this a dangerous development, or just something to make poker machine gambling more fun? Tell me what you think.

GG