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Slots in Times of Crisis

New research is showing that tough economic times might actually lead to a boost in online slot playership, despite what might seem like the intuitive consequence. While major American gambling destinations like Las Vegas and Atlantic City are seeing their numbers tumble to all-time lows as a result of the widespread crisis that everyone except the Fed seems to realize is a recession, online casinos are actually seeing an increase. No types of gaming are doing as well as the online slots these days – a fact that could be either a good or bad thing.

On one hand, all types of gambling provide a real form of escape for folks besieged by a reality that is increasingly grim. People are losing their homes, filing bankruptcy in record numbers, and being slammed by skyrocketing fuel costs. Gambling can be fun and distracting. If a few hours’ play at an internet casino makes them forget their troubles for a little while, who could begrudge them?

The counterpoint to this argument is this: if people are facing true economic trouble, then wasting any mount of money on gambling is frivolous and inappropriate. There is also some evidence that people in a bad state of mind may be more likely to play irresponsibly. Then, there are those who turn to such diversions as online slot machines as a potential way to try and earn some money to help themselves out… which is just not a sound proposition.

The verdict? If slipping a few pennies into your favorite online game makes you feel good, go ahead. Just make sure you aren’t blowing the budget, or harboring unrealistic expectations!

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