Pilot Gamalyze
During the pilot, 1576 users have taken the self-test and viewed their results, which includes a detailed description of relevant decision-making characteristics, such as sensitivity to losses, and an overall risk level of the user’s decision making in relation to gambling. Moreover, players receive advice on how to limit the risks specific to their gambling behaviour characteristics. A player with low sensitivity to losses will be prompted to actively monitoring their spendings and to decide in advance how much they are willing to lose. This empowers players to take actions to mitigate the risks associated with their decision-making style and thereby reduce their risk of suffering harmful gambling behaviour now and in the future.
The pilot also revealed some key insights into the risk characteristics of the users engaging with the test. While the majority of people taking the test appeared to have a fairly good representation of their risk level, it was also found that 22 % of users underestimated their risk level. These players have received feedback on this observation as well as concrete advice which can further help them reflect on their own risk level. This knowledge is important for players, as knowing your own risk level can help you make more informed choices about how you want to gamble, and which responsible gambling tools might be beneficial for you to use.
Another insight from the pilot related to the overall risk tolerance of the users. It was found that 24 % of users completing the test exhibited risky decision making on the test, meaning that they showed less sensitivity to long-term outcomes and where willing to take larger risks to maximize their winnings. They have been given advice on strategies they can use to reduce their risk of experiencing gambling related harms. This includes advice on planning their gambling consumption, so that they avoid overconsumption of gambling, which can lead to gambling related harms such as spending money on gambling that should have been used for something else.
Explanation Gamalyze test
The Gamalyze self test gives players four stacks of cards. A total of 80 cards need to be turned over. Players start with a budget of €2000 and have the goal to maximize their winnings. By turning cards, players earn or lose money. Validated neuro-scientific principles analyse the gambling behaviour by looking at the decisions players make. How often does a player switch stacks? How long do they stick with a stack? When do they recognize a pattern? To find out more, watch the video or do the self test yourself.
