Control Through Distance

Part of the reason why there is such a drastic array of opinions regarding the possible legalization and regulation of online slots is simply that people recognize that there are certain personalities that have an aptitude for a dependency issue. Just like people notice with playing slot machines in a regular land casino, people notice the same behavioral trends and tendencies when they log online to their favorite internet casino.

Many people do not like the idea of going out of their way to go to a land casino to play slots because it is like admitting that they like it, or that they are publically making a statement in support of gambling, which has had a negative stigma from the beginning. Researchers compare that tendency with occasional smokers who deny that they smoke; as in those who never buy a pack but only smoke when they can bum a cigarette from somebody else. Because there is a lack of active decision and an admission of dependency, people can keep the behavior at a distance and feel better that they have more control over the situation.

Similarly, when people can go home and play online slots occasionally, they are able to control their own self image, as well as how others perceive them. Many people love the idea that it is possible to maintain a level of privacy and anonymity online, and that way feel that they can either be fully themselves, or behave in ways that people who know them would not understand or expect.