All bets are off

By Nicole Findlay

According to Michael Wohl’s research, symptoms of pathological gambling appear in approximately one quarter of the first year student population.

A professor of psychology, Wohl’s research on gambling, risk-taking and our beliefs about personal luck was recently featured in the Discovery Channel’s Daily Planet.

Wohl’s addictions lab recreates the virtual slot machines many people play from the comfort of their homes or offices every day – wiling away their time and money.  The gaming industry makes use of psychological tricks to keep players hooked on the idea that the next hand will be a winning one.

“Slot machines are considered the crack cocaine of gambling,” said Wohl.

Watch the full segment here