Ever wanted to smash a slot machine? Burn down a casino? Well, apparently, doing so in a VR casino environment could help treat compulsive gambling and addiction.
A fascinating yet concerning pilot study at the University of Connecticut is looking at whether virtual destruction of a casino might offer lasting psychological benefits.
A 2009 addiction study from the University of Quebec involving VR users crushing cigarettes provides promising precedent for the UConn research.
Extreme anger during or after gambling can be a sign of a serious problem. But maybe facing those feelings head-on in a VR world could help treat the addiction?
Let’s look at the early research.
VR in Casino Gambling Treatment
According to UConn Today, professor of psychological sciences Robert Astur is leading a project that involves students participating in a two-week program where they are “instructed to seek out and destroy gambling-related triggers in a VR casino.”
Professor Astur and his team built a virtual casino world that allows study participants to smash and burn things like tables, cards, and slot machines. Fortunately, their virtual casino world does not allow participants to engage in violence against people (virtual casino staff or dealers).
“During a recent visit to the lab, senior psychology major, Allison Millspaugh, demonstrated how the intervention works,” the report said. “Wearing a VR headset, Millspaugh ‘entered’ the casino and used the handheld controllers as a hammer to smash slot machines, and set fire to cards on a blackjack table.”
The approach seems radical, but Astur said VR casinos could be a game-changer.
“We’ll track physiological responses and behavioral changes to see if this intervention helps cut down gambling habits,” Astur said. “If successful, this approach could revolutionize addiction treatment, not just for gambling, but for other compulsive behaviors like cannabis use, gaming, and even cell phone addiction. The future of addiction therapy might just be virtual.”
He will release his findings later in 2025.
Thinking Outside the Box
In Gambling Harm’s view, problem gambling has become a crisis in the U.S. The rapid expansion of state-sanctioned online sports betting has fueled the situation.
Addiction researchers have been getting creative.
In addition to the VR casino study for gambling addiction, other research is underway to see how Ozempic and other similar drugs could curb betting cravings.
Artificial intelligence is a double-edged sword. The casino industry can use it to take even more money from people, but it could help people with addiction.
Right now, the best treatment for gambling addiction is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Talk with a healthcare provider today if you are experiencing gambling problems.
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