Award Date

August 2023

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

William F. Harrah College of Hospitality

First Committee Member

Ashok Singh

Second Committee Member

Kasra Ghaharian

Third Committee Member

Cass Shum

Fourth Committee Member

Blanca Rincón

Number of Pages

73

Abstract

Past studies have suggested that decision-making strategies are crucial for players in casino gambling, yet few studies have explored players' preferences for slot machines. This study focused on the impact of jackpot payouts, the perceived house edge, and psychological factors on the decision-making of slot machine players. With regard to Prospect theory, Outcome Prominence Effect, and Construal Level Theory, this study utilized convenience sampling and scenario-based surveys to collect data. A total of 416 experienced slot players participated in the survey. The survey results were examined using Chi-square analysis, Bonferroni correction, and the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test. The results showed that both jackpot size and house edge information significantly influenced player preferences for slot machines, with house edge information having a more pronounced impact. Psychological factors, on the other hand, only affected player preferences when all machines offered the same jackpot amount. These results suggest a complex relationship between risk, reward, and psychological factors influencing machine choice.

Keywords

Casino; Desicion making; Gaming; Hospitality; House edge; Jackpot

Disciplines

Behavior and Behavior Mechanisms

File Format

pdf

File Size

820 KB

Degree Grantor

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Language

English

Rights

IN COPYRIGHT. For more information about this rights statement, please visit http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Available for download on Saturday, August 15, 2026


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