Intriguing Research at Concordia University Explores Digital Gambling Environments
Step into the CHANCE Collaboratory at Concordia University, and you might mistake it for a lively night at a casino. Bright lights, interactive gaming terminals, and a vibrant atmosphere create an enticing space where players are invited to try their luck.
However, CHANCE is not about winning money; it’s a cutting-edge research project delving into how digital gambling environments impact behavior. Situated on Concordia’s Sir George Williams Campus in downtown Montreal, this unique lab replicates the essential components of modern gambling venues to investigate the intersection of digital game design, social interactions, and decision-making processes.
Led by Sylvia Kairouz, a professor specializing in sociology and anthropology, and Martin French, an associate professor in the same department, CHANCE takes a public health and harm-prevention approach to studying gambling. The facility features interactive gaming terminals, a large screen, and discreet cameras that capture both gameplay and social interactions for real-time analysis.
The collaboration space allows researchers and guests to explore how gambling settings influence behavior and decision-making. By examining digital gambling within a broader context of digital experiences, the team aims to uncover how design elements may lead to prolonged play, increased risk-taking, or harmful behaviors.
Funded by independent research grants with support from various organizations, including the Canada Foundation for Innovation and the Government of Quebec, CHANCE is open not only to researchers but also policymakers and stakeholders. Visitors can witness firsthand how digital gambling environments subtly shape behavior, offering valuable insights for public policy, harm reduction strategies, and safer game design.
The groundbreaking work at CHANCE extends beyond the realm of gambling, contributing to broader discussions on digital consumption and addiction. A symposium during the ACFAS Congress will further explore the impact of digital tools on consumption habits and the blurred line between controlled use and addictive behavior.
Keyphrase: Digital Gambling Environments
