Gaming Machines Research Articles

Swarms can be rational.

The emergence of collective order in swarms from local, myopic interactions of their individual members is of interest to biology, sociology, psychology, computer science, robotics, physics and economics. Cooperative swarms, whose members unknowingly work towards a common goal, are particularly perplexing: members sometimes take individual actions that maximize collective utility, at the expense of their own. This seems to contradict expectations of individual rationality. Moreover, members choose these actions without knowing their effect on the collective utility. I examine this puzzle through game theory, machine learning and robots. I show that in some settings, the collective utility can be transformed into individual rewards that can be measured locally: when interacting, members individually choose actions that receive a reward based on how quickly the interaction was resolved, how much individual work time is gained and the approximate effect on others. This internally measurable reward is individually and independently maximized by learning. This results in a equilibrium, where the learned response of each individual maximizes both its individual reward and the collective utility, i.e. both the swarm and the individuals are rational.This article is part of the theme issue 'The road forward with swarm systems'.

Enhancing Malicious User Recognition Using Coot Optimization Algorithm with Bayesian Belief Network for Cognitive Radio Networks

As a dynamic paradigm, Cognitive radio networks (CRNs) in wireless transmission enable devices to intelligently adapt their communication parameter based on real-world spectrum availability. Spectrum sensing lies at the core of CRNs, where nodes continue to monitor the spectrum for underutilized or unused band detection. However, the presence of malicious users (MUs) has a significant impact reliability and performance of the network. MUs detection is indispensable to prevent interference or unauthorized access and ensure network integrity. Advanced techniques combining game theory, machine learning, and signal processing are used for effectively identifying and mitigating malicious activities. CRNs can ensure efficient spectrum utilization and enhance security in heterogeneous and dynamic environments by incorporating robust MU detection systems into spectrum sensing protocols. This article presents a Malicious User Recognition using the Coot Optimization Algorithm with Bayesian Belief Network (MUR-COABBN) technique for CRN. The MUR-COABBN technique exploits metaheuristics with a Bayesian machine-learning method for the classification of the MUs in the CRN. In the MUR-COABBN technique, the COA is initially used to choose better feature subsets. Moreover, the detection of MUs can be performed by the use of BBN. Finally, the parameter tuning of the BBN model is carried out using an improved seeker optimization algorithm (ISOA). The experimental evaluation of the MUR-COABBN technique takes place with respect to distinct aspects. The experimentation outcomes implied the improved performance of the MUR-COABBN methodology with other methods under distinct measures. Therefore, the MUR-COABBN model can effectually and accurately improve security in the CRN.

A review of Returned and Services League venues operating electronic gambling machines in Victoria, Australia and the level of funding contributed to veterans.

Globally, funding 'good causes' is a legitimation tactic for gambling operations. This research aimed to determine if an Australian system allowing tax concessions to not-for-profits (NFPs) meets its primary intention of funding community purpose. Not-for-profit (NFP) venues operating electronic gaming machines (EGMs) in the state of Victoria must submit records to the gambling regulator showing contribution to community purposes. The community benefit statements (CBS) of licensed Returned and Services League (RSL) venues were analysed, with an initial survey of the years 2010-19 and a more detailed analysis of the years 2017-19. Veteran support constituted less than 10% of the total community contributions claimed, or 1.5% of electronic gaming machine (EGM) user losses. On average, business expenses exceeded the claims for veteran support by 12:1. Contributions for addressing gambling-related harm represented less than 0.002% of recorded claims. This research demonstrates that the provision of charitable services derived from gambling revenue is very modest amongst Australia's principal veteran's organisation. Deficiencies in harm prevention and minimisation reinforce the need for changes to community benefit schemes. Regulatory reforms emphasising the vulnerability of veterans to gambling harm are required to ensure that this population is better protected.

A game theory-based decision-making framework for sustainable urban planning: optimizing residential density with the aid of machine learning techniques

Residential density planning is crucial for urban growth, impacting resource use, sustainability, and quality of life. The urban fabric is significantly influenced by the decisions made by planners and stakeholders regarding building footprints. Aligned with the conference’s focus on sustainable solutions, this research introduces a Game-Theoretic Interactive Decision-Making (GTIDM) tool that combines game theory (GT) and machine learning (ML). This framework model’s stakeholder behavior in residential density planning enhances decision-making and promotes sustainable urban development. In complex, competitive, and conflicting decision-making contexts, a game-theoretic framework is used to achieve optimal results by considering all possible scenarios. Three diverse density character zones were selected, including two within and one outside the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC), and subjected to the model's application. Expert validation indicated that while both simultaneous and sequential models replicate realistic data, the simultaneous model is more suitable for determining ideal building density. This study demonstrates the integration of GT and ML as a powerful strategy for individual and group decision-making in urban planning. Accurately calculated payoffs using the GTIDM model, which align with the study’s goals and strategies, are crucial. Rationalizing residential density decisions encourages better stakeholder judgments, thereby promoting sustainable solutions and advancing sustainable urban density practices.

Illusions of control: A quasi-experiment comparing skill-based and traditional slotmachines.

Electronic gaming machines (EGMs) are a significant source of gambling spend due to their widespread use. Skill-based gambling machines (SGMs) represent an innovative adaptation, merging EGMs' chance-based rewards with video game-like skills. This study aimed to explore the appeal and behavioural consequences of playing SGMs in comparison to traditional reel-based EGMs, particularly focusing on illusions of control, betting behaviour, and the subjective experience of gamblers. Participants (N = 1,260) were recruited online and engaged in an online task simulating either an SGM or a reel-based EGM, with outcomes represented to influence their survey compensation. The study examined the effect of SGMs relative to EGMs on bet size, persistence, enjoyment, illusionsofcontrol, game immersion, and the influence of demographic and gambling problem severity. SGMs particularly appealed to younger adults, regular EGM players, and people with more gambling problems. Despite identical payout structures, people assigned to play SGM showed greater illusions of control, believing in the influence of skill on game outcomes and that practice could improveresults. However, there was no significant difference in overall betting intensity between SGM and EGM players, although specific demographic groups showed faster betting speeds in SGMs. SGMs, despite not inherently encouraging higher betting intensity, attract vulnerable groups and create illusions of control, posing new regulatory challenges. The visual and interactive features of SGMs, while appealing, might contribute to these perceptions, indicating a need for careful regulation and further research on their long-term impacts on gambling behaviour and harm.

Studying the status of research grants of Smart University of Medical Sciences with an emphasis on achievements, challenges and solutions

Background: The role of interdisciplinary research in medical sciences in expanding the frontiers of knowledge, innovation, and invention of new technologies, solving health system challenges, improving public health, enhancing social welfare, and sustainable development is hidden from no one, especially health policymakers. This study was conducted to review the status of Smart Medical Sciences University’s research grants. Methods: This study was based on an integrated analysis of quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data were collected by reviewing published documents of calls for proposals from 1398 to 1402 and online satisfaction questionnaires, and qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Results: Based on the analysis of the data for the past 5 years related to the call for research grants of Smart University of Medical Sciences, a total of 31 projects have been approved. In this regard, most submitted projects were in the fields of virtual and augmented reality (12%), mobile learning (11.6%), games and game design (9.2%), instructional design (7.2%), artificial intelligence and machine learning (6%), platforms (5.6%), course evaluation (6%), educational resources (4%), assessment (4%) and other fields (34.4%). In addition, based on qualitative data analysis, 27 outcomes emerged for the education and health system in 11 areas. Finally, based on the combination of findings, strategies were categorized to overcome the challenges of research grant calls. Conclusion: Despite identifying challenges in research grant calls, the results show that development grant calls at Smart University of Medical Sciences have had positive achievements for the health education system, which can ultimately be used to improve the medical education system.

An Approach for Modeling and Simulation of Virtual Sensors in Automatic Control Systems Using Game Engines and Machine Learning.

We live in an era characterized by Society 4.0 and Industry 4.0 where successive innovations that are more or less disruptive are occurring. Within this context, the modeling and simulation of dynamic supervisory and control systems require dealing with more sophistication and complexity, with effects in terms of development errors and higher costs. One of the most difficult aspects of simulating these systems is the handling of vision sensors. The current tools provide these sensors but in a specific and limited way. This paper describes a six-step approach to sensor virtualization. For testing the approach, a simulation platform based on game engines was developed. As contributions, the platform can simulate dynamic systems, including industrial processes with vision sensors. Furthermore, the proposed virtualization approach allows for the modeling of sensors in a systematic way, reducing the complexity and effort required to simulate this type of system.

Risk Factors of At-Risk/Problem Gambling Among Young Adult Spanish Students.

The gambling industry in Spain has experienced sustained growth in recent years. This has raised concerns about its potential impact, particularly during emerging adulthood, which is a high-risk period for the development of problematic gambling behaviors. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of problem gambling in young Spanish adults and to examine individual factors associated with at-risk or problem gambling. The participants were 2762 young adults studying at university and vocational schools (64.16% women, Mage = 19.47; SD = 1.64) recruited in three Spanish autonomous communities. Individuals completed an e-assessment including sociodemographic variables, gambling-related characteristics, and the Problematic Gambling Severity Index. A total of 3.51%, 2.14%, and 0.51% were low risk, moderate risk, and problem gamblers, respectively. Predictors of at-risk/problem gambling were early gambling onset (OR 0.790; 95% CI 0.672, .929), mixed versus offline modality gambling access (OR 2.216; 95% CI 1.396, 3.516), and having gambled in the previous year in a casino (OR 1.910; 95% CI 1.194, 3.056), sports betting (OR 1.597; 95% CI 1.003, 2.542), or electronic gaming machines (OR 2.111; 95% CI 1.064, 4.189). Gambling is ubiquitous in the general population and a high proportion of young adults present low and moderate risk of problem gambling. Addressing gambling is a public health challenge and policies to regulate it should be targeted at delaying the age of onset and restricting access to online gambling.

Why You Gamble Matters: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Association Between Gambling Motivation and Problem Gambling.

The propensity for individuals to experience problem gambling (PG) varies depending on their motivation to gamble. The present meta-analysis assessed the effect sizes associated with various gambling motives identified in representative population samples. Studies were sourced through PsycINFO, PudMed, and databases maintained by the Alberta Gambling Research Institute and the Greo Evidence Insights. Quantitative studies and technical studies were included if they reported on gambling motivation as a correlate of PG; were published in English, French, or Spanish; used valid and reliable measures PG as an outcome variable; and targeted the general adult population. A random effects meta-analysis was conducted to estimate pooled odds ratios. A total of 26 studies were included from 17 jurisdictions, with most studies conducted in Canadian provinces (k = 17) or specific states of the United States (k = 7). Number of participants varied, depending on the gambling motivation analyzed, and ranged from 2,835 to 51,685. Fourteen unique motives were identified with odds ratios ranging from 0.53 (95% CI, 0.45, 0.63) for gambling for charity to 6.20 (95% CI, 3.83, 10.05) for the motive "to be alone", with high study heterogeneity being observed for many gambling motives, given variability in important study characteristics. The results generally indicate that coping motives were associated with large effect sizes, enhancement motives with medium effect sizes, and all other motives with small or nil effects. Coping motives are on par with other strong risk factors such as participation in online gambling or electronic gaming machines, and are therefore important elements to consider when screening for PG or designing public health messages.

“It’s [gambling] obviously not regulated that well”: insights into Aboriginal peoples’ views on gambling regulation in the Northern Territory of Australia

Abstract Aim This study is the first in-depth qualitative study that has provided insights into Aboriginal (All participants in this study identified as Aboriginal and thus we have not included any reference to the Torres Strait Islander peoples in this paper.) people’s views on current gambling policy and legislation in the Northern Territory (NT), Australia. Subject and methods In-depth semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with a targeted selection of participants. The sample comprised 29 participants, aged 18+ years, weekly and nonregular gamblers, and those negatively affected by others’ gambling. An open coding technique (a combination of inductive and deductive analyses) was used for data analysis. Appropriate ethics approval was also obtained. Results Participants described gambling as a revenue-generating product for the government and the gambling industry. Hence, their role in influencing the regulation of gambling for public benefit was debated. Participants provided practical suggestions that the government and the gambling industry could adopt to inform gambling regulation to minimise harm from gambling among Aboriginal people and the wider community in the NT. The suggestions included establishing stricter regulations relating to the licensing and opening hours of venues, limiting bet size and restricting the availability of gaming machines at venues. Participants also encouraged the reinstatement of mandatory formal dress codes at venues and the creation of health promotion resources such as advertisements and awareness campaigns tailored to the needs of the local Aboriginal people. Conclusion Both community-wide and targeted approaches are required to regulate and reduce gambling harm among Aboriginal people in the NT. Although both are important, having more explicit preventive approaches in place may eliminate the need for downstream interventions and strategies.

A Survey of Resource Allocation in V2V Communications

In this paper, a comprehensive analysis of resource allocation in vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication systems is presented, which is crucial for enhancing traffic control and improving road safety and driving enjoyment. A variety of resource allocation strategies are classified and examined in this paper, including game theory-based approaches, spectrum allocation, energy allocation, location-based allocation, and machine learning-based procedures. Open research questions and areas that need further study in the field of V2V communication are highlighted for future benefit. This survey helps readers make informed decisions about system design, implementation, and improvement by providing a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in V2V resource allocation. It also indicates areas that need further research and possible directions to enhance the security, flexibility, and scalability of V2V communication networks.

Enhanced Crime Prediction with Computer Vision-Yolov4 Approach

This research paper presents the development of an artificial intelligence safety application on an HP Pavilion gaming machine, utilizing criminal footage from reputable databases like the UCF-Crime open-source dataset. The system underwent meticulous data annotation to identify five distinct classes crucial for anomaly detection: Person, Short Gun, Handgun, Knife, and Rifle. Supervised machine learning techniques were applied, focusing on monitoring human trajectories and employing deep-SORT and Euclidean distance computations to track individuals, simulating real-world crime scenarios. The AI safety model showcased outstanding performance with an average precision rate of approximately 86.43%, exceeding 90% after 2000 iterations, demonstrating versatility across all categories with notable average precision accuracies for rifles (98.90%), handguns (96.93%), and knives (97.66%). Enhancements to the Python script improved the system's ability to detect weapons sub-objects in human subjects and classify potential perpetrators as high risk, a novel aspect of this study.

Does gambling expenditure have any effect on crime?

Australians spend more per capita on gambling than any other country in the world. Electronic gaming machines (EGM) expenditure accounts for almost 90% of this expenditure. No study to date has conducted a rigorous longitudinal analysis of the relationship between gambling expenditure and crime. This study aimed to estimate the short-and long-run relationship between gambling expenditure and crime. Longitudinal analysis using panel autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) modelling. Recorded property and violent crimes committed in New South Wales (NSW), Australia,between 28 December 2015 and 5 January 2020. Monthly gross EGM expenditure profit, broken down by Local Government Area (LGA). Monthly recorded rates of assault, break enter and steal (dwelling), break enter and steal (non-dwelling), break enter and steal (total), motor vehicle theft, stealing from a motor vehicle, stealing from a retail store, stealing from the person, stealing (total) and fraud. Each 10% increase in gambling expenditure in NSW is associated with annual: 7.4% increase in assaults, 10.5% increase in break and enter (dwelling) offences; 10.3% increase in break and enter (non-dwelling) offences; 11% increase in motor vehicle theft offences; 8.2% increase in stealing from motor vehicle offences; and 7.4% increase in fraud offences. Electronic gaming expenditure appears to be positively associated with property and violent crime in New South Wales, Australia.

Awareness and impact of casino responsible gambling/harm minimization measures among Canadian electronic gaming machine players

ABSTRACT Responsible Gambling/Harm Minimization (RG/HM) measures have the potential to reduce population level gambling harms. The present study examines Canadian casino electronic gaming machine (EGM) players’ (n = 2808) awareness of a selection of the available RG/HM measures, and the impact they believed these measures had on their gambling expenditure and enjoyment. The results showed that Canadian casino EGM players were generally aware of most of the measures, with this awareness being significantly higher among at-risk and problem/pathological gamblers. However, these measures had very little perceived impact on their gambling expenditure or enjoyment. Subsequent multivariate analyzes found that a) increased levels of overall awareness of RG/HM measures were related to male gender, younger age, and higher importance of gambling as a leisure activity; b) that decreased perceived expenditure from RG/HM measures were related to younger age, being an at-risk gambler, and the frequency of limit setting in the context of gambling play; and c) increased perceived enjoyment from RG/HM measures were related to lower household incomes. Messages targeted at Canadian casino EGM players who appear sensitive to the potential and actual harms of gambling, and messages relating to limit setting frequency in the context of gambling play, may impact gambling perceptions.

Video slot machine use in adolescence: the role of self-efficacy beliefs, current and expected personal fulfillment at the social and educational level

Video slot machine use in adolescence: the role of self-efficacy beliefs, current and expected personal fulfillment at the social and educational level

“I feel like it’s capitalising on the poor”: electronic gaming machines, neoliberalism and the invisibility of social work

Electronic gaming machines are normalised business within Australia’s hotels and clubs. Concentrated within low socio-economic and disadvantaged communities, this high-intensity form of gambling creates the often-hidden addiction of problem gambling and the associated widespread social harms. This qualitative study uses radical social work thinking to explore gaming venue employees’ perceptions and experiences of implementing ‘responsible gambling measures’, ostensibly aimed at mitigating the social consequences and harms of problematic gambling. Our analysis reveals that neoliberal ideologies mean that gaming venue employees support ‘freedom of choice’ narratives, which ignore the structural influences at play when an individual becomes an ‘irresponsible’ consumer/gambler. Social workers must be cognisant of the ways in which the notion of the ‘(ir)responsible gambler’ skews how problem gambling and problem gamblers are viewed. The social harms from electronic gaming machines are complex and widespread, and deserve more recognition and attention in social work practice, policy and research.

Harm-to-self from gambling: A national study of Australian adults.

Understanding how gambling harm is distributed is essential to inform effective harm reduction measures. This first national Australian study of gambling harm-to-self examined the extent, distribution, risk factors, and health related quality of life (HRQoL) impacts of this harm. ARandom Digit Dialling sample of 15,000 Australian adults was weighted to key population variables. Key measures included the Gambling Harms Scale-10 (GHS-10), PGSI, SF-6D, gambling behaviours, and demographics. Analyses included ordinal logistic regression. Amongst gamblers, 14.7% reported harm on the GHS-10, including 1.9% reporting high-level harm. While high-level harm occurred mainly in the problem gambling group (77.3%), other PGSI groups accounted for most of the more prevalent low (98.5%) and moderate (87.2%) harms reported. Proximal predictors of greater harm were use of online gambling and more frequent gambling on electronic gaming machines (EGMs), race betting sports betting, poker, skin gambling, scratchies, and loot box purchasing. Distal predictors were being younger, male, single, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, and speaking a non-English language at home. At the population level, the greatest aggregate HRQoL impacts were amongst lower-risk gamblers, confirming the results of other studies regarding the 'prevention paradox'. The distribution of harm across gambler risk groups indicates the need for preventive measures, not just interventions for problem gambling. Reducing harm requires modifying product features that amplify their risk, especially for EGMs, race betting and sports betting that are both inherently risky and widely used. Gambling harm exacerbates health disparities for disadvantaged and vulnerable groups, requiring targeted resources and support.

A Systematic Review of Isolated Water and Energy Microgrids: Infrastructure, Optimization of Management Strategies, and Future Trends

Isolated water and energy microgrids (IWEMGs) serve as vital solutions for enhancing the well-being of remote and rural communities, particularly in areas where water and energy resources are scarce. This has spurred research into the interdependence between the water and energy sectors (water–energy nexus), a field that has grown in response to technological advancements. Through a systematic optimization framework, this review critically evaluates the integration of various technologies within IWEMGs, encompassing infrastructure, management, and strategic planning, while considering economic and social impacts. IWEMGs incorporate diverse technologies for the infrastructure, management, and strategic planning of water and energy resources, integrating economic and social considerations to inform decisions that affect both immediate and long-term sustainability and reliability. This article presents an exhaustive review of the literature on IWEMG management, employing an approach that synthesizes existing studies to enhance the understanding of strategic IWEMG management and planning. It introduces a structured taxonomy for organizing research trends and tackling unresolved challenges within the field. Notably, the review identifies critical gaps, such as the lack of comprehensive data on water demand in isolated locations, and underscores the emerging role of game theory and machine learning in enriching IWEMG management frameworks. Ultimately, this review outlines essential indicators for forthcoming research, focusing on the optimization, management, and strategic planning of IWEMG resources and infrastructure, thereby setting a direction for future technological and methodological advancements in the field.

From Adaptive Communication Anti‐Jamming to Intelligent Communication Anti‐Jamming: 50 Years of Evolution

Herein, a comprehensive review of the evolution of intelligent communication anti‐jamming techniques is provided. First, a clear definition of the concept and elaboration on the inherent connotations and capability characteristics of intelligent communication anti‐jamming is provided. Additionally, the initial construction of an intelligent communication anti‐jamming system architecture is outlined. Subsequently, the development of intelligent communication anti‐jamming is delved, tracing its progression from early‐stage adaptive anti‐jamming techniques to the more recent advancements in intelligent anti‐jamming, which are primarily based on game theory and machine learning. Moreover, the latest research findings in this domain are thoroughly examined and the existing challenges and bottlenecks that hinder current research progress are highlighted. Finally, several viable research directions for future studies in the field of intelligent anti‐jamming are proposed. The objective is to facilitate readers in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the concept, characteristics, and system architecture of intelligent communication anti‐jamming. Additionally, it is aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the developmental process and current state of research, thereby furnishing conceptual and theoretical support for the design of more effective and practical intelligent communication anti‐jamming systems.

Cashless gambling: Qualitative analysis of consumer perspectives regarding the harm minimization potential of digital payment systems for electronic gaming machines.

Land-based gambling venues remain predominantly cash-based despite broader consumer trends toward digital payments. Little prior literature directly investigates the role of payment methods in gambling; however, digital payment systems offer a key intervention point for gambling harm minimization. This study explores the perspectives of electronic gaming machine (EGM) gamblers regarding the concept of cashless gambling-the ability to gamble without using physical currency. Twenty-six Australian EGM gamblers (10 females, 16 males; aged 24-76 years) participated in four online focus group discussions. Using content analysis and a pragmatic approach, data were organized thematically in relation to consumer perceptions about the benefits and risks of cashless gambling, factors potentially influencing uptake of cashless gambling, and recommendations about harm reduction features that could be incorporated into the system. Cashless gambling was perceived to present important opportunities for more useful and meaningful harm reduction measures based on the ability to track a user's complete gambling activity. However, participants reported reluctance toward adoption of cashless gambling, tending to perceive such systems as being overly restrictive and invasive, and potentially facilitating (over)spending, depending on design and implementation. Participants commonly perceived systems as offering little value to individuals who gamble without experiencing significant harms. Perceived irrelevance and privacy concerns appear to be major barriers to adoption of a cashless gambling system with strong harm reduction features. Our findings provide insights for policy makers considering the optimal design, implementation, and marketing of cashless gambling from a harm reduction perspective. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).