The Losing Sound

Australians lose $13 billion to poker machines each year. At least $10 billion comes from at-risk gambling. 

The machines are designed to be addictive, using a range of sensory features that leverage psychology to keep people playing. 

They play sounds when you win. But no sounds when you lose. 

So we modified a poker machine and tested losing sounds on real players. It really worked to reduce harm. 

Agency: independent project by Neil Walshe